Matthew 5:38 – 41 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the evil man [who injures you]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your undershirt (tunic), let him have your coat also. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two [miles].” (Much of today’s devotional material is taken from https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/what-does-it-mean-to-turn-the-other-cheek)
We live in an age where people become offended in the blink of an eye….and they treasure up these offenses and then vent on social media or go to court. The purpose of such actions is retaliation: punishing someone who has inflicted a hurt. Unfortunately, most times media posts and court cases only result in more damage. While social media did not exist in Jesus’ day, human nature has not changed since Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. What was Jesus talking about in these verses? Are we supposed to allow ourselves to be used as punching bags?
In Matthew 5:38 Jesus begins with a reference to the Old Testament legal principle of “an eye for an eye” found in Exodus 21:24 and Deuteronomy 19:21. The purpose of this Old Testament guideline was to place limits on legal punishment, and ensure that punishment for a crime committed not be more severe than the crime itself.
Matthew 5:39 begins by saying “do not resist evil.” The phrase “to resist” is from a Greek word that refers to standing up in opposition to, arguing with, or disputing with, as in a court case. So, the verse begins by advising us not to engage in legal disputes and quarrels with people even though they may be in the wrong. In other places, the New Testament clearly tells us to stand with firm resolve against evil (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:13). But entering into contentious disputations with evil people is advised against.
What about the striking on the cheek? Lightly striking a person on the right cheek using the back of your hand was a common form of insult in first-century Judea. We do not have to interpret Jesus’ teaching as telling us to respond to a violent punch in the face by asking for more. Jesus’ teaching is: don’t trade insults with your adversary, even if it means opening yourself up to more of their insults. No, you do not have to become a punching bag!
Jesus’ teaching is about diffusing conflict rather than allowing conflicts to escalate. He advocates we stop the cycle through a willingness to suffer wrong. This same principle is taught by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:7-8 (notice the legal setting once again). A never – ending exchange of insults becomes a feud, which has the potential to get worse and worse perhaps even to the point of violence!
What about taking a financial loss for the sake of peace? In Matthew 5:40 Jesus offers the example of a lawsuit where you might be required to provide a security deposit. In our modern society, this would be like posting bail. In the Jewish culture this security deposit would often be an article of clothing (a very valuable item in those days).
Then Jesus offers an additional example of civil obligations (Matthew 5:41). In those days a Roman soldier had a legal right to require a Jew to carry his backpack for a mile. As a resident in an area occupied by Rome it was part of your civic obligation. In both these cases the principle is to act more generously than the law requires, and to go above and beyond the minimum requirements to create peace with those who might otherwise be your enemies.
Peace and reconciliation You might be within your legal rights to retaliate in like manner to insults or other personal affronts, but a willingness to suffer wrong is the only way to move toward reconciliation. Additionally, going above and beyond the minimum legal requirement can help make friends out of enemies.
Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is attempting to teach the ways of the Kingdom of God. Do these principles work? Mahatma Gandhi thought so. Gandhi’s “peaceful non – resistance” tactics eventually led to independence for India from the British. The American Civil Rights Movement employed the tactic of non – violent resistance, using sit – ins, bus boycotts, and demonstrations. While authority figures retaliated with violence, the film footage and photos of peaceful citizens being unjustly beaten and jailed ultimately created such negative publicity that the Civil Rights Movement succeeded in changing the face of America.
Whom do you hate? Is there anyone whom you would just love to punish? Anybody who has insulted you or hurt you? LET IT GO! Your hatred and scheming for retaliation is doing nothing but making you sick. While you are planning revenge, the blood vessels in your heart, your brain, and your kidneys are constricting. Your blood pressure is rising. Your stomach is producing more acid. Some people say that “revenge is a dish best served cold.” But Jesus would say, “Revenge is a dish that should be thrown out with the rubbish!”
PRAYER : Father God, this teaching is very difficult! We really want to retaliate when we are hurt. Please change our hearts so that we can forgive and make peace. Help us to absorb insults rather than to react to them. And please help us to become peace makers. In the matchless Name of Jesus. Amen.
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