Dealing With Sacrifice
Dealing with Sacrifice
Nicolas Tan | 13 July 2025 | Matthew 5:38–42
This moving sermon unpacks one of Jesus’ most radical teachings — a call not just to endure sacrifice, but to embrace it in love. From surrendering our pride to letting go of control, this message reminds us that true Christian strength is found not in revenge, but in selfless sacrifice — just like Jesus.
🔹 Sacrificing Pride – Turning the Other Cheek
“Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” — Matthew 5:39
This isn't just about physical pain — it's about insult, shame, and humiliation.
Our natural reaction is to defend our ego, to fight back, to say something sharp.
But Jesus calls us to lay down our pride — not because we're weak, but because in God’s eyes, humility is strength.
The world says fight back. Jesus says yield in love.
Sacrificing pride reflects the character of Christ.
Even in our daily lives — in work, sales, school, and relationships — we face rejection and offence.
Don’t let it harden your heart. Don’t let pride lead your response.
🔹 Sacrificing Possessions – Letting Go and Going Further
“If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” — Matthew 5:40
“Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” — Matthew 5:41
The cloak in Jesus’ time was essential — it was a survival item. Jesus challenges us to release even what feels essential, to let go of what we cling to, be it:
Possessions
Status
Achievements
Pride or control
What are we holding on to that we’re not willing to sacrifice for God or others?
Going the extra mile may feel unfair, but it's a chance to surprise those who expect less and to shine the light of Christ.
Extra effort shows spiritual strength.
It builds trust, relationships, and reflects the heart of a generous God.
🔹 Sacrificing Control – Giving with Faith
“Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” — Matthew 5:42
One of the hardest things to give up is control.
We ask: If I give more, will I have enough?
But Jesus reminds us to give wisely, but give with trust — not in our own resources, but in the God who provides.
Jesus went all the way to the cross — not holding back even His life.
We don’t give out of guilt — we give out of gratitude and love.
🔹 Follow the One Who Sacrificed Everything
Jesus endured:
Insults
Torture
Shame
The cross
He did not retaliate. Even when His clothes were stripped, even when He was looked down upon, He gave everything.
He went all the way — for us.
When we are insulted or excluded for doing what is right — we are not victims, we are spiritual victors in Jesus’ eyes.
What we enjoy today is often the result of someone else's sacrifice.
🔹 Go the Second Mile – Beyond Obligation
To go the second mile is to exceed expectations.
It means forgiving first, even when it hurts.
It means praying daily, seeking joy in walking with God, even when others don’t understand.
When others offend us or seem unaware of the hurt they’ve caused, it’s easy to stay silent or bitter.
But Jesus calls us to loving confrontation, and if needed, to be the first to apologise.
🔹 You Can't Do This Alone – Rely on God
“When the world says take revenge, Jesus says be humble — and He will lift you up.”
Living sacrificially like this is not natural. We cannot love like this on our own.
But through the power of Christ, we can live a different kind of life — a life that transforms others through love.
🔹 Final Reflection: It’s Not Just What We Do, But Who We Know
This sermon reminds us:
It’s not just about following the rules.
It’s about knowing Jesus, and replicating His heart.
It’s about reflecting His sacrifice, love, and grace in a world that desperately needs it.
We don’t deserve grace — but God gave it anyway.
When we live like Jesus, we turn sacrifice into love, and love into transformation.
So today, will you choose to:
Sacrifice pride instead of striking back?
Let go of possessions instead of clinging to control?
Go the second mile instead of doing the bare minimum?
Follow Jesus. He gave everything — for you.
Let His example transform your heart, and through your sacrifice, let others see the love of Christ.
