A Better Way

Subject: Wednesday Word
A Better Way – Living the Heart of the Kingdom

Scripture: Matthew 5:33–42
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ w 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. 

1. A Heart That Speaks the Truth

Jesus begins this section by addressing how people used oaths and vows. In Jewish culture, vows were often used to guarantee the truth of one’s words—swearing by heaven, the earth, Jerusalem, or even one’s own head. The deeper issue Jesus confronts here is integrity.

He says, in essence, “Stop the games. Stop adding layers to your words to make yourself believable. Be the kind of person whose words are trustworthy without needing a contract.”

This speaks directly to our modern lives. We live in a world of spin, half-truths, and manipulated images. But Jesus calls us to a life so deeply rooted in truth that our “yes” means yes, and our “no” means no—without qualifications, excuses, or exaggerations.

Reflection:
Do I over-promise and under-deliver?
Am I consistent in my speech and behavior, even when no one is watching?

2. The Power of Meekness

Next, Jesus confronts our instinct for retaliation. The law of “eye for eye” was actually meant to limit revenge—it was a call to fairness, not excess. But Jesus raises the bar again. He doesn’t just say “Don’t escalate”—He says, “Don’t retaliate.”

Imagine being slapped in the face (a deeply insulting act in Jewish culture). Jesus says, “Turn the other cheek.” In other words, respond to insult not with vengeance, but with dignity, mercy, and self-restraint.

And He doesn’t stop there. If someone sues you for your tunic, give your cloak too. If someone forces you to go one mile (as Roman soldiers could do), go two. Jesus invites us to step beyond what is required into what is redemptive.

Reflection:
How do I respond when I’m wronged, misunderstood, or mistreated?
Is my first instinct to defend myself, retaliate, or seek vindication?
What would it look like to live with Christlike meekness in that situation?

3. Generosity Without Reservation

Verses 40–42 brings it home with practical examples of radical generosity. Instead of resisting the one who sues you, instead of withholding help, Jesus calls us to be open-handed—even when the demand feels unfair.

This is not about being naive or enabling injustice. Rather, it’s about the heart posture of someone who trusts God with outcomes and chooses generosity over self-protection.

It’s an invitation to reflect the character of the Father, who gives freely even when we do not deserve it. When we give to those who ask—not just money, but time, attention, forgiveness—we display and echo the gospel.

Reflection:
Am I holding on tightly to what I have—my time, energy, resources—out of fear or control?
How is God calling me to live open-handedly today?

4. Walking in the Way of Jesus

This passage is a radical call—and it can feel impossible. But Jesus never calls us to something He hasn’t lived Himself. He didn’t just teach these things—He embodied them.
He didn’t retaliate when accused falsely.
He didn’t defend Himself when beaten.
He gave His robe, His time, His power, His very life.
He walked the second mile—straight to the cross—for us.
Following Him means walking that path of surrender, even when it’s uncomfortable. But on the other side of that path is freedom, peace, and resurrection life.

Reflection & Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I confess how often I cling to fairness and self-defense. Help me walk in Your way—a way of truth, mercy, and generous love. Make my heart and words trustworthy. Make my life a reflection of Yours. Help me turn the other cheek, walk the extra mile, and give without fear. I want to live the kind of life that only makes sense because You live in me.” Amen.

Love you guys. Have a great week! 

Pastor Jeret