For the week of February 13 2022

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All Nations Church

Life Group Study

Jesus Said – Matthew 5:38 – 48

Revenge Or Forgiveness

Week of February 13^th,  2022

Study by Wayne Arcand

 

The typical reaction of the world is to retaliate when hurt or offended. Law suits are often the first recourse when someone feels wronged. Honesty and integrity give way to what is expedient to achieve a desired outcome. But, Jesus teaches a very different approach in Matthew 5. There are truths taught in the passage today that we may find challenging. A truth the child of God can cling to in all situations is, “greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The words of an old chorus come to mind, “trust and obey, for there is no other way to happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” May the Lord pour a blessing into your life as your trust and obey.

 

Matthew 5:38-48 (NIV)

Eye for Eye

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ³⁹ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

Matthew 5:38-42

1. What does the saying, “an eye for an eye” mean?
   1. As you read these verses, what is your initial reaction to them?
   2. Is this retaliation, revenge, punishment? What is the basis for your answer?
   3. What concept of justice do you think “an eye for an eye” conveys?

 

2. The word ‘resist’ is translated from the word anthistemi, and it can also mean ‘take no legal action against’. Most of us may have never been in a position where we have felt wronged to the point of taking legal action.
   1. What justification do we use for legal action?
   2. Does that justification fit within the teaching from Matthew 5?
   3. Do you think there is a time when taking legal action is appropriate? Why or why not?

 

3. What does it practically mean to “turn the other cheek”, “go with them two miles”, “hand over your coat as well” and “give to the one who asks”? What character trait would you be demonstrating in following these verses?

 

4. There is no Old Testament teaching to hate your enemy. Leviticus 19:18 taught we are to love our neighbour as ourself.
   1. What attitude of heart do we display when we put verse 44 into practice?
   2. The clause, “that you might be called children of God” in verse 45 might be called a provisional result.
      1. In this passage, what is being called “children of God” dependent upon?
      2. How important than is having the attitude of heart from verse 44?

 

5. How does “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”, reflect the teaching of verse 44? Who is setting the example?

 

6. We naturally gravitate toward people who we enjoy being with and avoid those who make us feel uncomfortable. Do verses 46 and 47 change your attitude about showing love toward those whom you are uncomfortable with? Why?

 

7. Verse 48 tells us to “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
   1. What attitude/actions are required on our part to fulfill this command?
   2. What did the heavenly Father do for us that set the example?
   3. In comparison to the sacrifice the Father made on our behalf, is he asking too much of us?

 

For Reflection:

When I started thinking about this study, I planned on including Romans 12:17-21 in the study. But as I was praying and seeking the Lord in unpacking the verses from Matthew 5, I found there is just so much in these verses that are important for us to understand and apply to our lives. I do encourage you to read the passage from Romans and consider how this teaching complements the teaching in Matthew 5.

Romans 12:¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

Who do I need to forgive? Who have I been avoiding? Who do I need to show love to? Pray that the Lord would give you the grace to be the reflection of Jesus in every relationship.