Turn The Other Cheek?
We have all heard this phrase, but what does it mean? Does it mean we are to let someone beat us up, become like sheep headed for slaughter? The only time this phrase is mentioned is when Jesus is teaching the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:38 we read, “You have heard it said, an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth. But I say to you do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:38-42). When Jesus mentions the phrase eye for an eye and tooth for tooth, He is making reference to the Law of Moses (Exodus 21:23-25). This law was set forth not so that someone could injure someone personally for injuring them; it was put in motion as a system of checks and balances. In other words, the law was saying the puni...