We all have a built-in fairness scale. But, if we’re really honest, we’ll also admit that our fairness scale is skewed a bit in our favor. One part of that fairness scale is our account books of paybacks. What is our response when wounded, offended, shamed, or injured? This could easily become a larger discussion regarding justice, but we have something greater to discover.
Prior to the Law of Moses, justice was unbalanced in its response. We could say it was something like two eyes for one eye. Many consider God to have “balanced the scales” with “eye for an eye,” citing the many calls for fairness and justice in the Old Testament. And the Law of “Eye for an eye” limits retribution to something equal and fair.
If the scales of fairness and justice were balanced in the Law, Jesus totally unbalanced them again in the Sermon on the Mount. “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38–42, CSB)
We need to remember something before we consider the four examples Jesus provided. God’s response to our sin is also unbalanced. We deserve death, and He made the way for us to have life. We are unworthy of His love, but He loves us just the same. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is our primary example for this step of The Jesus Way.
Jesus’ first example is about shame and honor. It’s not immediately evident, but Jesus is envisioning a backhanded slap. In practically all cultures, that kind of slap is seen as shameful and demining. And in cultures where honor is highly regarded, a backhanded slap is always returned and may result in some kind of a duel. Instead of returning the shame, Jesus said to lean into it without retribution. The message we telegraph at that moment is that the delivered shame has no effect on us since our honor and worth are found in Christ. Plus, we break the cycle of violence, which also shocks their sensibilities.
In the second example, we are sued for our shirt. Pay attention to the garments. The shirt is the piece of cloth closest to our skin. The cloak is our outer garment. In the Law, the cloak was immutable. Even if given for a pledge, it must be returned to the owner by evening (Exodus 22:26). The actions Jesus proposes seem to say something along the lines of – wow, you must really be in need. Here, take my cloak as well. But we have to ask, who would be so heartless as to sue for someone’s shirt?
The third example has to do with involuntary conscription. By Roman law, a soldier could conscript a civilian to carry their load for one mile and no further. The phrase “going the extra mile” has become part of the English language. And generally, it means doing more than is expected. But keep in mind that the first mile was forced, something we did not want to do. Again, Jesus says instead of taking offense, lean into it and give of ourselves to others. Carrying someone’s burden is a blessing for them and creates a relationship that God may use for His glory.
The fourth example is often seen as something that stands alone. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. Where’s the offense? There isn’t any. But it is still part of Jesus’ unbalancing of our scales. Some may see this as only being about money. But what really is our greatest treasure? Shouldn’t we also give our love in the same way God has loved us? Sometimes giving funds and loaning our possessions is the loving thing to do. And sometimes it isn’t. If I give a few dollars to a homeless alcoholic, am I really loving them, or am I keeping them in their bondage? In these matters we should be both generous and wise.
The Jesus Way in this section distills down to this – love the unlovable. If someone causes you shame and dishonor – love them anyway. If someone is so greedy as to sue for your shirt – they lack love, share some of yours. If someone demands action without considering the cost they are demanding – love them by going beyond their expectation. If someone lacks – love them in the way that is best for them.
Thinking this through, there is one more truth to discover. You see, this is how God loves us. We slapped Him in the face through our sins. We take His blessings of health, rain, sunshine, food, and clothes only to demand even more without a breath of thanksgiving. We demand that God does what we want. Even expecting that our prayers are answered according to our desires. We give to God expecting a return with interest. And through all of that – God still loves us. That is The Jesus Way because love is never fair or balanced.
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