A Year-Long Exploration of the Sermon on the Mount: Week 22

Chapter 22 – Overcoming Evil

 

Last week we leaned into a discussion around “an eye for an eye.” This week we continue into Matthew 5:39-42 and explore “turn the other cheek”, moving from the law of equals to the topic of public humiliation.

 

Matthew 5:39 says, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also.” This is a very popular saying, even though plenty might not realize it’s from the bible. “Turn the other cheek” is usually interpreted as letting it go, be the bigger person, and things like that. However, when looking at Jewish scriptures, it means a whole lot more than simply ignoring what has happened and walking away. In verses 40-41, Jesus goes on to mention giving up the shirt off your back, going the extra mile, and lending what you have to those in need. I’m sure these are all familiar sayings, or at least notions, within popular culture. Although, I will admit that it feels as if we do these less and less. But I digress.

 

According to Levine and Brettler in The Bible With and Without Jesus,

“The three examples Jesus gives, regarding the slap, the suit, and the subjugation, together reveal their import: do not escalate violence; do not give up your agency; shame your attacker and retain your honour. As with the other inunctions in this section, his concern is correct community relations, rejection of violence, honesty to others, and acting mercifully and justly as God would.” (p. 202)

 

All of these notions have become so ingrained into our social culture that we’ve forgotten their original meaning and purpose. As I mentioned above, turning the other cheek means more that ignoring what happened and moving on. Assuming the person is right-handed, a slap on the right cheek would equate a backhanded slap, saved usually for masters to slaves or soldiers to peasants. Hitting someone on the left cheek would be a fully open-handed slap designed to humiliate the person, giving them the choice only to fight back or cower.

 

Similarly, giving up one’s coat is meant to signify more than simply generosity, and going the extra mile demands much more than making an extra effort.

 

Footnote: “The Bible With and Without Jesus” by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler. Published by Harper Collins Publishers in 2020. The discussion above is found in pages 202-203.