03/19/2023 - Jesus Isn't Fair
BIG IDEA: Jesus calls his followers to be people of peace and reconciliation.
Jason Deuman
Part of Foundations of the Kingdom—Matthew Part 1
March 19, 2023

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Matthew 5:38-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 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. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor z and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”


Big Idea: Jesus calls his followers to be people of peace and reconciliation.


Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”


Next Step: Memorize Matthew 5:9

The Gospel is not about fairness.

Hebrews 12:2-3
…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


Jesus doesn’t ask us to do something he isn’t willing to do.

Matthew 5:38-42
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 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. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”


Instead of seeking retribution, show the foolishness of the systems of violence.

Slappers don’t get to determine your value.

Peace and reconciliation may be risky, but this path reveals whether we trust the Lord.

Matthew 5:43
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’”


Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”


There is no law from the Lord to the people of Israel to hate their enemy.

Matthew 5:44-45a
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”


Jesus is our model of loving our enemies.

Loving and praying for our enemies reminds us that they are also made in the image of God.

Matthew 5:45b-48
“[The Father] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”


Every sunny day and every rainy day are reminders of God’s mercy.

Next Step: My enemies:


Next Step: I want God’s mercy to help me love my enemies.
Next Step: Start following Jesus.

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