Thank you for the interpretation and application question on Matthew 5:40, “What is Matthew 5:40 really about?”
As I read Matthew 5–7, Jesus is teaching his followers about Kingdom Principles of Living in the Kingdom of God even in this world. This is in contrast to letter of the Law/Torah to the grace principle of God’s mercy upon his people in this world.
In a slightly larger context than Matthew 5:40, the text says this, “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” (A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages).
The Jewish Law limits the punishment for an offense against a person. If one loses an eye, that person can take revenge and take two eyes of that person. That is a code that was accepted by the Jewish people and even by our modern culture. There is limitation of damages or imprisonment for harm committed against a person or in debt to another person.
Jesus teaches his disciples to be unlike the people of this world but respond to others as God has responded to them. He said to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven (vs. 44–45a). God does not just give us what we deserve in life, but he is gracious even when we don’t deserve it. This teaching leads us to ponder our values in life. It is easy for one to cling onto his property and possessions. The attitude of one don’t become rich by giving away to others. It is the hoarding of wealth that one becomes rich. However, Jesus is teaching not about gaining wealth, but being a witness to the person of the grace of God in one’s life. As God has blessed me, let me be a channel of blessing to others. Even if one loses all of one’s wealth on earth, the treasures in heaven can never be taken from that person.
The Law required that a Roman can force a Jew to carry/walk for a mile with him and then he has fulfilled his obligation. Jesus said to go another mile so that he may wonder why you are doing this joyfully and not grudgingly. Who knows what that conversation may take in the extra mile of walk with that person or helping someone in need on a roadside. It’s not about winning or losing a lawsuit but what kind of a testimony have a left with that person who is suing me. If one is willing to give everything for the salvation of another person’s soul, then let that person don’t hold so dearly to his riches on earth. Use it to advance the Kingdom of God.
SUMMARY: Kingdom people seek to advance the Kingdom of God, not their own kingdom on earth.
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