An Eye For An Eye

Jesus’ ways were unorthodox. As a child I was told, “if someone slaps you, slap them back.” Now Jesus is saying, “… whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Mind you, in Exodus 21:24 and Leviticus 24:20, people were told, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Why are we now being told otherwise?

The laws in Exodus and Leviticus were not meant to be seen as an act of vengeance but rather it was to check vengeance.  It was to restrain man from being out of control and in anger – giving too severe of a punishment. Now we come to the New Testament and find Jesus quoting those same scriptures. Jesus says: “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 does not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” Revolutionary, right?! The teachers of the law found this very offensive, and so do many of us in today’s society. 

First and foremost, this passage teaches us that to be Christian is not simply a wishful matter. To be Christian is rather a matter of the heart much as it is practical to be visible to everyone. This kind of character is the core and foundation of the Christian Faith. Here Jesus is teaching how, as a disciple of His, we should respond when we are offended. 

You may wonder, who would sue for a tunic or robe but we see in Exodus 22:25-27, robes were used as a sort of down payment for a loan.  And what is meant by being forced to go an extra mile?  Under Roman Law, the soldiers could force individuals to carry heavy loads for them.  The Jewish people despised this practice. So Jesus was saying rather than refusing or complaining, be willing to carry their backpack an extra mile. Jesus gives various examples, so we can see the principle of refraining from retaliation and actually returning a blessing!

We are meant to be peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

As Jesus’ disciples, we are to sow seeds of love rather than enmity (Matt 5:50-41). Violence does us no good. It can never touch and later alone transform a heart. Take a good look at the world? What if we were to sow seeds of love and forgiveness instead of hate, enmity, and bitterness? Wouldn’t we have a peaceful world? What if we bless someone instead of arguing with them and accusing them? Wouldn’t today’s society be a better society?

What Jesus is saying here is that; evil should not be answered with evil. There should be a concerted effort to overcome evil with good. Thus the Apostle Paul teaches that we should never get weary in doing good (Gal 6:9). You and I know that it gets tiring to carry on doing good in the face of the overwhelming force of evil. This is why doing good is something the Holy Spirit must help us with; we cannot do it on our own. This calls for the bearing of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

Forgiveness can be very hard to display;  I know.  We want to fight for justice, for the truth to win, for consequences to fit the crime and wrongs to be righted. But Romans 12:17-21 says: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Oh, what a beautiful world we would have today if we all heed these words. As Christians, let us follow Jesus’ example and plant seeds of love in the world.