In three different texts through the words "an eye for an eye" the Mosaic Law outlined the principle of just retribution. Exodus 21:22-25; Leviticus 24:17-21; Deuteronomy 19:16-21 In so doing, God limited exacting justice to the degree of the wrong committed, thus eliminating the injustice of taking a life for a lost tooth. Consequentially, under the Law an Israelite had legal recourse for seeking justice in personal injury and loss of property.
While the nature of law is perfectly suited for legislating behavior, it tends to lack force in shaping the values and attitudes of the heart. God desired more than a nation who might outwardly obey legal parameters, He sought a people whose hearts would truly be given to Him. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 Just as God had shown love to Israel and to the alien, He wanted their hearts to be shaped after His own in compassion, graciousness, mercy and loving kindness. Deuteronomy 10:14-19; Micah 6:8 But since such inward motivations are beyond the reach of legislative force, God looked forward to the day when all of His will would be written on the hearts of His people. Jeremiah 31:33-34
Unlike physical Israel where the next generation became members of God's community as infants, being a member of spiritual Israel is a matter of someone's heart voluntarily choosing to respond to Christ in faith. Galatians 3:26; Romans 2:29-30; Hebrews 8:10-11 When Jesus described the contours of a disciple's life, he painted the picture of an ethic much grander than merely safeguarding personal property and legal rights.
To those who would voluntarily choose to walk in his shadow, Jesus revealed what the Father desires. Instead of seeking even his own righteous personal vindication, a disciple is not to retaliate against an evil person. Matthew 5:38-39 Accordingly, in the place of seeking "an eye for an eye" when his personal honor has been insulted, a disciple is to turn his other cheek. Instead of retaliating against a greedy person who would cunningly use legal force to take his possessions, Jesus instructed to give that adversary even more than he sought. Instead of harboring bitterness against those who could and would demand your service, do more than they ask. Those whom the world might consider to be adversaries because of their requests, they were not to be denied. Was Jesus advocating passivity toward evil? Definitely not! These teachings provide specific examples of how love manifests itself in a hostile environment.
The path of the disciple will not be trodden by those whose hearts are enamored with the created order. Why? Because those whose foundation is anchored upon loving this world and whose power rests upon legal rights will not sacrifice their treasure. From their perspective ... to gain what? Rather, these are the actions of a heart which has been shaped by God to seek the well-being of even one's enemy. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2001
Other articles which may be of interest:
Abusive Relationships & Living for God
Be Perfect ... That's An Order! (God's perfect love is the model for the disciple's life)