Retribution or Christ

Retribution, retaliation, punishment...... It's sought after, coveted, people thirst for it. We see it played out on social media, the TV screen, and in our own lives. The world expects it but what about us as Christians? Should we feel justified in seeking retribution? What does the Bible prescribe us to do in such situations? And finally, what would Jesus have us to do?

In the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament, Moses exemplifies on the Holiness of God. God is 'set apart' in His character attributes and He desired to see his people set apart as well ( Lev 20:26). The book goes on to lay out the foundation and infrastructure of God's people, including a set of judicial laws. We've all heard 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' (Lev 24:17-21). But is it really implying what its saying? Surprisingly enough this law wasn't established to ensure punishment but rather to keep vengeance in check and facilitate self-control regarding retaliation. 

But in light of the birth, life, and affirmation of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be 'set apart' took on new meaning.....

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the evil one. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."

                                                                                                                         Matthew 5:38-42 

Imagine the surprise at Christ's words! This was life- altering! But notice Jesus' audience... He isn't addressing the judicial system of the time but His followers (God's people) directly. He was calling his people to address the problem before it could get out of hand. God initially set His people apart by the law. Christ continued this by taking a step farther. He asked His people not only to be set apart by the  law but through sacrifice and principals! The sacrifice of dignity, pride, finances, material, and self-interest. His own sacrifice would soon set the example and His people apart for all times!

Let's walk through the text to see specifically what Christ calls Christians to do in times of retribution and retaliation.

1.As disciples of Christ we should SEEK peace

"Do not resist the evil one."

The worldly response to conflict is plastered all over. We hear hateful words on the radio, read ugly arguments on social media, and view negative confrontation on our television.  The world lusts after revenge! But Christ begins His teaching on retaliation by stating "Do not resist the evil one." In Hebrew it is usually translated "Do not be vexed by evildoers," or "Do not fret because of evildoers." In other areas of the Bible, the verbs "vexed" and "fret" seemed to be associated with "anger" (cf. Psa. 37:1,8).¹ More specifically the type of anger that initiates rivalry. In essence Jesus was saying do not take revenge (cf. 1 Pet. 2:23), out-do, or get even with an evil doer. As Christians we should be self-controlled and sober-minded (1 Peter 4:7) not intoxicated by angry worldly revenge but let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts ( Colossians 3:15)

2. As disciples of Christ we should RESPOND in peace in times of confrontation

"But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

When responding to conflict, as Christians, we must always strive for peace first and for most! Even at the expense of physical comfort!  At that time the common practice would be to strike the right cheek with the back of the hand and the left with the palm, often times harder to add insult to injury³. Even Christ Himself was slapped by one of the officers of the high priest (John 18:22-23). His meekly response gives us insight to the peace we're supposed to exhibit in times of confrontation.

3.As disciples of Christ we should be READY to sacrificially diffuse a confrontation even if that means suffering

"And if anyone would sue you and takes your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."

Christ than again expounds the importance of maintaining peace not only physically but financially as well. In old testament times clothing was essential for survival. Commonly there were two garments worn. An interior tunic and an outer cloak.  In Matthew 5 Christ expresses the idea to willingly give up our material rights even to the point of nakedness. But is that all He alludes to? To give up one's tunic AND cloak would be offering up all you had the rights to. In fact, Christ is calling His followers to willingly give up any rights they feel they have.² What a radical idea even in today's world! In time when even Christians clutch so tightly to their legal rights we are expected to relinquish any privilege we feel we have!   Likewise, be ready to submit to others and go beyond obligation. Do the unexpected and 'go the second mile.'

4. As disciples of Christ we should GIVE generously, even to those who least deserve it.

"Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."

As Christians, giving should never be refused. Our blessings, our good things, even our ability of generous giving comes from God (James 1:17). Therefore if we refuse we would be refusing God. We must also keep in mind at some point we may also need the generosity of others to get by. We must treat others as we would like to be treated (Luke 6:31) and in doing that we show the love of God. 

Christian, I'm calling you to be vigilant. Don't seek after worldly retribution but be salt and light (Matt 5:13). Watch that you don't lose your saltiness and become like the world. Remember Christ who chose you, by lovingly sacrificing Himself to restore you! Be READY to SEEK, RESPOND, and GIVE!  

 "He must increase, but I must decrease." 

                         John 3:30

¹David N. Bivin. "'Do Not Resist Evil': Jesus's View of Pacifism". https://www.jerusalemperspective.com/2699/ 

² William Barclay. The New Daily Study Bible.vol. 1. "The Gospel of Matthew". (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001). P. 187-198.

³Matthew 5 Expositor's Greek Testament. Accessed at https://biblehub.com/commentaries/egt/matthew/5.htm