Sermon On The Mount: Unusual Reactions
You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Matthew 5:38-42 (NKJV)
Think of the original listeners to the mind-shaking Sermon on the Mount. They’d never heard a Preacher like Jesus.
At a minimum, they were shocked and awed. His Commands seemed impossible to do, and unsettling questions grew within them:
Could the Carpenter-turned-Preacher be right?
How could they live without self-interest?
Why should they be kind to evil people?
If they were harmed, where would justice be found?
Before Christ, I never read the Bible, but I heard lines from this famous Sermon. His Words were confusing and martyr-like. I didn’t get them. I overlooked them. They weren’t for me.
Miraculously, I DID find Jesus, and I know the Words He spoke ARE for me. Still, I fear some Christians feel what I felt: These Words are hard, so they overlook Them.
If so, will God overlook our rewards?
Because blessings come with obedience: 'All these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the Voice of the Lord your God' (Deuteronomy 28:2), especially His hard-to-follow Words.
When we don't resist an evil person, we invite our Father to defend us. 'The Lord is the defense of my life. Whom shall I fear?' (Psalm 27:1).
When we don't hold on to our possessions, we invite our Father to restore them. 'The Lord restored Job's losses... Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before' (Job 42:10).
When we go the extra mile in hard times, we invite our Father to go with us. 'The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged' (Deuteronomy 31:8).
When we give to anyone who asks us, we invite our Father to repay us: 'Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap' (Luke 6:38).
When we don’t return evil for evil, we invite our Father to avenge us: ‘Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’ ‘(Romans 12:19).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ: Acting out God's unusual Commands will invite unusual reactions.
You continue His shock and awe campaign: an unexpected strategy that leaves friends and foes staring at you in wonder. Unsettling thoughts begin to grow in them.
Could these Christians-turned-performers be right?
They seem joyful without self-interest!
Their kindness is truly remarkable.
They’re unusual, but in a good way.
Therein continues the chain reaction Jesus had in Mind from the beginning.
Sermon On The Mount: Unusual Reactions (Part 13)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.