Week 2: Oaths, Retaliation, and Enemy Love
This last Sunday, we watched episode 3, Jesus Fulfills the Law, which focused on Jesus’ teaching about discerning God’s wisdom from Israel’s Torah and Prophets. Today, we'll look at Jesus' teaching on conflict, honesty, persecution, and loving our enemies.
Watch
Episode 5: Wisdom Within Laws About Oaths, Retaliation, and Enemy Love
Read
Matthew 5:33-48
33Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, “Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.”
34And I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: not by the sky, because it is God’s throne;
35not by the land, because it is his footstool; not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the Great King.
36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.
37But let your word be “yes, yes” or “no, no.” Anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
38You have heard that it was said, “An eye in recompense for an eye, and a tooth in recompense for a tooth.”
39And I say to you, do not resist-in-kind an evil person, but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
40If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.
41Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.
42To the one who asks of you, give. And the one who wants to borrow from you, don’t turn away.
43You have heard that it was said, “You will love your neighbor and you will hate your enemy.”
44And I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you 45so that you may be children of your Father who is in the skies. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
47If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the nations do the same?
48Therefore you are to be whole, as your Father in the skies is whole.
Scripture Orientation
In this passage, Jesus presents a radical approach to peacemaking and repairing relationships. First, he addresses oaths, urging his followers to avoid them and instead, simply be honest—“let your yes be yes and your no be no.” This commitment to honesty is foundational for peacemaking. Second, Jesus addresses what to do when others start conflict. He advises against retaliation and encourages creative, nonviolent responses that promote peace. Third, Jesus speaks about loving enemies. He challenges his followers to love and pray for those who mistreat them. In doing so, they model their actions after God’s generous and indiscriminate love for all people. Doing all of the above makes us “whole” or “complete,” and mature – the kinds of humans who can spread God’s blessing to the world.
Discussion Questions
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What was the cultural background in Israel around oaths? Why does Jesus tell his followers to avoid them?
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Referring to retaliation and revenge, Jesus says, “don’t pay back an evil person,” or “do not resist-in-kind an evil person.” How would you summarize what he encourages his followers to do instead (see Matt. 5:37-42)?
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According to Jesus, why is it not enough to simply tolerate your enemies? Why is it better to love them?
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Jesus commands his followers to love their enemies because God—who is good to everyone, regardless of their behavior—also loves their enemies. What are some ways that God shows kindness to all people, and how can this inspire us to love without partiality?
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How does making peace and loving others make us “whole” or “complete?”
Personal Reflection
Loving people whom we dislike or prefer to avoid can be really challenging. But in Jesus’ teaching, the basis for loving our enemies is God’s indiscriminate love and generosity to all people. Take a moment to reflect on some of the ways God has shown you generosity and love. How do you see God doing the same for specific people you don’t like or are even tempted to hate? In prayer, ask God if there is anything he wants you to consider more deeply.
