Saturday, February 3, 2018

An Eye for an Eye?

Jesus' words from The Sermon on the Mount...
You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow. Matthew 5:38-42

Punishment must match the injury.
    - But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise. Exodus 21:23-25
     - Anyone who takes another person's life must be put to death. Anyone who kills another person's animal must pay for it in full--a live animal for the animal that was killed. Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted-- a fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whatever anyone does to injure another person must be paid back in kind. Leviticus 24:17-20

When I was in the third grade I accidentally hit a girl in the face with a tetherball. She turned her face and demanded that I hit her on the other cheek. She had just learned this principle at her church and was so eager to try it out. I just didn't want to do it, but she kept asking me...so I reluctantly slapped that ball towards her. Whack! She was OK with it--but I sure felt guilty. A slap on the face is humiliating--but Jesus says to turn the other cheek. That may humiliate the one who slapped...if they have any compassion at all. If they are truly evil...watch out for a beating. Give...show love, forgiveness, compassion, generosity towards others. That is what Jesus was teaching His followers--just as was taught in the Old Testament.
     - But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. Deuteronomy 15:7-8
   - Remember, do not charge interest on money you lend him (another Israelite) or make a profit on food you sell him. Leviticus 25:37

The Jews have typically been money lenders throughout history--for profit. They have a reputation for being shrewd, knowledgeable and good businessmen. That maybe another reason they are envied and have been the target of extermination. Pray for the Jews. God promised Abraham...
    - And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 12:3 (NASB)
It all points back to God's instructions through Moses...
   - You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (NASB)
Love your neighbor as yourself. Love. That's what Jesus was teaching and reminding His followers that they needed to do. An eye for an eye...turn the other cheek...give to the poor...carry someone's pack. Love others as Jesus Himself would. Can you do that?



Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Thank You for this lesson and reminder that all our actions should be loving--showing Your love. I praise You.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 13-15

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© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 
GqqqAll scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted
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