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 an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
– Matthew 5:38-42
Most of us are familiar with the phrase, “What goes around, comes around.” Many of us have used it, often to establish perspective in situations when someone has acted in a harmful manner. When we are on the receiving end of someone’s harmful actions, the “what goes around” mentality is a common response. And whether or not we are aware of it, we are naturally inclined to add, “and I’ll make sure you get what’s coming to you when I get the chance.” The more we allow ourselves to simmer in this line of thinking, the more we lend to the creation of a culture of retaliation. What we end up with is an endless parade of cheek-slapping and eye-gouging.
It does not appear that Jesus buys into the “what goes around” line of thinking, at least not as it serves to direct our actions. As with his previous points, Jesus draws on scripture and tradition, then moves us to an even higher calling than what the Law requires. In this case, Jesus begins with an idea found in the Torah, in passages where God gives the Hebrew people directives on how to live together in a civil manner.
It will be helpful for us to note three values that the Bible does not overlook. First is the value of accountability. The Torah has several passages in which God prescribes accountability for wrong actions. Exodus 21:15-17 list three specific offenses for which God prescribes death for the offender. Second is the value of measured limits. This establishes safeguards to ensure that punishment does not exceed what is appropriate. In modern language we might say, “Let the punishment fit the crime.” Exodus 21:22-24 describes this value at work. It is where we get the meaning of “an eye for eye.” Third we have the value of temperance. This calls us to self-restraint when tempted to pursue retribution. Deuteronomy 19:16-21 addresses the problem of a “malicious witness.” Simply put, if a person accuses another of a deed worthy of punishment, and is then found to have made the accusation wrongly and maliciously, then the punishment that would have been dealt to the accused will be carried out against the accuser. The result is that others, “will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such an evil thing among you” (v. 20).
Why mention these things? Because we need to trust that Jesus understood the spirit of the Torah. These texts weren’t just words on a page (or tablet, or scroll); they were works that revealed the heart of God so that God’s people may live well together. Jesus would never have debated or undermined what the Hebrew Scriptures taught. He understood accountability, and the need to make right whatever was wrong (see Matthew 5:24). He knew that evil actions come with consequences. He was able to forgive sins (Mark 2:5 e.g.) because he himself was going to bear the cost of them. If all this is true—and I contend it is—then why not be satisfied for his disciples to simply follow the letter of the Law when they have suffered wrong? Because following the Law would have been an ordinary reaction, and Jesus was in the business of raising extraordinary people.
Is a Roman soldier going to be impressed that you carried his gear for a mile? Hardly. The law of impressment has been around for a long time and used by various military forces, among them being the Romans. If you want to get that soldier’s attention, keep carrying the gear for a second mile. No one bats an eye when you do what you are forced or obliged to do. If you want others to see extraordinary character at work, suffer the task that you are not required to do. This is the kind of action that gets noticed. Doing what you are required to do is duty, obligation, or simply conceding to brute force. But doing what you are not required to do? That’s grace. That’s Jesus.
Consider how Jesus’ approach leaves the world a brighter place. Few would debate that persons who have been wronged deserve to see justice. It may be fair compensation for a loss, or the knowledge that an evildoer faces consequences for harmful actions. Still, it seems to do little more than leave us in that world of cheek-slapping and eye-gouging. Jesus’ nature is to take the high road of grace, forbearance and forgiveness in the hope that we may be healed of the scars we leave on each other. “Turning the other cheek” is a difficult path. Though few may travel it, those who do will be like children of God.
See you along the Winding Path.
The Winding Path 