The law of retribution, the lex talionis, is a law that many of us harbor secret desires to see fulfilled. “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” We want to see a “tit for tat” justice system where everybody else gets what’s coming to them – except us, of course. For us, we want (and plead for) the mercy of the court! In this passage in Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus addresses our natural inclinations to mete out vengeance and instead forces us to see that the way of the kingdom involves generosity, overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21).

The teaching Jesus focuses on comes from several Scripture passages in the Old Testament (Exodus 21:21-25, Leviticus 24:17-23, and Deuteronomy 19:15ff). The law was prescribed for the nation and not individuals. It was designed to restrict violent escalation by making the punishment fit the crime (so to speak). Yet, as fallen people, we enjoy striking back at those we feel have wronged us. We foster hatred and revenge when we ask “how much revenge can I get away with and still meet the law?” Grant Osborne tells us that in Jesus’ time, the law was rarely applied literally, most times relying on monetary retribution.

But Jesus tells us that we must renounce the right to confront a hostile person with violence. One example from Jesus is being insulted. A slap on the cheek in a society dominated by the right side would be a backhanded blow – an insult, worthy of a large fine up to a year’s salary. Jesus is not here condoning submission to physical abuse. He appears to be saying that we should accept dishonor, being in a degrading and vulnerable situation, rather than retaliate. The Bible is full of commands to confront mistreatment – especially mistreatment of the disenfranchised.

The remaining examples discuss not seeking legal reparation in lawsuits, doing more than required (with Roman conscription), and giving to those who ask (loans or possibly otherwise). They emphasize evil done to you and our response. We respond by giving up our rights to trade insults, by giving away our prized possessions, by giving our time to others, and by loaning our money to others. Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24 ESV)

“It is the unworthy who have experienced the good things of the kingdom; and as they have experienced the surprise of unexpected grace so they act in a similar manner toward the undeserving among them.” (Hagner, quoted in Osborne)