Matthew 5:38-42 - In Jesus's 5th case study, He begins to broach one of the most revolutionary teachings in all of human intellectual history. He reveals that the true heart of God found in the laws about just recompense is oriented toward generosity, mutual dignity, and quiet boldness. And Jesus not only taught about this revolutionarily tender heart, He fully embodied it in all of his interactions--especially on the way to the cross. A sermon by Pip Craighead. [Part 9 of our series “Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount: The Good Life in the Kingdom of Grace”]

Questions for reflection: 1) How would you describe the purpose of the "eye for an eye" laws (such as in Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21)? 2) Why are Jesus's words here so countercultural? How are they difficult? 3) Would you describe Jesus's prescription here as "passive"? Why or why not? 4) How would the world be different if everyone lived this way? 5) How did Jesus personally embody this principle in HIs own life and ministry? How does He personally embody it toward you?