SubscribeJesus tell us, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.” (Matthew 5:38-39)
This is a tough verse for me. It’s quite obvious that Jesus is calling us to live peacefully with one another, without exception. But…turn the other one to him as well? That’s just…well, crazy…isn’t it?
I find it very easy to talk about peace, and so far it’s been fairly easy to practice. But what would I do if someone struck me on my right cheek? I’m not positive how I’d react, but I’m fairly certain that it wouldn’t be in accordance with the passage above.
So I know how Jesus would react, but what about his followers? Well, it turns out that most of them (us) ignore this little passage. Is it because I’m taking it out of context, or is it because we’re falling short of God’s expectations for us?
Whenever I stumble into a conflict like this, I do a few things to try and resolve it. First, I pray, asking for guidance. Secondly, I try and look at what the Catholic Church teaches on the subject. After all, a hundred individuals could come up with a hundred different interpretations of the verse in question. In this case, the answer seems kind of complicated. Things like “just war” have to be considered. Whew. Confusing.
Another test that I use to determine right from wrong is to think about how a model Christian would react. How would St. Francis of Assisi interpret this verse? I’m fairly certain that St. Francis would be very Christ-like in a conflict situation.
I’m pretty confident that I know the right answer here, but for some reason I don’t like it. This is how conversion always goes for me. God challenges me. I resist. Pain or discomfort ensues. I give in and do it God’s way. I’m happy. I imagine that this situation will be no different.
Stephen
/ June 20, 2008Bible passages relating to personal defense can be somewhat intriguing or baffling. Consider Jesus in Matthew 26:52: “put your sword in your place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (NKJV). Earlier on though, Jesus seems to condone swords to a degree: “…he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one” (Luke 22:36, NKJV). Some people might argue that here Jesus is validating violent force as good but notice how in verse 38, he says just two swords are “enough” – two swords would hardly be enough to defend against a small police force let alone a Roman army. Jesus also wanted himself to be taken peacefully.
Perhaps Jesus is figuratively warning about future bad events/persecution and the swords are merely symbolic of that .
Perhaps God will use miracles to ensure that two swords are enough in a combat situation.
Perhaps God allows us to at least take basic steps towards defending ourselves or create an appearance of willingness to do so (ie. kind of like “wise as serpents”) but when push comes to shove wants us to be peaceful (ie. “harmless as doves”). These are just a few theories (I might lean towards this last one)
And I agree, “turning the other cheek” in all situations is simply “crazy” by this world’s standards but that is partly why what Jesus says is so revolutionary. Also, I believe Jesus may be establishing an impossible standard of goodness to convict people of their inevitably resulting sin – and thereby paving the way for His sacrifice as the only solution.
I recall once hearing a story (I think from a Bill Gothard seminar – which I do not necessarily endorse entirely) relating to this issue: A person was once robbed of his money on the street by someone and as the criminal was fleeing, the victum remembered Jesus’ instruction and called out to the criminal that he had some extra change as well. Needless to say I think the criminal was likely shocked – what an awesome witness that could be to the mercy and grace of God.
Penitent
/ June 20, 2008Great points, Stephen. As I said in my post, I think I know what the right thing to do is, but man is it hard to actually consider!