5:38-42
An eye for an eye etc comes from Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21. This was given both to ensure that justice was done, and to guard against excessive punishment. In today’s society we are far more likely to err on the other side. Ie many sentences given by courts seem to seriously underplay the seriousness of the crime, and so to devalue the victim. But Jesus is pointing to a better way. This way is not for society in its judicial system, but for individual followers of Christ. Instead of focusing on getting our rights, we are to focus on seeing the kingdom grow.
5:43
“Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” The first part comes from Lev 19:18, but the second part does not. In fact, the first part of Lev 19:18 talks about not holding a grudge, a quite different slant than hating your enemy! This is a very human response. We will add bits to the good law, or interpret it in such a way that we end up completely losing the original intention. This is why the Pharisaical approach to the Law was such a disaster. It is our hearts that need changing, and the Law is powerless to do that.
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