The Sermon on the Mount, Parts XIV and XV of XL

The Sermon on the Mount, Part XIV of XL
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TEXT: Continuing with Matthew 5:

37. Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.

38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40 and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 41 and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

42 Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.

COMMENTARY: This is arguably the most Taoist of any Christian teaching. It is all about yielding, flowing, accommodating, accepting, non-resistance, and adaptation.

These verses are also terrifying! For they command a Way of life that is clearly, obviously, impractical, unthinkable, and far too idealistic! Further, if good people lived this Way, the evil would take over in a minute!

But this is not a literal rejection of self-defense. Instead, it is an encouragement to kindness and generosity. We are to be generous towards all, always "going the extra mile," even for "enemies."

Some translations say even, "Give to everyone asking you." Only the poorest of the poor, who were among Jesus' regular followers, could ever "afford" to follow this advice. For the rich quake with terror when reading these words, which show absolutely no concern for material things. In effect, our entire culture and society have rejected Jesus' teachings.



The Sermon on the Mount, Part XV of XL
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TEXT:

43. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you can be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

COMMENTARY: This is one of the most challenging directions ever given by the Christ through Jesus. To love people, anyone, is difficult enough. But to "love your enemies" is a superchallenge! Human beings are simply incapable of this feat. So, they must step out of the Way, and let Love simply love through them! This is the essence of the Way.
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