Abe and Kyle tag-teamed on lessons today, each focusing on going beyond what is the minimum to help those around us using this popular passage as a focal point for both lessons:
Matthew 5:38-42 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”
Abe’s lesson was first, and focused on the command we have about “going the second mile” when those in our lives (work, home, school, or family) need help or support. God and Christ are clear that denying those in need are not the way we show Them in our lives. We need to address true needs, then when possible, take it further. Just as God and Christ have gone to great lengths to ensure our salvation and forgiveness, we should in turn go a long way to support others.
Abe’s lesson can be heard below:
Going the Second Mile – Martin
Kyle’s lesson focused more on always looking for ways to do more. Some of the focal points of his lesson were some of those we have been discussing in our classes. He talked about how David wanted to build God a temple but was not allowed due to the blood on his hand with the battles he fought. But David didn’t give up, he planned all the work for the temple and set-up workers to get the materials ready for when Solomon would start construction. He also looked at how Ruth remained with her mother-in-law Naomi when she could have just gone back to her people. In both cases, the focus on others starts with a focus on pleasing God!
Chronicles 22:1-4 – “Then David said, “This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” So David commanded to gather the aliens who were in the land of Israel; and he appointed masons to cut hewn stones to build the house of God. And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails of the doors of the gates and for the joints, and bronze in abundance beyond measure, and cedar trees in abundance; for the Sidonians and those from Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.”
Kyle’s lesson can be heard below: