Justice in the Kingdom of God
Pastor Caleb Clark
October 13, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction: The Nature of Jesus' Lordship Over All Things
Recap of previous messages in the series: money, politics, and greatness.
Today’s focus: Jesus and justice.
Justice is deeply ingrained in the human heart, as humans are made in the image of a just God.
However, sin has warped our understanding of justice.
Jesus' Radical Teaching on Justice (Matthew 5:38-48)
Context of the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus addresses common societal understandings of justice (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth).
Jesus challenges the cultural and natural inclination for retribution.
Components of Kingdom Justice
Withholding What Is Deserved
Jesus calls for turning the other cheek instead of retaliating.
Human instinct: when hurt, hurt back (e.g., a slap for a slap).
Jesus teaches restraint; don't give back what seems deserved.
Applies not just to personal physical harm but to insults, rumors, and everyday conflicts.
Loving your enemies is a radical departure from the natural response to hate those who harm you.
Giving What Is Not Deserved
Jesus takes it further: not only do we refrain from retaliation, but we actively bless our enemies.
Turn the other cheek, give your cloak, go the extra mile.
These actions symbolize grace—giving people what they don’t deserve.
Jesus calls for loving enemies and praying for those who persecute you.
This is not merely passive; it requires active, intentional love.
The Foundation of Kingdom Justice
The Benevolence of God
God’s justice is tied to His mercy and grace.
God sends rain and sunshine on both the just and the unjust.
Jesus points out that God’s generosity is for everyone, even those who do not deserve it.
Our actions toward others reflect the mercy God has shown to us.
We are beneficiaries of God’s grace, receiving blessings we do not deserve.
Imitating the Father’s Character
Jesus calls us to be “perfect” as our heavenly Father is perfect.
Perfection here means imitating God’s mercy and love, not moral flawlessness.
God's justice is not immediate retribution but delayed for the sake of mercy.
Understanding the Final Judgment
Though we are called to be merciful now, ultimate justice belongs to God.
Romans 12:19: "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
Jesus teaches that a day of final justice is coming.
On that day, all wrongs will be righted, and God’s justice will be fully enacted.
Until that day, we are called to leave judgment to God.
The Practical Call for Christians
Withhold Retribution in Personal Conflicts
Reflect on those who have wronged you—practice forgiveness and restraint.
Resist the temptation to strike back when hurt or offended.
Actively Bless Your Enemies
Pray for those who have hurt you.
Seek opportunities to show love and grace to people who have wronged you.
Examples: being generous to someone who has slandered you, offering help to an adversary.
Be Captivated by God’s Mercy
The ability to live out this radical justice flows from an understanding of God's grace toward us.
Worship God with a heart that is filled with awe for His mercy.
Without recognizing God’s grace in our lives, these commands will feel burdensome.
Conclusion: Living Out Radical Kingdom Justice
Jesus embodied this teaching on the cross:
He took the punishment we deserved and gave us the grace we did not earn.
He is the perfect model of withholding retribution and giving undeserved love.
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this same radical justice in our lives.
Let Christ’s example fuel our love for enemies and our pursuit of justice.
Closing Prayer:
Ask for God’s help to live out this challenging call to justice.
Pray for strength to love enemies and for the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts.
Biblical References
Matthew 5:38-39
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."Matthew 5:40-41
"And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."Matthew 5:42
"Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."Matthew 5:43-44
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."Matthew 5:45
"...so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."Matthew 5:46-47
"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?"Matthew 5:48
"You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."Romans 12:19
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"
Reflection Questions
What does it mean to "turn the other cheek" in your personal life? How does Jesus' teaching on non-retaliation challenge your natural response to conflict or injustice?
Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Who are the people in your life that you find it hardest to love, and how can you practically follow Jesus’ command toward them?
How does understanding God's grace—giving us what we do not deserve—affect your view of justice? In what ways can you reflect God's grace in your interactions with others, especially those who have wronged you?
In what areas of your life do you struggle with wanting to seek retribution or vengeance? How can you trust God to bring about ultimate justice, rather than taking it into your own hands?
Jesus teaches that God's justice is balanced with mercy and grace. How can you grow in reflecting both God's justice and mercy in your daily interactions, especially in situations of conflict or disagreement?
Daily Activities
Practice Non-Retaliation for a Week
Activity:
For the next week, whenever you feel wronged, resist the urge to retaliate or respond in anger.
Application:
Offer grace by choosing silence or kindness. Keep a journal of moments where you were tempted to react and how you responded instead, reflecting on how it aligns with Jesus' teaching to "turn the other cheek."
Prayer for an Enemy
Activity:
Identify one person who has hurt you or with whom you have a strained relationship.
Application:
Commit to praying for this person every day for a week. Pray for their well-being, their needs, and for God's love to reach them. Reflect on how your feelings towards this person evolve throughout the week.
Two-Mile Service
Activity:
This week, look for opportunities to go beyond what is expected in serving others.
Application:
Whether it’s helping a friend, family member, or colleague, aim to exceed expectations and give more than is asked. Reflect on how this practice impacts your relationships and attitude.
Intentional Acts of Generosity
Activity:
Make it a point to give to someone in need this week.
Application:
It could be giving money, time, or resources to a charity, a homeless person, or someone in your community. Reflect on how this act of generosity changes your perspective on material possessions and people in need.
Forgiveness Reflection
Activity:
Take time to reflect on someone who has wronged you in the past. Write a letter (not to send) expressing forgiveness and releasing any lingering bitterness or desire for revenge.
Application:
In the letter, acknowledge how God’s mercy and forgiveness toward you inspire your ability to forgive. Reflect on how this practice brings peace to your heart.
