Beyond the Weekend

June 23 | Altercation

June 23, 2021

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Matthew 5:40

Read: Matthew 5:40
Listen: 
Matthew 5

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus’s second example goes after whether we think people are more valuable than our stuff. The gravity of what he says can be lost on us because shirts and coats are a dime a dozen. But a shirt and a cloak could be the difference between life and death in the first century. They weren’t cheap. Most people would only have one or two shirts and one coat. In this example, an altercation has led to the possibility of someone suing for a shirt. Jesus tells his listeners to have a heart so changed by God’s grace that they are willing not just to give up their shirt but also their coat.

Jesus is saying it is better to give away one of your key possessions than to harbor bitter thoughts and fight for every inch. A modern application of this would be a family feud about the division of family heirlooms. The old way is to argue about the jewelry or tools to make sure you get exactly what you wanted or what you think your parents wanted you to have. The new way says, “I value it, I want it, but I don’t have to have it. Go ahead and take it.” That’s the result of a heart radically shaped by what God has done for us.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Listen to the Ada Bible Worship team sing King of My Heart. When we make Jesus the king of our hearts, it allows us to set aside retaliation, instead extending grace and even generosity. We can do this because, as the song says, “You’re never going to let me down.” We can trust God will take care of us.


NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN

Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.

Today’s reading is Romans 6.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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