The Upside-Down Kingdom
Have you ever been hurt by someone and immediately wanted to get even? Maybe a friend betrayed you, someone insulted you in front of others, or your sibling took something without asking… again. That feeling of “they did this to me, so I have the right to do it back” rises up, and before you know it, you’re daydreaming about how to make them pay.
That instinct—to retaliate—is exactly what Jesus addresses in Matthew 5:38–42. And His words? They hit hard, especially for those of us who like to think we’re just standing up for ourselves.
“An Eye for an Eye”: What It Really Meant
Jesus starts by quoting a familiar phrase: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” That sounds fair, right? If someone knocks out your tooth, they lose a tooth. Justice served.
But here’s the thing: in the Old Testament (Exodus 21, Leviticus 24, Deuteronomy 19), that rule wasn’t meant for personal revenge. It was a courtroom principle to prevent excessive punishment. It wasn’t about getting back at someone—it was about fairness and justice, judged by someone else, not you.
The Pharisees, however, twisted it. They used it like a badge of personal permission: “You hit me? I hit back. The Bible says it’s fair.” But Jesus says, “Not so fast.”
Don’t Fight Back—Seriously?
Jesus says in Matthew 5:39, “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil.” Whoa—what? Don’t resist evil? Doesn’t that sound… wrong?
Let’s clarify. The word “evil” here refers not to Satan or general wickedness, but to an evil person—someone who’s done you wrong. And “resist” doesn’t mean ignore justice or throw out self-defense altogether. It means don’t retaliate. Don’t strike back in pride. Don’t let someone’s wrong pull you into a cycle of revenge.
Instead, Jesus gives four powerful, painful examples of how love responds differently:
1. When Insulted—Don’t Snap Back
“Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (v. 39)
This isn’t about letting someone beat you up. A slap on the cheek in Jesus’ day was a huge insult—like being disrespected or mocked. Jesus is saying, when someone disrespects you, don’t fire back with a zinger. Don’t spend hours planning your verbal revenge. Let it go.
Not because you’re weak—but because you’re strong enough not to need to defend your pride.
2. When Sued—Don’t Cling to Your Rights
“If any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.” (v. 40)
Under Jewish law, no one could take your cloak—it doubled as your blanket at night. But Jesus says, go beyond what the law demands. Don’t live clutching your “rights.” If you owe someone and they’re taking more than you’d prefer, be willing to lose more than you think you should.
Why? Because sometimes surrendering your rights shows the gospel more clearly than standing up for them ever could.
3. When Forced—Don’t Just Do the Bare Minimum
“Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” (v. 41)
Roman soldiers could legally force citizens to carry their gear for one mile. It was hated and humiliating. But Jesus says—don’t just do what you’re forced to do. Go the second mile. Serve from the heart, not just under pressure.
That second mile? It’s where people notice you’re different—where your life starts to look like Jesus’.
4. When Asked—Don’t Hoard, Be Generous
“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” (v. 42)
We naturally get suspicious when people ask for money or help. “They’ll just waste it.” Maybe. But Jesus is less concerned about them and more concerned about you. Do you have a heart that’s closed off, or one that’s ready to help?
Jesus isn’t saying throw wisdom out the window—He’s saying don’t let suspicion choke your love.
The Power of Not Fighting Back
All four of these examples feel unnatural. That’s the point. The world says, “Protect yourself. Stand up for yourself. Get even.” But Jesus calls us to something greater.
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
Jesus lived this out. “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not.” (1 Peter 2:23) He didn’t just teach non-retaliation—He demonstrated it at the cross.
This isn’t about becoming a doormat or enabling abuse. It’s about laying down your pride, your rights, your comfort—for love. For a testimony. For the gospel.
So next time someone cuts you off, insults you, takes advantage of you, or asks more than they should—pause. Don’t react. Don’t plot revenge. Let Jesus lead your heart.
After all, personal revenge isn’t justice—it’s self-worship dressed up like fairness.
This Article is a part of a series
The Upside-Down Kingdom
Bobby Bosler is director of Thee Generation and pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Fairmont, WV. He, his wife, Abi, and their four children traveled the country for 14 years in evangelism, reaching teens with the gospel and conducting revival meetings.
Our words. AI polished. This article was adapted from the author's original content using AI. We’ve used technology to clarify and adapt the message—while keeping the heart and voice the same. All articles are proofread and edited by a human.
