“But I say to You …” Part Three
Matt. 5:33-42
Proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven drove Jesus to preach and teach hundreds, even thousands, of people in this sermon practically characterizing a true believer. Our reputation should reflect His character since the Holy Spirit, God Himself, empowers us to not simply obey rules but allow Him to go deeper into our hearts. This section is like a Life Skills class directed to those who are ‘poor in spirit’ or humble before Him taking possession of the Kingdom of Heaven (5:3) now.
When we allow Him to work in our inner man we’ll see evidence of honesty, integrity, faithfulness, and grace toward people who don’t deserve it. Oh yeah, that’s the definition of grace: undeserved favor. You received it first and now extend it to others. Our two examples for today are making promises and retaliation.
Following His format, Jesus quoted an Old Testament commandment (Lev. 19) to be obeyed, at the same time going deeper into our motives. The Law commands us to make no false or frivolous promises, “But I say to you …” don’t make promises at all if you want to walk in honesty and integrity. Resist the temptation to make an oath or give a promise in God’s name assuming He’ll respond. Heaven, earth, and even Jerusalem belong to Him and He doesn’t need you to make promises for Him. Many of them are simply out of your control and He alone has the ability to fulfill them. Your word should be enough, your ‘yes means yes, your no means no’; simply do or don’t do what you say.
Next, Jesus speaks of retaliation from the Law: an eye for an eye. Conversely, He focuses on how to show our love to people, even our enemies, by giving them grace. It’s said that ‘hurt people, hurt people’, therefore Jesus tells us not to resist them but ‘turn the other cheek’: that’s grace. Maybe you’ve been emotionally ‘slapped across the face’ or backhanded, but Kingdom living is filled with grace. If someone wants to debate or quarrel with you, go the extra mile, be generous (vs. 42) with difficult people deciding to be empowered by grace.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Kingdom living isn’t about obeying rules but allowing the Spirit working in our hearts changing or transforming us into His image:
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Acts 11:23-24
How you respond to adversity develops your reputation so let your actions speak louder than your words.
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