Mahatma Gandhi.
Moses: The punishment shalll be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. Exodus 21 v 24.
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT: Jesus. 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5: 38-48.
Can you imagine spending 27 years in prison, and then when you are released, forgiving your captors? The world has had some truly awful, and some truly remarkable leaders. Nelson Mandela must rank as the most enlightened leader for his ability to fully grasp the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount.
Instead of vengeance and retribution, he chose love. That doesn’t mean he was weak and pathetic, no, on the contrary, compassion is fierce. It means he wasn’t petty and cruel. He set an example of healthy masculinity, and together with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, embodied the teachings of Christ and John the Baptist.
John the morning star, forerunner of the great light, Jesus, the sun of righteousness.
Matthew 10; 34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn “a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” Jesus.
So which is it Matthew? The Sermon on the Mount in chapter 5, or Jesus the Warlord in chapter 10? How can two completely different philosophical positions be correct, and simultaneously inspired by God? It is this almighty paradox that makes the Bible such a challenging book to study. In the same sentence Jesus calls Peter, Satan, an obstacle in his path, yet hands him the keys to heaven and earth. God first created both Adam and Eve, and then later he created Eve from Adams rib.
It is this contradiction that leaves the Bible open to interpretation. Basically a Christian could argue any point based on the teachings found in the Bible. Thou shalt not kill, except for certain people. Love one another, but only some others.
And then there are those that choose to supersede the harsh teachings of Moses. Instead of equal punishment – eye for eye, it becomes an entire village for an eye. Hate fueled retribution driven by rage is radioactive and will end up poisoning the soul.
Moses – H Scille 1874 Library of Congress