"Do Not Resist the Evildoer"? (Matthew 5:38-42)
How should believers respond when someone wrongs us? In Matthew 5:38-42, Yeshua offers a surprising answer to that question. He references the “eye for an eye” principle found in the Torah, and then proceeds to explain how he expects his followers to respond when they are slapped, sued, and mistreated.
Last Sabbath, I had the honor of speaking at my local congregation, Founded In Truth Fellowship, where I discussed this passage. This teaching from Yeshua, which includes ideas like turning the other cheek and walking a second mile, is well known and quite controversial. This passage is often cited as evidence that Yeshua came to undermine the Law of Moses. Also, many understand this passage to imply that Yeshua wants his followers basically to be pushovers. But is that really the point of Yeshua’s teaching here?
In this sermon, we explore Matthew 5:38-42 in light of its cultural and historical context, which will shed some light on what Yeshua means when he says not to resist the one who is evil. I hope it blesses you!
This sermon was given at Founded in Truth Messianic Fellowship
About David Wilber
David is first and foremost a passionate follower of Yeshua the Messiah. He is also a writer, speaker, and teacher.
David’s heart is to minister to God’s people by helping them rediscover the validity and blessing of God’s Torah and help prepare them to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope within them (1 Peter 3:15)…