Rev. Doug Minton, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 5:38-48.
Jesus never allows us to assume that the Christian life will be easy. He quells any extremist thoughts concerning our enemies that we are not only to turn our cheeks but to love them. We are called to follow the example of Christ, not to fear evil since He has had the victory. Jesus is Love and therefore we love as He first loved us. This calling is not easy or the cause of despair, but shows us Christ’s perfect life and love which reminds us that He will provide for all of our needs. “O Holy Spirit, help us to live a holy life of generosity, love toward our neighbor, and love toward You. Help us to turn the other cheek, to pray for our enemies, and to be perfect by the blood of Christ. In His name, Amen”
Thy Strong Word reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.
Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.
Matthew 5:38-48
Retaliation
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic,[a] let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Love Your Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers,[b] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Footnotes
- Matthew 5:40 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin
- Matthew 5:47 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
