Respect - Find Out What It Means - Matthew 5:33-48 - October 28, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Respect – Find Out What It Means – October 28, 2007

This is the last lesson in Matthew Chapter 5. Our study will continue in Matthew Chapters 6 and 7 during November.

Matthew Chapter 5 captured JESUS teaching HIS disciples both then and now about being an ideal disciple. JESUS knew that HIS disciples had been exposed to distorted teaching from the religious leaders and HE wanted them to know the truth about how GOD judges our actions and intents of our hearts. Notice JESUS words at the beginning of each these sections - "You have heard ---." They heard it or were taught by the religious leaders of that day.

We as well have formed opinions regarding Christianity. Are they based upon truth or distortions of the truth?

JESUS began Matthew Chapter 5 with the very foundation of the spiritual qualities GOD desires for all Christians, which we call the Beatitudes. JESUS stated the ideal and then contrasted the ideal against human reality. HE wanted to build the Kingdom of GOD using genuine, spiritually mature living stones.

Upon the foundation of the Beatitudes, JESUS added the fact that believers are salt and light - influence. As citizens of GOD’S Kingdom we have a responsibility to properly represent HIS Kingdom while we live in the kingdom of the world. Then HE added a dose of reality regarding believers human nature; the attitude of the heart. In our lesson today, HE added another dose of reality; believers dealing with those who abuse authority. This includes believers who take an oath knowing they cannot fulfill the oath. JESUS knew that these were a few examples of what can cause us to loose our saltiness or dim our light. That is why we must know ourselves and not let the actions of others cause us to loose our influence in HIS Kingdom.

When we see how GOD will judge the heart, we all fall woefully short of GOD’S standard. That is why we need a SAVIOR. Whereas we fall short, CHRIST is sufficient. If you think you can measure up by your own efforts and strength, then read Matthew Chapter 5 again. I am glad I have CHRIST.

JESUS summed up HIS teaching with the statement in verse 48, be perfect. We began our series of study with the qualities of the ideal disciple and end it with - be perfect. In between these two (2) statements is the reality of who we are and human nature. It is very frustrating to me, as a believer, to see GOD’S standard for judging mankind and it must have been frustrating to HIS disciples as well.

So how do we overcome this frustration and reality? Only by giving our lives to CHRIST and allowing HIM to live through us. It is all about our relationship with our LORD. Living the life as outlined by CHRIST is impossible without the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT.

JESUS told HIS disciples what GOD expected early in HIS earthly ministry. HE knew that HE would be measured by HIS FATHER’S measuring stick of perfection. JESUS was 100% human and 100% Divine. HE was telling HIS disciples, watch ME and see how I measure up to GOD’S standard. HIS destiny was the cross, ultimate insult and humiliation. HE had to endure all the things HE stated in the Beatitudes. Even when HE hung on the cross, HE came face to face with HIS humanity. GOD, HIS FATHER, had to turn HIS face from HIM as our sin was placed upon HIM. GOD is HOLY and cannot look upon sin. JESUS knew that HIS FATHER had turned HIS face from HIM, when HE cried out as recorded in Matthew 27:45-46:

45 From noon until three in the afternoon[21] Lit From the sixth hour to the ninth hour darkness came over the whole land.[22] Or whole earth 46 At about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken[23] Or abandoned Me?”[24] Ps 22:1

Even when JESUS thought GOD had abandoned HIM (JESUS), HE (JESUS) trusted HIM (GOD) with HIS human life. JESUS gave HIS life that we might have life eternal and be fully restored to fellowship with GOD through HIM.

There are at least two (2) times in our lives when we as humans will have a choice whether or not we will trust our lives to GOD. (1) When we first have the opportunity to accept JESUS as our SAVIOR (2) Even though we are Christians, all believers choose whether or not we will allow GOD full control of our lives and being completely obedient to GOD. The Apostle Paul says it best in Galatians 2:19-20:

19 For through the law I have died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh,[10] The physical body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

For some Christians completely yielding their lives to CHRIST comes at the moment they receive CHRIST as their SAVIOR. For other Christians making JESUS LORD of their lives comes later in their spiritual journey. Unfortunately some Christians never get to the point of yielding their lives to CHRIST. They are saved but do not experience the awesome experience of getting to know JESUS in an intimate loving relationship and being obedient to HIM.

Preparing believers to be living stones in the Kingdom of GOD while they are here upon earth is the process of sanctification and the work of the HOLY SPIRIT.

As we study the following scripture, notice that JESUS began each section with something like “You have heard.” Think about what you have heard being taught over the years and compare it to what JESUS is saying. JESUS wants every believer to know the truth. The truth is heavy. Keep in mind that we cannot keep all that JESUS is saying without the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT and the process of sanctification. Sanctification takes time and the key is we must first seek the relationship with CHRIST and get to know HIM. Not to get to know about HIM but to really know HIM.

Let’s read Matthew 5:33-37:

Tell the Truth.

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to our ancestors,[15] Lit to the ancients You must not break your oath, but you must keep your oaths to the Lord.[16] Lv 19:12; Nm 30:2; Dt 23:21 34 But I tell you, don’t take an oath at all: either by heaven, because it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, because it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither should you swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37 But let your word ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’[17] Say what you mean and mean what you say Anything more than this is from the evil one.

GOD wants HIS children to be trustworthy. When we are trustworthy because of our relationship to GOD through CHRIST, we do not need to go beyond a simple “YES” or “NO”. When we begin to embellish an oath, we move the oath from ourselves to the things mentioned in the oath. Our word must be our bond.

The religious leaders used holy sounding words such as heaven, earth, Jerusalem or their head to avoid using the name of GOD. When they took an oath without using GOD’S name, they did so knowing they either had no intention of keeping the oath or they had a way out of the oath. JESUS knew this and tied heaven, earth and Jerusalem to GOD. Even when they swore upon their head they needed to realize that GOD is the one WHO controlled even the color of their hair. Swearing on ones head carried the idea of their head being cut off if they did not fulfill their oath. Much like as children we would say, cross my heart and hope to die. Only to learn when someone did not fulfill his or her part of the bargain would say “I had my fingers crossed.”

I have to admit, when people begin to say what dedicated Christians they are and they want something from me or want to sell me something; I begin to think scam or con. People often use Christianity to get what they want and to take advantage of good hearted people. When you are burned a few times, you become calloused. It took me a long time to not be as calloused but I am still cautious.

JESUS said do not take an oath. We know that in a court of law, we have to take an oath to swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth so help us GOD. Our judicial system ties the oath to GOD. Bible scholars agree that JESUS’ statement does not apply to a court of law.

JESUS is saying live your life such that when you say “YES” or “NO” that is all that is needed. You can be believed.

Let’s read Matthew 5:38-42:
Go the Second Mile
38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.[18] Ex 21:24; Lv 24:20; Dt 19:21 39 But I tell you, don’t resist[19] Or don’t set yourself against, or don’t retaliate against an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt,[20] Lit tunic = inner garment let him have your coat[21] Lit robe, or garment = outer garment as well. 41 And if anyone forces[22] Roman soldiers could require people to carry loads for them. you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

The Old Testament taught equal punishment or equal retaliation to meet the crime. I sometimes think we should still do this today when I hear of heinous things done to others.

So what is JESUS saying when HE says “don’t resist an evildoer?” HE is not saying if your life is in danger just to let it happen. The Bible is clear we are to defend ourselves and our loves ones. We are to fight in war.

If a right-handed person slaps a person on his or her right cheek that means the person doing the slapping would have slapped him or her using the back of his or her right hand. The intent of the person doing the slapping is not to hurt the person but to insult or humiliate them. The hurt is more emotional than physical. It bruises our ego.

Most of us have likely used the phrase when someone said something harsh to us, “That was a slap in the face.” So JESUS is addressing an insult. HE is not condoning abuse or for a person to tolerate abuse. HE is talking about “road rage” or “life rage” caused by others getting in your face and taking up your space. WOW!!! This hurts as I write this.

This next statement is especially difficult. JESUS says if someone is going to sue you for your shirt, then give him or her your coat. This is a poor person being sued for his or her undergarment. This undergarment was vital for warmth. The law tells us in Exodus 22:26-27 that a person could use their cloak or coat or outer garment for collateral but the person accepting the coat had to return it before sunset.

Exodus 22:26-27:

26 “If you ever take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him before sunset. 27 For it is his only covering; it is the clothing for his body.[15] Lit skin What will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will listen because I am compassionate.

JESUS said if a person sues you for your shirt then give him your coat as well. This is going the extra step. This is tough but JESUS says this should be the way you should respond. We should have this attitude in our hearts towards those who would take advantage of us.

The only thought which came to mind is that GOD provides all things and you should have the attitude that GOD will take care of you.

Next JESUS addresses going the extra mile. JESUS likely had two (2) examples in mind:
(1) The king had couriers placed along the road at fixed locations. These couriers had the power to recruit travelers to do errands for the king. The traveler had no choice.
(2) A Roman soldier could demand that a Jew carry their equipment for a mile. JESUS said if you are forced to go a mile then volunteer to go an extra mile.

Even when you are forced to do something you do not want to do, then go an extra mile. In today’s world we have to be careful to emphasize that JESUS is not talking about doing weird things or sexual things. These are things that annoy us because of either the person who is doing the asking or the fact the person has the authority over us to make us do a task. We do not have a choice plus we do not like the person who is doing the asking.

Then JESUS addresses lending things or money to others. This is also tough because again in this day, we have to be very careful about lending money to others. Some will want to gamble it away, buy drugs or alcohol and the list goes on. So this is not a do it and no questions asked or not to be prudent statement. The scripture is clear that GOD will not give us something that will harm us.

I think it relates to our heart and our willingness to give, lend or let someone borrow.

Exodus 22:25 tells us not to charge interest but there is an expectation that the money will be paid back. Then there is a gift to someone who asks. A gift is not expected to be paid back.

Exodus 22:25:
25 “If you lend money to My people—to the poor person among you, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest.

Again it boils down to the attitude of the heart. In our society there are check cashing places that provide a service but also take advantage of the poor.
The Bible is clear; do not charge interest to the poor. You can charge the rich interest. But who in our society gets the breaks? The rich. Maybe that is where Christians need to fill the gap.

Let’s read Matthew 5:43-48:
Love Your Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor[23] Lv 19:18 and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies[24] Other mss add bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who[25] Other mss add mistreat you and persecute you, 45 so that you may be[26] Or may become, or may show yourselves to be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary?[27] Lit doing more, or doing that is superior Don’t even the Gentiles[28] Other mss read tax collectors do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor but it does not tell us to hate our enemy. Some scholars believe the statement regarding “hate” was an interpretation of Psalm 139:21-22:

21 Lord, don’t I hate those who hate You, and detest those who rebel against You? 22 I hate them with extreme hatred; I consider them my enemies.

JESUS introduces HIS statement with “You have heard.”

The word used for love is “agape” or self-giving love that does not demand anything in return. We are to “agape” love our neighbor and our enemy. Again, the use of the word “enemy” does not mean as an enemy we would encounter in war or combat situations. But as used here “enemy” means those who insult us or use their position to make demands of us that we dislike.

Again, this is not any thing sexual or things that are wrong. But things that we may detest to do because the person requesting it may be a jerk, lazy, misusing their authority or any number of reasons.

Agape love can only come from GOD. When Christians show agape love, those around them will make the connection that such love is beyond what this world has to offer. JESUS says you will be seen as sons of GOD and it draws others to seek what you have.

All that JESUS is saying is to draw others to salvation by the lives we live as true disciples of JESUS here upon earth.

JESUS compares the attitude HIS disciples should have toward others to our heavenly FATHER’S practice toward both believers and non-believers. HE practices what HE preaches, so-to-speak. HE sends the sun and rain on the righteous as well as the unrighteous.

We naturally love those who love us, which is good. GOD says there is no reward for loving those you already love. If you want a reward in heaven then love the unlovely. That is going the extra mile. That is being the disciple that GOD wants HIS children to be.

JESUS ends HIS teaching with a challenge. Be perfect as your heavenly FATHER is perfect.

JESUS defined the qualities of the ideal disciple beginning with the Beatitudes. Then HE told HIS disciples they are light as HE is the light of the world. They are salt as HE is the salt that preserves, heals and adds zest to life. Christians are to know themselves by knowing their heart. Because from the heart comes all sorts of things both good and evil. Guard your hearts by confessing what you harbor in your heart. Do not let unhealthy thoughts find a breeding ground in your heart. What is your attitude toward others, especially those who have authority over you?

HIS heart is pure before GOD and has no hidden agenda. HE set the standard and HE will live the standard. HIS disciples witnessed HIM doing what HE has said GOD expects of a disciple. HIS destiny was the cross and HE was challenged even unto death. HE was tempted in all ways as we are but HE remained sinless.

HE encountered the cross for all mankind. The key is that we must see HIM as our SAVIOR and HE is the only solution for our sins. HIS entire life is about salvation. All JESUS is asking us to do, as we interact with people, is to live our lives such that we are positive witnesses to draw them into a saving knowledge of JESUS or a deeper walk with HIM.

Are these examples tough? Yes. They are impossible without the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT and an intimate relationship with CHRIST. Do not let this lesson discourage you but cause you to seek the relationship. Do not project to the endpoint of perfection but seek to know HIM and let HIM through the HOLY SPIRIT teach you and lead you to where HE wants you to be. Abide in HIM. Grow and mature in HIM through the relationship.

What is GOD’S goal for you as a Christian? Paul states it best in Romans 8:29: GOD wants us to be the image of HIS SON, JESUS.

29 For those He foreknew[18] From eternity God knew His people and entered into a personal relationship with them He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

We are 100% human and HIS desire is for us to yield our lives such that we are 100% controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT.