In the “you have heards” of Matthew 5 Christ takes familiar Jewish laws and show how they may be understood by one whose righteousness transcends that of the Pharisees. In Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus seems to agree with Exodus 21 in that when someone takes something from you or gives you offense perfect justice demands that exact recompense be made. Yet while Exodus 21 seems to entitle you, as a victim of eye loss, to the perpetrator's eye, Jesus rather suggests that the second eye may be yours as well.
We see in this lesson of sacrifice and humility a picture of the cross where God was able to exact mercy without suspending justice.
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