馬太福音5:38-42
38 「你們聽見有話說:『以眼還眼,以牙還牙。』 39 只是我告訴你們,不要與惡人作對。有人打你的右臉,連左臉也轉過來由他打; 40 有人想要告你,要拿你的裡衣,連外衣也由他拿去; 41 有人強逼你走一里路,你就同他走二里。 42 有求你的,就給他;有向你借貸的,不可推辭。」
馬太福音第五章以上這些例子是在審判罪案的時候,天國子民要如何應用摩西律法為原則,成為我們公平地在與他人之間實行的準則,目的是警戒蓄意犯罪的人,而不是濫用或者助長報仇等類的動機。當然會有一些人按著字面的意思去解釋,將犯錯的人的眼睛也要挖掉以作賠償,但是律法的本意是讓犯人償還同等一隻眼睛的價值,藉此防止仇恨和惡行的延伸,勸導天國子民行事為人不是「以其人之道,還治其人之身」,乃是讓我們內裏屬天的生命彰顯出來。
「只是我告訴你們,不要與惡人作對。有人打你的右臉,連左臉也轉過來由他打;」(5:29) 這一節常被人用來為難和譏笑基督徒的把柄。其實、當對方打你的右臉的時候,意思是說對方以他慣用的右手的手背摑你一巴的時候,或者以多數人比較弱的左手打你的右臉的時候,對方不是蓄意引致你的身體受到嚴重的傷害,所以打你的右臉是一種故意生事引起挑釁爭端的行為。第5章29節繼續說:「連左臉也轉過來由他打」,這並非是懦弱,委曲求存接受屈辱,乃是要節制,不是以怨報怨而已。同時讓對方有機會覺悟,檢討之下,或許可以了解自己的野蠻無理的舉動而自覺羞愧,繼而停止如此無禮不恭的舉止。若有人在旁圍觀或者想試探我們在不公平待遇之下,想要知道天國子民是如何回應的時候,我們可以用這個「沒有道理」的道理,在不合情理之下由對方連外衣也拿走。
這段經文的教訓是要我們明白一個硬幣的兩面,一面是「公義和饒恕」,另一面是「審核與批判」,兩者之間需要維持平衡,主耶穌在十字架上兩者都兼顧了,在神的審判下我們是無所遁形,祂是公義的審判者,卻因主耶穌的大慈愛,為了我們的罪孽,捨身流血償還了罪債,我們才可以蒙饒恕與神和好。弟兄姊妹們,千萬不要誤解了字面上的意思。「得與失」,或者在「有理與冇理」當中,我們彰顯神的榮耀,神允許臨到我們身上的事,都有祂的美意。求神幫助我們,隨時隨刻作美好的見證。阿們!
Translation:
“Unreasonable” Reasons ~Rev. Bernie Chung
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
These examples given in the fifth chapter of Matthew's Gospel are intended to teach the people of God’s Kingdom how to apply the principles of the Mosaic Law in Exodus when judging sin, and let them become codes of conduct in our fair dealings with others. These principles serve as warnings against willful criminals and are not for abusive use to foster vengeance. Unfortunately, there will still be people who would interpret these literally and gouge out the eye of the wrongdoer as justifiable compensation. The original intent of the law is to let those guilty of crimes to repay their wrong doings with equal value (NOT an eye for an eye), thus deterring further hatred and evil deeds. It serves as a guideline to persuade the people of the Kingdom of Heaven to behave as God’s people, not to "return to the way of others", but to show others our inner nature of changed life in Lord Jesus.
“If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (5:29). This verse is often used to embarrass and ridicule Christians. It’s interesting to note that when a party hits you on the right cheek, that person is using a weaker left hand to slap you (assuming he’s right-handed). In other words, he uses the back of the dominant right hand to slap you. It is a deliberate act of provocation either way. But the Bible tells us to turn the other cheek as well. Just imagine how surprised the attacker would be, and this would give him time to reflect on his shameful action and to consider other ways to resolve disputes. There may be spectators who are curious to witness how we Christians deal with unfair treatments. They would be amazed when we follow the “unreasonable” reasons to turn our other cheek, or “unreasonably” allowing a thief to take away our other coat as well.
Like a coin, the teaching of these Bible verses has two sides—one side is "righteousness and judgment" and the other side is "mercy and forgiveness"; and there needs to be a balance between the two. Under the judgment, our sins have no place to hide. Our Lord Jesus is the righteous judge, and by His great love He paid for our sins with His blood. Therefore, we are forgiven and reconciled to God. Brothers and Sisters, do not misunderstand God’s teachings by using literal interpretations. We often struggle between “wins and losses”, and “rights and wrongs” through our narrow lens. Just remember God allows everything happen to us to have His good intentions, so that we can display His glory. We may not be able to change overnight, but with perseverance, the Holy Spirit will help to renew over time. Our actions will no longer be governed by our own thoughts and feelings but will be led by the Holy Spirit. May God help us all to be good witnesses for Him, at all times. Amen!
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