Justice and Mercy
“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 one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
Matthew 5:38-41
This is a very familiar and misunderstood passage of Scripture. Some have believed it speaks of absolute pacifism and does not permit self-defense. Although Jesus does speak against retaliation and revenge, I do not believe Jesus is saying that there is no allowance for self-defense or that one may not be a part of the military.
First, Jesus deals with the issue of justice. “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is found in Exodus 21:23-25 and Leviticus 24:19-21. This is teaching the idea of retributive justice and the upper limits of punishment for a crime. Retributive justice is the idea that when one commits a crime, he incurs a moral debt that must be paid back to society. We still use this language today when someone is released from prison we say, “he has paid his debt to society.” This law, often called the “law of retaliation” or in the Latin, “lex talionis,” was meant to show the upper limit of punishment. The punishment could be equivalent to the crime, but it must not be more than the crime deserves. There was to be no cruel and unusual punishment. Jesus brings in the issue of mercy. Although we can demand justice, it is also good at times to show mercy and not give a person what he deserves.
This is what Jesus means with the next four examples. Jesus is dealing with the issue of retaliation, but he is not saying one cannot practice self-defense if under attack. Notice that Jesus says if someone slaps you on the “right cheek…” According to the World Atlas, approximately 90% of the people of the world are right-handed. If this was talking about a violent strike and a person hit with his right hand, what cheek would he strike? His left cheek. Presuming a person is right-handed, a blow on the right cheek would be a backhanded slap with an open hand which would not be a violent attack but a humiliating slap. Jesus is NOT saying if someone violently attacks you, you may not defend yourself. He is saying if someone humiliates you that revenge is not the best response, turning the other cheek is. And in certain instances God’s people were instructed to defend themselves against attacking enemies so self-defense cannot be inherently wrong.
Jesus is saying that showing humility and graciousness in response to being taken advantage of is the better way. Why is it better? When we respond in grace and mercy when someone mistreats us, we exemplify the gospel and demonstrate grace by our actions. Not only does a gentle word turn away wrath (Prov 15:1 and a lesson I was reminded of recently), but also when we respond like Christ, they may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven (Matt 5:16).
Does this mean that we should allow ourselves to be abused, mistreated, and taken advantage of? I don’t believe this was Jesus’ intention when speaking this. We live in a fallen world where people are sinful, evil, and manipulative. There were times when a person asserted his rights such as when Paul, a Roman citizen, was about to be whipped even though it was illegal (Acts 22:24-29). Further, when the foreign nations were going to overtake Israel, they were instructed to fight back, and God would be on their side. I do not think we can address every situation or circumstance. Many times, it will be a matter of wisdom, godly counsel, and the leading of the Holy Spirit that will help us to respond. Further, we are all made in the image of God and as such should be treated with dignity and respect. The principles Jesus teaches here are challenging, but they must be viewed considering the rest of the teaching of Scripture to understand rightly.
