Yesterday I spend time considering the implication of what going the extra mile meant when Jesus said in Matthew 5:38-41, "You have heard that it was said, 'An
eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I tell you not to
resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other
to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him
have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go
with him two."
Jesus began with a quote from the Law of Moses, but Jesus told his followers not to make demands concerning their rights. If their eye was gouged out, they had the right under Law to demand the person guilty was made to lose their eye in the same fashion. This was intended to limit punishment inflicted by the court for crimes. At the same time would this push for retribution cause the blinded person to regain their lost eyesight? No: it blinded another person as well. The tendency to make others pay is naturally in us all, but Jesus commanded His followers to commit ultimate justice into His hands even when it came at a personal cost.
A slap to the face in Jesus' culture was a personal insult, and Christ's followers were not to respond in kind. It is the role of government, courts, and judges to uphold God's righteous standards and bring about justice, but we are not called to lash out to even the score. Since we are to trust God to provide for all our needs, even when sued for the clothes we are wearing. Verse 41 mentions being compelled to go one mile, and Romans were permitted to force a Jew to carry a load for a mile. France is quoted by David Guzik in the Enduring Word Commentary on this point: "The Jews fiercely resented such impositions, and Jesus’ choice of this example deliberately dissociates him from militant nationalists. Rather than resisting, or even resenting, the disciple should volunteer for a further mile.” I like how this is put because it hones in on the point Jesus made over and over: following Him requires a change of heart. The bar is set far higher than compliance with commands, but faith in God and love towards God and others.
Verse 41 had me thinking. Being "compelled" (pressed into service) to go one mile suggested it was not a personal preference. How challenging that in faith in God and love of others moves us to gladly volunteer for more of the same. It is one thing when a man compels us, but I am convinced sometimes God compels us too. He leads us to do things which naturally we recoil from doing, and when we have done our duty we are seemingly just as far from the finish as ever. I have realised I am more likely to put a good face to it when I believe God is the one compelling me to go the first mile than when it is another person, and He wants to see this change in me. If God's love is truly in me, then my love for others ought to rival my love for God--not as an opponent but a compliment--love that is patient, kind, without envy, boasting, pride, rudeness, self-seeking, and keeps no record of wrongs.
God's love for us is enduring, active, and stretches on for eternity. As we abide in Jesus and His love we are greatly helped to go mile after mile by the power of the Holy Spirit. God's Word is a light to our feet and a light unto our path so we can remain upright and balanced during our earthly pilgrimage. God sustained the Hebrews for 40 years in the wilderness with His presence, and their shoes did not wear out. Having our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace we are enabled to joyfully walk in love as our lives testify of His grace, mercy, and power.
Jesus began with a quote from the Law of Moses, but Jesus told his followers not to make demands concerning their rights. If their eye was gouged out, they had the right under Law to demand the person guilty was made to lose their eye in the same fashion. This was intended to limit punishment inflicted by the court for crimes. At the same time would this push for retribution cause the blinded person to regain their lost eyesight? No: it blinded another person as well. The tendency to make others pay is naturally in us all, but Jesus commanded His followers to commit ultimate justice into His hands even when it came at a personal cost.
A slap to the face in Jesus' culture was a personal insult, and Christ's followers were not to respond in kind. It is the role of government, courts, and judges to uphold God's righteous standards and bring about justice, but we are not called to lash out to even the score. Since we are to trust God to provide for all our needs, even when sued for the clothes we are wearing. Verse 41 mentions being compelled to go one mile, and Romans were permitted to force a Jew to carry a load for a mile. France is quoted by David Guzik in the Enduring Word Commentary on this point: "The Jews fiercely resented such impositions, and Jesus’ choice of this example deliberately dissociates him from militant nationalists. Rather than resisting, or even resenting, the disciple should volunteer for a further mile.” I like how this is put because it hones in on the point Jesus made over and over: following Him requires a change of heart. The bar is set far higher than compliance with commands, but faith in God and love towards God and others.
Verse 41 had me thinking. Being "compelled" (pressed into service) to go one mile suggested it was not a personal preference. How challenging that in faith in God and love of others moves us to gladly volunteer for more of the same. It is one thing when a man compels us, but I am convinced sometimes God compels us too. He leads us to do things which naturally we recoil from doing, and when we have done our duty we are seemingly just as far from the finish as ever. I have realised I am more likely to put a good face to it when I believe God is the one compelling me to go the first mile than when it is another person, and He wants to see this change in me. If God's love is truly in me, then my love for others ought to rival my love for God--not as an opponent but a compliment--love that is patient, kind, without envy, boasting, pride, rudeness, self-seeking, and keeps no record of wrongs.
God's love for us is enduring, active, and stretches on for eternity. As we abide in Jesus and His love we are greatly helped to go mile after mile by the power of the Holy Spirit. God's Word is a light to our feet and a light unto our path so we can remain upright and balanced during our earthly pilgrimage. God sustained the Hebrews for 40 years in the wilderness with His presence, and their shoes did not wear out. Having our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace we are enabled to joyfully walk in love as our lives testify of His grace, mercy, and power.
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