In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the traditional law of retribution, known as "lex talionis," which is found in the Old Testament. This law, "eye for eye, and tooth for tooth," was intended to ensure that punishment was proportional to the offense, thereby preventing excessive vengeance. It was a legal principle designed to maintain justice and order in society by limiting retaliation to an equivalent response. However, Jesus uses this reference to introduce a radical shift in thinking. He calls His followers to move beyond the old ways of exacting justice and to embrace a higher standard of love and forgiveness. This teaching challenges the natural human tendency to seek revenge and instead encourages believers to respond with grace and mercy. Jesus' message is about transforming hearts and relationships, promoting peace and reconciliation over conflict and retribution. By doing so, He invites His followers to reflect God's character of unconditional love and compassion in their daily lives, setting a new standard for how to interact with others.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'"
Matthew 5:38
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