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Do Not Retaliate
Matthew 5:38-48, Readers Theater
by Dr. Ralph F. WilsonPart of a study on the Sermon on the Mount
Faith of Abraham (Genesis 11-25)Readings from: Matthew 5:38-48; Leviticus 24:17-21; Proverbs 25:21-22; and Romans 12:21
| READER 2 | Here is justice by law |
| READER 3 | Before a judge |
| READER 1 | [Boldly] If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death. |
| READER 2 | Anyone who takes the life of someone's animal must make restitution -- life for life. |
| READER 3 | If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. |
| READER 4 | As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured. |
| READER 1 | Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, |
| READER 2 | but whoever kills a man must be put to death. |
| READER 1 | This is justice |
| READER 2 | And it is good and holy. |
| READER 3 | Good. |
| READER 4 | Holy. |
| READER 1 | But judgment and condemnation are for the judge, |
| READER 2 | Not the individual; |
| READER 3 | For the court, |
| READER 4 | Not the vigilante. |
| READER 3 | It is not for individuals to take into their own hands. |
| READER 1 | "You have heard that it was said ..." |
| READER 2 | Droned the Pharisees |
| READER 1 | 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' |
| READER 2 | To justify their personal hatred |
| READER 3 | Their personal retribution |
| READER 4 | Their personal vengeance |
| READER 2 | In personal relationships |
| READER 3 | Not in the courts! |
| READER 4 | To justify the venom in their hearts |
| READER 2 | Not in cases before a judge. |
| READER 3 | Their hearts did not display justice, |
| READER 4 | But vengeance; |
| READER 2 | Not law, |
| READER 3 | But license to hate. |
| READER 1 | But I tell you, says Jesus, Do not resist an evil person. |
| READER 2 | If someone strikes you on the right cheek, |
| READER 3 | turn to him the other also. |
| READER 4 | And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, |
| READER 3 | let him have your cloak as well. |
| READER 1 | If someone forces you to go one mile, |
| READER 2 | go with him two miles. |
| READER 3 | Give to the one who asks you, |
| READER 4 | and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. |
| READER 1 | Instead of hatred towards your enemy, |
| READER 2 | pour out love. |
| READER 3 | Instead of vengeance |
| READER 4 | Blessing. |
| READER 1 | If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; |
| READER 2 | if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. |
| READER 3 | In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, |
| READER 4 | and the Lord will reward you. |
| READER 1 | Do not be overcome by evil, |
| READER 2 | but overcome evil with good. |
| READER 3 | You have heard that it was said, |
| READER 4 | Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. |
| READER 1 | But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. |
| READER 2 | Sons of your Father, |
| READER 3 | Daughters of your Father, |
| READER 4 | Just like your Father in heaven. |
| READER 1 | He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, |
| READER 2 | On the evil, |
| READER 3 | And on the good |
| READER 1 | And sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. |
| READER 2 | On the righteous, |
| READER 3 | And the unrighteous. |
| READER 2 | He gives to those who love him, |
| READER 4 | And he gives to those who hate him. |
| READER 1 | If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? |
| READER 2 | Are not even the tax collectors doing that? |
| READER 1 | And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? |
| READER 2 | Do not even pagans do that? |
| READER 3 | Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. |
| READER 4 | Be perfect? |
| READER 1 | Mature. |
| READER 2 | Yes, be mature. |
| READER 3 | Grow up to maturity in your Father |
| READER 4 | Strive for that perfect, mature love that your Father has |
| READER 2 | For the righteous |
| READER 3 | And the unrighteous. |
| READER 1 | Jesus calls us beyond our childish petty hatreds |
| READER 2 | And unforgiveness. |
| READER 3 | Beyond retaliation |
| READER 4 | And vengeance. |
| READER 1 | He calls us to God's own maturity of love. |
| READER 2 | Be perfect, |
| READER 3 | Be perfect |
| READER 4 | Be perfect, therefore, |
| ALL | As your heavenly Father is perfect. |
 All lessons now compiled as a 220-page book available as an e-book or printed book. |
Part of a study on the Sermon on the Mount found at https://www.jesuswalk.com/manifesto/
Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor
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