What Jesus Did! 'Lost My Shirt' — Matthew 5:40

Sunday, March 2, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too."
— Matthew 5:40 NLT

Key Thought

We have basic rights - at least that's the assumption many of us operate under as human beings. We get very angry when those basic rights are compromised. Jesus, however, is more concerned that we are redemptive than insisting that our rights are honored in every situation here on earth. His goal is to redeem others through us, not for us to get even with them or even necessarily get what we deserve. Jesus' orientation toward personal rights should not surprise us. He gave up all of his rights and left heaven to redeem us!* (Philippians 2:5-11) On the other hand, Jesus staunchly defended the rights of others when those in charge tried to take those rights away from them.** Why? Jesus' primary concern was to redeem and bless all people (Matthew 23:23). He now wants us to do the same. The goal of our behavior is to be redemptive to others whether it is our rights or theirs that have been violated!

* Paul's quotation of what was probably an early Christian hymn emphasizes this (Philippians 2:5-11) as do John's repeated reminders about what love is (1 John 3:16-18, 4:7-12).
** Jesus' defense of the woman caught in adultery is a memorable one - John 7:53-8:11. Also, see Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 7:36-50, 10:38-42, 20:46-47.

Today's Prayer

Almighty and compassionate Father, give me less passion for my own rights and greater passion to defend the rights of others who are being abused and exploited. Give me a sensitive heart to see beyond the things done to me that are wrong so that I may see the wrong in the hearts of others and influence them to come closer to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Hardly a Hero
Article by Rubel Shelly
Come on, we can hold up someone better than this as a hero! Rubel Shelly takes a high profile piece in the news and reminds all who the real heroes are among us.
What if We Did What Jesus Said?
Article by Tom Norvell
Can you imagine what would happen if we really obeyed Jesus? Jesus commanded us to act in certain ways toward others, especially when people mistreat us; what would happen if we really did obey him?
He Paid My Debt!
Article by Phillip Morrison
As children of our Father, we are called to live up to the God standard! Phillip Morrison reminds us that we are saved by grace and God expects us to be gracious.
Revenge or Kindness
Article by Alan Smith
Is revenge really so satisfying? Is it better to live with the philosophy of eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth or to practice forgiveness and kindness?
See All 5 Related Resources about Matthew 5:40

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:40 NLT — [Jesus continued:] "If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, March 2, 2025

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Genuine Sorrow' (Acts 8:1-4)
"Saul was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death], and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Remembering Christ's Death' (1 Co. 11:24-26)
"Dear Father, giver of bread and wine, Cause us to remember that in the same way he blessed the bread, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Francis Frangipane:
"I tell you, if you are serious about wanting to be like Christ, He is going to put you in circumstances where your only true choice is to become like Him."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Make a Joyful Symphony' (Ps. 98:5)
"Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. Make a joyful symphony..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!