Eye for Eye
1Kings 21:1-16/Ps.5/MATTHEW 5:38-42
Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard how it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil” (Matt. 5:38–39). Jesus cited this old law called lex talionis, the law of tit for tat, which, far from being a bloodthirsty law, is in fact the beginning of mercy. (Exd.21:23-25). Today, this law is highly misinterpreted. There are three things we must keep in mind about this law.
1. The goal of the law was justice through the limitation of vengeance.
2. It was not meant for private individuals to extract vengeance; rather, it was for judges to access punishment and penalties.
3. It was never carried out literally; otherwise, it will reverse justice. Therefore, let us be mindful of the way we interpret the Bible. Misinterpretation does more harm than the sword.
Jesus, the perfecter of the law, moves from the old law of limited vengeance to a spirit of non-retaliation. Throughout his suffering and ministry, Jesus did not tolerate evil, and he did not apply force or violence. As the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5), he could have retaliated, but he did not because he is the Lamb of God (John 1:29).
Again, as the Mighty One in battle (Ps. 24:8), he could have fought for himself, but he did not because he is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). As the Chief Judge (John 5:22), he could have ordered the deadly penalty, but he forgave his murderers (Luke 23:34). In John 18:10, when Jesus was arrested, Peter slashed off the ear of Malchus, but Jesus said to him, Peter, sheath your sword. Beloved in Christ, no doubt we have the right to self-defence, but we must not be quick to use the sword. Jesus says, Sheath your sword. No, where did he say to use the sword?
So, we must understand the actual meaning of self-defence and conduct ourselves accordingly. In the name of self-defence, many are already street fighters. Our real self-defence should be self-control, self-discipline, and self-education.
Lastly, the first reading sees Naboth, a just man, being stoned to death so that the king can have for himself a Naboth vegetable garden. Jezebel, the wife of the king, arranged for a false accusation to be made against Naboth. Naboth could be seen as a forerunner to Christ, for both were wrongly accused and wrongly put to death. Desist from accusing people falsely.
Let us pray
O God, strength of those who hope in you, graciously hear our pleas, and, since without you we can do nothing, grant us always the help of your grace, that in following your commands we may succeed in all ways. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
