Backwards Jesus

Matthew 5:21-48
In the sermon on the mount and his other teachings, Jesus had a habit of taking the normal teachings of the day and completely turning them upside down. He didn't come to abolish the law but to fulfill it...to show us the heart of why God set up rules in the first place. But I think he also just like to rock people's worlds.

"You've heard it said 'do not murder', but I tell you that anyone who is angry with their brother will be subject to judgment." Jesus is warning about the danger of anger. Anger is dangerous, and when it is left to fester it causes grudges and warps people's ability to see the truth and the things of God. So Jesus says don't be angry. In fact if you are angry, seek reconciliation...don't let it go, don't even let the sun go down on your anger (Ephesians 4:26-27).

"You've heard it said 'do not break your oath,' but I tell you do not swear at all: either by heaven or by earth." Jesus is saying here that our yes needs to be yes and our no, no. Do not promise and swear things that you may or may not come through on. Your word is your bond, and you need to do what you say you are going to do.

"You've heard it said, 'eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth:' but I tell you, do not resist an evil person." Turn the other cheek? Give someone not only your tunic, but your cloak as well? Don't just go one mile, go two miles as well? Does Jesus want us to be wimps? Absolutely not! He is showing the importance to forgive first and not jump to anger and revenge. Forgive...even when its hard; even if they aren't sorry. Don't hold a grudge, don't go down that road to anger.

"You've heard that it was said, 'love your neighbor and hate your enemy:' but I tell you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Love your neighbor...even if that neighbor is actually an enemy. Once again, forgive and put on an attitude of love even in the tough situations of life. Don't let anger, and hatred pull you down the road towards destruction.

Jesus loved to turn the world on its head with his teachings. In this passage he reminds us: love first, forgive first, and be serving.