Ponder This
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One of the most controversial teachings of Jesus can be found in Matthew 5:38-41. It appears to be in sharp contrast with the law in Leviticus which advocates matched retaliation, and which says;
Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury.
(Leviticus 24:19-20)
But Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. ’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”
(Matthew 5:38-41)
Often, this scripture is misconstrued to mean accepting injustice. But let us examine it our context, and in the cultural milieu in which it was said. In our context, when someone slaps you on the right cheek; and instead of holding your face and crying, you turn the other cheek for him to slap; is it a sign of submission to injustice, or a sign of defiance? Further, in ancient Israel, history has it that most people were right-handed and the right-handed backhand slap (which lands on the right cheek of someone facing you) was only meant for inferiors – Masters to slaves, Romans to Jews etc. The expected response was for the slave to cower, submit, and sneak away. It was supposed to be humiliating, and the only way to avoid the humiliation was to return it!
But Jesus said don’t accept the injustice (by sneaking away in humiliation), and don’t exact your own justice either (by retaliating). He showed a third way; to turn the other cheek. This is non-violent resistance. It says, “I can hit you back, but I chose not to.”
The Bible is replete with Jesus practicing non-violent resistance, and I give a few that come to mind here:
- When he was accused of using Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24-27)
- When he was accused of being a glutton (Matthew 11:19),
- When he healed the servant’s ear (Luke 22:49-51)
The greatest show of non-violent resistance by Jesus, however, was on the road to the cross! They spat on him, beat him, slapped him and mocked Him(Matthew 26:67-68). He had earlier said He could have requested for “more than twelve legions of angels!”(v.53)
Jesus is the greatest fighter of injustice, but in a new way: by silent defiance and non-violent resistance. He hates sin as much as He hates injustice, but He never fought them violently. How else would He have forgiven us our sins?
Forgiveness is the highest form of non-violent resistance. It is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of restraint in the face of injustice.
As we celebrate Easter, let us ponder this, and emulate it.
MEMORY VERSE
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
(Matthew 5:38)
QUESTIONS
What injustices have you suffered?
How do you think Jesus would have reacted in your situation?
PRAYER TIP
Father, please help us to be like Jesus when faced with injustice, to show grace and forgiveness.
TODAY IN HISTORY
After Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, events were recorded for each day leading to His death and resurrection. The week is referred to as Passion Week, or Holy Week.
In “Today in History” we go on that journey with Jesus, stating what happened on each day, and the scriptural references.
Please come on the journey with us.
THURSDAY
On the Thursday following his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus:
- Celebrated the Passover, and Last Supper with His disciples (Luke 22:7-20)
- Washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:3-17)
- Was betrayed and arrested that night (Luke 22:47-65)
URGENT CALL
Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!
God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer”
for guidance if you want
to make that decision.
Then develop your new relationship
with God through your Quiet Time.
Then find a Bible-Believing Church
where you can Fellowship with like
minded people.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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