Question: .

Recently, in the last month or so, I believe I read an article or essay on the internet having to do with the concept of turning the other cheek. As far as I can remember, this article/essay discussed the cultural significance to this concept, which (and this is poorly paraphrased...) had something to do with changing a physical position in relation to the one who is the instigator. The idea I got was that Jesus was not saying we should let someone who hits us hit us again, but to take non-violent action to prevent it. I'd like to re-read this article/essay, but can't remember where I found it. Can you help, or do you have any comments on this concept?

- K.C.

Answer:

Dear K.C.,

The verse to which you refer is Matthew 5:39. One of the basic rules of understanding the Bible is to ensure that you understand the context of the passage in question.

This passage occurs within what we call the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and specifically within five verses that address self sacrifice and personal injury. The Sermon on the Mount, among other things, contrasts the New Covenant administration of grace and truth with the Old Covenant administration of law.

Matthew 5:38-42 concerns itself with the "eye for an eye" principle of punishment and justice, designed to limit retaliation and provide for fair punishment. Jesus' point is that this legal principle is fulfilled by the object toward which it pointed - Jesus himself, who fulfilled the law. In Jesus, and within his kingdom, the emphasis is not on curbing evil as it is on forgiveness of sin, and the obedience that springs from the heart of transformed men and women.

Jesus gives four illustrations to give concrete examples of how the New Covenant would apply this legal principle. In the first, ("turning the other cheek") the teaching is not specifically about a blow to the face, but rather any and all gross insults (a slap on the cheek symbolized a gross insult). Instead of seeking justice under the law, Jesus instructs his disciples to endure the insult again, if necessary, for such a non-violent response is in keeping with his kingdom (which is not of this world, as he said in John's Gospel).

Jesus is not here literally addressing what a Christian must do when physically assaulted - rather he is addressing what and how a Christian should respond when insulted. Literal attempts to respond to Jesus' instruction usually miss the point, and fail to understand the context in which the verse appears.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht