Scripture to Read: Matthew 5:39
When Jesus quoted from God the Father’s Law, everyone listening would have known it well also. But then Jesus said this in Matthew 5:39, “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Jesus said something that was radical to almost everyone listening to Him that day and to those who read God’s Word today. To not resist an evil person seems weak and to turn the other cheek seems ridiculous, to allow someone to abuse us with zero retaliation. But Jesus was preparing His followers and reminding us that this lost world hated Him and would hate us. Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to live out His Truth (in Matthew 5:39) when He allowed Judas to betray Him and the religious leaders and Roman soldiers to abuse Him and cast insults at Him. God had Peter write it this way in 1 Peter 2:21–24, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” Jesus expects us to follow His example.
Challenge & Application
· What is the most radical thing to you about what Jesus said in Matthew 5:39, and why is it so radical?
· How do you see yourself living this Truth from our Lord, and what will be the most challenging part for you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!