What Jesus Did! 'Redeeming Insult' — Matthew 5:38-39

Saturday, March 1, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also."
— Matthew 5:38-39 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' words draw us to the values of our Heavenly Father. Rather than passively accepting evil, we are to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Like the suffering servant in Isaiah* who suffers, serves, and redeems in the face of attack and ridicule, we are to work redemption in the face of mistreatment. Jesus reminds us that we are to redeem rather than to try to get even. A slap on the cheek in Jesus' day was more a social insult than a physical injury. In our day, we seldom slap someone on the cheek to embarrass or humiliate that person. Instead, we shoot them a "zinger," cut them down sarcastically, or tell a joke at their expense. This behavior is out of bounds for believers. Such talk does not accomplish the redemption God has called us to share with others.

* See Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-7, 52:13-53:12.

Today's Prayer

Holy and patient Father, please strengthen me so that I will look for ways to redeem those who shame and humiliate me. I know that vengeance will only poison my heart and alienate me from the insulting party. Give me grace to react with kindness even toward those who are unkind to me. In the name of the one who did not rebuke his accusers, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 5:39
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
The Faith Gap in '42'
Article by Rubel Shelly
Want to know what is missing in this great story of freedom? Rubel Shelly reminds us that behind the great 42 of Jackie Robinson was a heart of faith and willingness to honor Jesus in the way he dealt with injustice, hatred, and prejudice.
Getting Even
Article by Russ Lawson
Are you really sure you can get even? For many people "getting even" is what they're interested in and they won't be satisfied until it's done. They don't want someone to escape justice. Unfortunately, they fail to realize that never happens on this side of heaven's judgement.
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.
See All 10 Related Resources about Matthew 5:38-39

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:38-39 NLT — "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, March 1, 2025

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"Today we are overboard on belief but bankrupt on obedience."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Self-examination' (2 Co. 13:5-14)
"Dear Father, God of love and peace, Help me to examine myself, to test myself, to see whether I am holding to my faith. Help me to realize that Jesus..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Spirit Fell on Them!' (Acts 11:15-16)
""As I began to speak [to Cornelius, along with his family and friends]," Peter continued, "the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'How Foolish Can You Be?' (Ga. 3:3)
"How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?"

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!