“May I ask a question: Did Jesus mean what He said?”
Again and again, our trained responders answer honest, searching questions like that one. They bring thoughtfulness, biblical literacy, and kindness to these seekers.
Here is an example of one such exchange with the answer greatly abbreviated. Note how much care was taken to provide context and clarity.
Zohair, an Algerian man, recently wrote to Brother Rachid, quoting from Matthew 5:38-39, part of the famous Sermon on the Mount:
“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" (NIV).
Zohair asked: "Is it possible to apply this?"
What a great question!
“If so," he continued, "how can justice be established and how can the young and old be secure? Rather, the wicked and criminals will win. If Jesus did not mean what He said, each one will interpret what Jesus said according to his mood and whim. “
How would you have responded?
Our trained staff member answered:
"Peace of the Lord Jesus be upon you. Thank you for this most beautiful question. I agree with you 100 percent that if what was intended was the literal application of turning the other cheek, then this would be unfair. But what we know about the perfection of Christ's moral qualities makes us not believe that He ... must have meant something other than the outward literal meaning. … "
Then he offered some helpful background:
- Christ did not come to abolish [God’s former laws] but to complete them.
- God had said, [in one of the 10 Commandments]: “Do not kill.”
- Jesus then said, “I say to you: that everyone who is angry with his brother in vain shall be liable for judgment.”
- That is, He did not cancel the commandment but added a spiritual dimension: We will be held accountable, not only for the outward appearances but even for the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Returning to the original question. . . .
Our responder continued with his answer to Zohair:
- After Christ came and began the reign of grace, God did not deal with righteousness but with grace, on the basis that Christ had paid the price on the cross. That is why Christ said: "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
- Turning the other cheek should not be taken in a literal sense, just as we do not have to literally cut off the hand as stated in the same Sermon on the Mount passage. All [of God's] laws give the individual the right to defend himself and his family when his or her life is in danger.
- What Christ intended was that we should not return offense with the same, because this is against His teachings — such as in 1 Peter: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing” (1 Peter 9:3).
- Christ Himself did not tolerate evil and did not turn the other cheek when the servant of the high priest slapped Him during the trial, Instead, He said: “If I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” (John 18:22-23).
- He also said: "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" (Romans 12:19).
And note the gracious truth of his closing:
"I am with you that rising above revenge exceeds our natural ability as human beings. But God gives the ability to control anger. Indeed, if everyone avenged himself, the world would become a jungle. The Bible commands us to obey kings, presidents, and rulers, and to respect the laws of our country — whether the earthly laws are fair to us or not. God will take revenge on all those who wronged us.
"I hope this answered the question and we are happy to answer any other questions. God bless you and please stay in touch."
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