Continuing our studies in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matt 5:38-42)

Have you ever wanted Payback?

There are literally hundreds of movies about revenge. In fact, IMDB (the go-to website for information on any movie) has even created a list of the “50 best Revenge movies of all time” – including several that many would call classics.

People love to hear stories about someone getting what they deserve. But is this what things look like in Jesus’ new world – the Kingdom of God?

Imagine a Roman soldier in Jesus’ day forcing an elderly gentleman or a young mother to carry his heavy bag for a mile. Or imagine today an unfair boss expecting an employee to work extra hours for no extra pay, doing an unpleasant job that the manager was too lazy to finish himself.

I am sure we can all think of many other unfair scenarios. Perhaps you have experienced some yourself.

Even worse, now think about the Roman soldier striking an innocent person on the cheek in Jesus’ day. Or a business owner suing a person living in poverty for the only garments they have for the cold winter nights.

At first glance these words seem like Jesus is saying, “just be weak; just be a victim; don’t stand up for yourself; let people walk all over you!”

Is Jesus encouraging a victim mentality? Is he promoting injustice?

The answer is no; he isn’t! There are times when we do need to defend ourselves, speak up when something is wrong or stand up for others, but there is a difference between defending yourself, and exacting revenge. If we have the power to protect somebody in danger, we must do so. If we can diffuse a bad situation peacefully (even if it means refusing to hit back, or blessing somebody with more than they deserve), it is surely better than letting anger and retribution rule the day.

Jesus’ words here are about overcoming evil with good, responding to hatred and anger with mercy and grace.

I don’t know about you, but I would rather be in a world like that - a world of mercy, grace, kindness - than one where revenge is unrestrained.