Does Jesus Mean What He says?

The Ten Words of God have been address by Jesus. However, He is just beginning to teach.  

Remember what Jesus said about all of the commandments? Love God and neighbor! On these two hang all the law and the prophets.(Mt.22:43f)  

I will suggest that all of the rest of Jesus’ teachings are covered under those two commandments to love.

In today’s discussion Jesus has some interesting things to say about retaliation. Getting-back at someone!  And our ability, and/or willingness, to share. 

38 "You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.(Matt.5)

I want to tell you a true story about how this teaching sounds to the human mind, especially to the male mind.  It was in Confirmation class, some years ago, when I read the line: But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;  One of the young men in the class said with disbelief:    “That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard in my life!”  What I like about seventh and eighth graders, is their willingness to say it like it is.

Really, how many people do you know that would not react, in kind, to a slap on the face?  At least their first thought would be to slap back. Whether they actually do it or not!

Then there is the issue of suing someone.  Getting lawyer and getting someone back for "whatever."  That seems to be popular in our culture.  I know one person, in our White House, who has threatened such action.  But my favorite example happened years ago when a women sued Mac Donald’s; because their coffee was too hot and burned her.  If I remember correctly, she came through the drive-through, and after receiving her coffee, she put the cup between her legs to hold it while she drove off. I don’t know about you, but that action seems almost funny to me.  Just plain stupid!

Jesus came to adjust the rational of the human ways of doing life.  He came to show us that the ways of retaliation and judgment are not smart.  That they don’t actually get us what is best.  He came to show us that love wins!  It does, regardless of how it seems to us at the time.

In this small lesson Jesus tells his disciples to forgo revenge, give more than is asked of you, go the extra mile, don’t refuse those who beg, lend more than expected. 

Clearly,  Jesus does not think that the old way of thinking, like pulling out an eye or removing a tooth to get even, is a good idea.   No, He says: love your neighbor as God would love you.  Imitate the ways of God.  Act with the knowledge that we all need understanding and compassion.  All of us!   We all are tempted to strike out at someone at times!  We, also, could find ourselves in need. There may be a time when we have to ask for a hand-out or a ride.

Jesus' challenge?  Don’t do it the human way!  Don’t do what you would normally do! Don’t react!  Don’t use logic or reason! You do life God’s way!  The opposite of your normal gut reaction, or learned behavior!

Jesus means what his say!  

Monday we will talk about what, this Gramma’s, Jesus says about our enemies.