Matthew 5:39 – Jesus Doesn’t Want You To Be a Wimp
You’ve been told a lie. “Turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) isn’t a commandment to be weak. It’s a call to defiance. I’ll prove it to you in less than 10 minutes.
Most people think of Jesus as a wimp. It doesn’t help that He’s been depicted for centuries in art as effeminate, fair skinned, blonde haired and passive. This is so far from the truth it’s almost impossible to reconcile. Jesus was strong. He was confrontational. He was assertive. But, He was never retaliatory. And that is the true context of Matthew 5:39. When Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, He was calling us to a strength beyond our wildest dreams.
An Eye for an Eye…
One very practical rule of understanding a Bible verse, is to read the verses around this. We’ve already seen this with Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 46:10 and Romans 13:1. Let’s do the same with Matthew 5:39:
You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your coat also. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and do not reject the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:38-42 NET)
Jesus quotes the Torah, which sets the context for the entire section of the Sermon on the Mount. “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”
Jesus quotes the Torah, which sets the context for the entire section of the Sermon on the Mount. “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” This is originally found in Leviticus 24:19-21, and it’s all about retaliation:
If a man inflicts an injury on his fellow citizen, just as he has done it must be done to him— fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth—just as he inflicts an injury on another person that same injury must be inflicted on him. One who beats an animal to death must make restitution for it, but one who beats a person to death must be put to death. (Leviticus 24:19-21 NET)
You Have Heard it Said…
Whenever a rabbi began a teaching with the phrase, “You have heard it said…” he was indicating that reinterpretation of Torah was coming next. Torah says that all retaliation must be reciprocal. If someone injures you, causing you to lose sight in an eye, your retaliation cannot go beyond that. You can blind that person in the eye. This is legal within the Torah. But it isn’t God’s best plan. And Jesus is about to show a better way.
But I Say To You…
What follows Jesus’ quoting of the Torah is the better way. He’s not abolishing or setting aside Torah. Jesus is elevating it.
Turn the Other Cheek
What about someone who is suing you, wrongfully? Jesus says to give them beyond what they’re asking for. It’s about being bigger and stronger than your adversary. You want my coat? I’ll give you my shirt, too. Now what are you going to do?
Go The Extra Mile
But the most defiant action was what Jesus said next. The Romans practiced massive psychological warfare over their subject nations. One tool for this was the command to carry a Roman soldier’s gear for a mile. A soldier could compel any citizen to do this. If you refused, the soldier had the option of killing you – on the spot. So, how did Jesus tell us to respond? Look them in the eye, pick up the gear, and walk two miles.
Retaliation is weakness. But, as Christians, we are to follow Jesus’ example. The religious leaders of Israel hated Him and condemned Him to death. The political leaders from Rome mocked Him and placed the words “King of the Jews” above His cross. So, Jesus laid down on the cross and extended His hands and feet. He allowed His executioners to drive the nails. Why? Because He knew He could conquer death. After that, what could they do to Him?
