Saturday 30th March
Read Matthew 5:38-42
“‘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.” (NIVUK)
We are always quick to stand upon our rights, it is a natural tendency. In ancient Jewish law it was possible to sue someone for their inner garment (linen being valuable in that time – consider the dice thrown for Jesus’ clothes). However it was not lawful to sue for the outer garment as well, otherwise the person would freeze to death. There are rights and principles that regulate the relationships between people.
Jesus suggests here that our instinct when sued or challenged in any way is to not insist upon our rights. He asks us to forego them, even if they are entirely sensible and even expected by the community. There are situations in which it is unwise to do so, and Jesus Himself challenged those who struck Him at His own trial, but the underlying principle of love and generous grace that He argues for should be our default position.
How quick are you to insist upon your rights?
