An eye for an eye
Passage: Matthew 5:38-42
QUICK RECAP
When someone hurts us, we want to hurt them back, right? But revenge is like picking at a scab. It feels good for a moment, but it doesn't help the wound heal. A angry response (no matter how justified it may be) just perpetuates cycles of violence and hurt.
So what does Jesus propose? Not passive acceptance, not violent retaliation but a third way that's so subversive, so creative, it'll make your jaw drop
Turn the other cheek. Do this and you’ll force them to treat you as an equal . It's not about being a punching bag. It's about refusing to let someone else define your worth. It's about helping them see you truly.
Give them your coat too. When someone tries to take advantage of you, go beyond what they ask. It exposes their greed and turns the tables on injustice.
Go the extra mile. When someone forces you to do something, do more than required. It shows them they don't have the power they think they do, and your generosity might just open the door to friendship and freedom.
Remember, these aren’t laws. They’re examples of non-violent ways to respond to conflict, given to challenge and inspire us.
The true test is this: does your response to hurt or violence from others help restore dignity? Does it expose broken systems of violence and greed? Does it open the door to forgiveness, peace and friendship?
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Here are two questions for you to ponder.
Is there someone in your life right now who you consider an "enemy" or who has hurt you? What unexpected act of kindness or generosity could you extend to them this week, following Jesus' teaching of "going the extra mile"?
Reflect on a time when you responded to hurt with retaliation. How did that impact the situation and your relationships? Now, imagine responding with forgiveness and grace, like the Amish community did. How might that change the narrative and potentially bring healing?
SMALL GROUP STUDY
Opening Prayer:
Lord, help us to understand the importance of integrity in our relationships. Guide us to be people of our word, reflecting Your truth in all we say and do. Amen.
Read Together:
1. Understanding the Context
What was the original purpose of the "eye for an eye" law?
How does Jesus' teaching go beyond this law?
(Key Idea: Jesus isn't replacing God's law but fulfilling it in a radical way that breaks cycles of violence.)
2. The Problem with Payback
Discussion: Why do we want revenge when we're hurt?
How does revenge usually play out in real life?
(Key Idea: revenge doesn’t work. A violent response only triggers more violence.)
3. Jesus' Third Way
Think through each of Jesus' examples: the slap, the coat and the extra mile.
How does Jesus' suggestions subvert the expected response? What is the result?
What might this look like in our modern context?
What hesitations or fears might hold you back?
(Key Idea: Jesus advocates for creative, nonviolent resistance that exposes injustice and offers the possibility of transformation, grace and friendship.)
4. Living It Out
How can we apply this "third way" in our daily lives? Try and share some examples.
Share an example of when you've seen someone respond to hurt with unexpected grace. What was the impact
Discuss the Amish community's response to the school shooting. How does this embody Jesus' teaching?
Closing Prayer
Pray for the courage and wisdom to respond to injustice and hurt with wisdom, creativity, and love, just as Jesus teaches.
