Luke 9:53-56

Have you ever wanted to take matters into your own hands, quickly seeking revenge and not willing to wait on God’s hand to move? I have. The disciples did – particularly James and John a/k/a “The Sons of Thunder”! They were ready to “call down fire from heaven” to destroy those annoying people who did not welcome them! How easy it is for us to seek revenge! In response to their question, Jesus gives a stern rebuke. The word translated “rebuke” is from the Greek word “Epitimao” meaning “To blame, censure, chide, rebuke, warn, or berate. It is an abrupt, curt, and biting charge pointedly expressing disapproval, the taking to task of someone for a fault, and connotes a sharp or harsh tone. The word implies a warning is involved in confronting an undesired action which one hopes to curb.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible New Testament Lexical Aids. God gives us fair warning concerning this very matter too. It is found in Romans Chapter 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)
We cannot control what comes out of someone else’s mouth nor can we control the actions of others. What we can control is our response to them. This is what we are held accountable for. God says we are not to repay evil for evil. We are to live above that. Like Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount: 38 "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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matt 5:38-42 (NIV)

The Bible Knowledge Commentary gives us insight to the above verses:

5:38-42 (Luke 6:29-30). The words Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth come from several Old Testament passages (Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21); they are called the lex talionis, the law of retaliation. This law was given to protect the innocent and to make sure retaliation did not occur beyond the offense. Jesus pointed out, however, that while the rights of the innocent were protected by the Law, the righteous need not necessarily claim their rights. A righteous man would be characterized by humility and selflessness. Instead he might go “the extra mile” to maintain peace. When wronged by being struck on a cheek, or sued for his tunic (undergarment; a cloak was the outer garment), or forced to travel with someone a mile, he would not strike back, demand repayment, or refuse to comply. Instead of retaliating he would do the opposite, and would also commit his case to the Lord who will one day set all things in order (cf. Rom. 12:17-21). This was seen to its greatest extent in the life of the Lord Jesus Himself.”

Peter tells us:

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)
As always, Christ is our perfect example of patient submission to unjust suffering. We too are called to entrust our lives to the One who judges justly. Again, the Bible Knowledge Commentary states: “ Humanly speaking, the provocation to retaliate during Christ’s arrest, trial, and crucifixion was extreme. Yet He suffered in silence, committing Himself to God. Peter explained (1 Peter 2:24) why the One who could have destroyed His enemies with a word patiently endured the pain and humiliation of the Cross. God was justly judging our sins which His Son bore (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21). In the Greek the words “our sins” are near the beginning of the verse and thus stand out emphatically, while He Himself stresses Christ’s personal involvement. His death makes it possible for believers to be free from both the penalty and the power of sin and to live for Him: so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness (cf. Rom. 6:2, 13). Christ suffered so it would be possible for Christians to follow His example, both in suffering and in righteous living.” Perhaps our unjust suffering could be speaking volumes to the offender, pointing them to Christ. Responding in love to evil goes against human nature and causes others to take note that “these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).