Matthew 5:38-48
From Aramaic translation, “Never rise against a rotten-one, but that one who smites over your right cheek? Also, be turning the other to him. That one who would desire judgment with you by picking up your wool-mantle? Also, leave your outer-coat for him. . . . I say to you: Love your whispering enemies; bless that one who condemns you and do wonders for that one who hates you; pray about those that guided you in bondage and persecuted you . . .’ (Matthew: Based upon Aramaic (Ancient Roots Translinear Bible Book 5 by A. Frances Werner paid link)
11) The law of retribution
“An eye for and eye. . .” Jesus quotes from Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21.
These verses were meant to limit retaliation, not encourage revenge. Punishment should not be overly harsh.
Go the second mile.
In personal relationships, Jesus requires a positive response when faced with evil.
- Don’t let an insult escalate (v. 39)
“France points out that ancient Jewish writings say that striking someone with the back of the hand – a severe insult – was punishable by a very heavy fine, according to Mishnah BK 8:6.”1
“When we think how Jesus Himself was insulted and spoken against (as a glutton, a drunk, an illegitimate child, a blasphemer, a madman, and so forth) we see how He lived this principle Himself.”1
- Avoid lawsuits (v. 40)
- Proverbs 25:8-10
- 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
- Matthew 5:25-26
- Go the extra mile when the request seems unreasonable (v. 41)
“At that time, Judea was under Roman military occupation. Under military law, any Roman soldier might command a Jew to carry his soldier’s pack for one mile – but only one mile. Jesus here says, “Go beyond the one mile required by law and give another mile out of a free choice of love.”1
Jews resented Rome’s occupation. Jesus didn’t join in with the “militant nationalists.”1
- Requests for gifts or loans (v. 42)
“The only limit to this kind of sacrifice is the limit that love itself will impose. It isn’t loving to give in to someone’s manipulation without our transforming it into a free act of love. It isn’t always loving to give or to not resist.”1
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
12a) The law of love toward our neighbors.
Jesus refers to Leviticus 19:18.
“You shall not take revenge or bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
The Pharisees added, “hate your enemies.”
“They generally looked upon all the uncircumcised as not their neighbors, but their enemies, whom the precept did not oblige them to love.” (Poole)1
- Love my enemies
- Bless those who curse me
- Do good to those who hate me.
- Pray for those who persecute me.
To fulfill this law, we must love, bless, do good and pray for our enemies, not only our friends.
13a) I want to look just like my Abba Father.
The Law points in this direction: “If you want to be righteous by the law, you must keep the whole law, internal and external—that is, you must be perfect.”1
Only Jesus, Yeshua Hameshiach, was found worthy. (Revelation 5:3-5)
Walking it out on a practical but still challenging level . . .
“As much as it depends on me, my relationships will prosper if I do not repay evil with evil.” (Romans 12:18)
Never hate or speak evil about others.
Don’t lust in my heart and mind and don’t covet anything.
Always be truthful.
Let God be my defender.
Love my neighbors and my enemies.
b) This couple we know.
I feel like they are cold toward me, and I want to know why. Instead of wondering, I should pray for them and get over my need to be pleasing in their sight.
c) Cause my enemies to be at peace with me.
I find Matthew 5:48 in the Amplified version helpful: “You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (emphasis added)
- Galatians 5:16—Spirit-led
- Ephesians 4:22-24—renewed thinking and acting
- Philippians 2:12-13—pleasing to God
- Philippians 4:8—mind fixed on virtuous and praise-worthy things
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RESOURCES
1 EnduringWord.com used by written permission.
2 AWM Living Commentary used by written permission.
3 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations from *The ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
4 Strong’s Concordance, public domain.
5 *Spirit Filled Life Bible®copyright © 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. (The Holy Bible, New King James Bible) copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. (Paid link)
6 Ellicott’s Commentary, public domain.
7 Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, public domain.
8 The Names of God Bible (without notes) © 2011 by Baker Publishing Group.
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My answers, research, and notes for BSF Bible Study Fellowship questions Matthew Lesson 6 Day 5
