Sermon on the Mount VIII: Heavenly Weapons ...

Wednesday, Dec 3, 2014. Our world is full of war. We only need to open any newspaper or switch on any TV today, and the problem becomes obvious immediately. There is war here and there. But war is not only between nations, but also between individuals. When problems arise between us, we start to fight each other.

Jesus leads us to Peace …

In his Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives us clear advice how to deal with this type of problem personally. We are asked to achieve real peace:

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 the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. (Matth. 5)

We need to understand these sentences. They are clear advice to seek sincere peace in situations of conflict, in situations which put some demand on us.

A special way to fight evil! …

You probably have heard about the Roman law to carry the luggage of a soldier for one mile. Jesus commands us to go two miles - to show personal engagement with the other person. He commands us not to run away when we are beaten, but to search sincere peace, to hold the other cheek, to resist, but in peace!

The thing with the tunic is great. We are told not to hold on earthly possessions. We are kids of the most high - he can give us back anything we need! But we want peace with the other person, we want to support him or her. So we give much more than what she or he tries to sue us for.

The passage can be misunderstood. It does not mean that evil should gain victory, that Christians would give up all hope. On the contrary, we are fighting evil, but with the weapons of heaven. (RWEP) ... more texts