March 1, 2023

“But they did it first!”  - a phrase familiar to all of us, child and parent alike. Whether “it” refers to pushing, taunting or worse, one good (or bad) turn always deserves another. We adults might not use the same exact words in defending our responses - but our actions often reveal the state of our hearts. In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus addresses what is commonly known as the Lex Talionis, the Law of the Talon. Believe it or not, the law of the talon was a civic innovation of sorts because it demanded that punishment fit the crime. But here, Jesus is promoting active forgiveness as the faithful alternative for retaliation. I say active forgiveness, because what is shown here directly and positively impacts the sinner in these scenarios. In turning the cheek, extending the cloak, and walking for the additional mile,  the put-upon serve the interests of those who would seek to insult, deprive and oppress them. 

  But how can this be possible? Outside of Christ? It’s impossible. For the Christian? It is profoundly difficult. It demands that we embrace the full weight of the gospel; that we are profoundly guilty of, and yet heroically acquitted by Christ’s death on the cross: we, who were truly guilty, are deeply forgiven! “Before we can see the cross as something done for us, we must see it as something done by us.” It also requires us to rest in the reality that God is just - and his justice cannot be perfectly ministered by anybody other than Him. Have you been insulted, put-upon, or oppressed? Take heart - so has Jesus, by you as a matter of fact, but if he can bring you into his kingdom through his unjust execution - just think of what he can do for those who plague and pester you!