Matthew 5:38-42 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Retaliation.

Of this we have here two sorts, viz. the retaliation of kind and that of kindness. These are not necessarily inconsistent. For Christ came not to destroy but to fulfil the Law. Properly understood, "Eye for eye and tooth for tooth" is the co-relative of "Do unto others as you would they should do unto you." We propose to view the lea talionis —

I. AS A DIRECTION TO THE MAGISTRATE .

1 . The spirit of its teaching to him is to minister judgment in equity.

2 . The doctrine of Christ strengthens his hands.

II. AS A PERMISSION TO THE INJURED .

1 . The Law did not impose retaliation.

2. The rule of Christ is against the spirit of revenge.

III. AS A MORAL TO THE WORLD .

1 . The end of Law is the public good.

2 . The public good is also the design of the gospel.

IV. AS AN INSTRUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN .

1 . When he suffers bodily injury.

2 . When he suffers wrongs to property.

3 . When he suffers outrages upon liberty.

4 . Moreover , our beneficence must be active.