Matthew 5:38-48
We are walking through a series on Biblical misunderstandings – things that Jesus said that bucked the cultural trend. Perhaps one of the most revolting to the Jews of the time was Jesus’ comments about their enemies. I bet they dreamed of throwing hot coals as personal revenge, but based on cultural history, that was actually a kindness! Way back when, a person could freeze overnight if their fire went out. Please would carry a bucket (on their head?) and others in the community would throw hot coals in there for the person to keep warm. The Jews most likely saw that a bit differently, after being oppressed for so many years and at so many different times – I would bet the idea of personal revenge was more welcome. After everything the Jews had gone through, there was no love for those who wronged them – which was why Jesus’ remarks in Matt 5 were so offensive.
Most Jews understood Jesus’ teachings to be in direct conflict with the Old Testament writings – after all, it does say “eye for an eye”. But, if we look closely, we will see that Jesus is contrasting their understanding of the Old Testament – incorrect assumptions. He confronts faulty interpretation by showing the original intention of the original law. So what did the Jesus (and the original law) actually mean?
Can’t I Throw Hot Coals?
A Jew at that time was at the mercy of the Romans everywhere. Those who were hurt wanted to strike back; and with no ability for the Jewish leaders to provide actual justice under Roman occupation, retaliation through violent resistance was a popular idea. It’s no surprise why they so badly wanted a warrior king to take out the Roman occupation. Eye for an eye was popular, but it wasn’t God’s intent for personal justice.
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
Leviticus 19:18
The Torah shows God’s original intent here which matches with Jesus in ch 5 of Matthew. He even lived out this radical principle and became our justice through the cross – while we hated Him, He gave everything (Rom. 5:8). The command is not to promote personal justice, but to trust in Christ’s justice, which allows us to give beyond reason. Can we rest secure in Christ and give with abandon? Yet it’s not just about action, but the heart.
What if They Deserve Hate?
Jesus next strikes at the attitude the Jews held for their oppressors. So strong was the hatred the Jews openly and happily held for their enemies; (the Romans, the Samaritans, etc.) there was no shame about it. One could consider them proud of their hate. History shows Christians proud of slavery and racism – even Westboro today.
But all of God’s creatures are His own; He loves them and desires that all will come to repentance. Jesus died for that! Jesus’ disciples are to look at people in this world as God does and to love them enough to reach out to them with the message of reconciliation, agreeing with God’s original command.
“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him.
Exodus 23:4-5
Can we love out of God’s love for us and offer kindness towards an antagonist? These are impossible requests, yet God still requires perfection.
God is the Divine Enabler
The challenge from Christ is about our heart towards outsiders (enemies). Jesus was fully aware of this, and finished this section by calling the disciples to be perfect as God is perfect. That’s a tall order! What Jesus means is two-fold: 1) aim at God’s perfection as the bulls-eye for behavior, thoughts, and will, and 2) draw from God as their divine enabler. His strength is ours; Jesus promises us this strength by showing God as the source of all we need; the God who makes things possible. Jesus teaches His disciples to pour out what God gives; He will fill that bucket.
SO WHAT?
This is an impossible task without God, but then again, without God nothing is possible. This week, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and then provide an opportunity to pour that out on an enemy (outsider).
- GIVE to an outsider regardless of what they might do with it
- SEEK to find common ground with someone not like you (truly listen)
- DRAW strength from the HS as you step towards obedience in faith
Whether someone wronged you or is just a part of something you disagree with (fill in the blank), Jesus speaks to that with grace and truth, despite how uncomfortable that might make you feel. Jesus’ teaching back then was incredibly polarizing and confrontational. It’s no different today. The thought of giving away money to be wasted or of accepting a person with love that is antagonistic towards you – neither of those feel easy. But this is always the way God wanted it. Love means spilling out God’s love on outsiders (enemies). I encourage you to do that this week.
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