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

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

[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

  • 1 Corinthians 6:1-8
  • 1 Peter 2:9
  • 1 Peter 2:20-21

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'In the Presence of Your Faithful People'
"I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Ineffective Threats' (Acts 4:21-22)
"The council then threatened [Peter and John] further, but they finally let them go because they didn't know how to punish them without starting a..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit-Written Letter' (2 Co. 3:3)
"Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This "letter" is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'There Are Only 2 Kingdoms: Darkness, & Light'
"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show..."

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."

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!