Jesus on Enemies

What would it mean for us to do this?

1. Let go of revenge

"But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." - Exodus 21:23-25

"Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury."

- Lev. 24:19-20

"Do not resist ..."

"Do not resist ..."

• v 39 -- slap you
• v 40 -- take coat
• v 41 -- walk a mile
• v 42 -- ask for

Interpretation Dilemma

• pacifist
• Jesus vs OT
• individual & communal

[ unmerciful servant ]

[ this is consistent ]

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. (Rom 12:17-19)

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2. Love your enemies

Interpretation Dilemma, II

• Jesus vs OT
• enabling the oppressor

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• phileo
• eros
• storge
• agape

"What is meant by 'love'? This is clarified by what follows. One is to pray for enemies and do good to them and greet them. Clearly Jesus is not talking about emotions ...

"but instead is speaking of actions that benefit others. He is not dictating to our fickle feelings but commanding what can be commanded - our will to do this rather than that." - Dale Allison

[ doing what God does ]

On being "perfect"...