Turn The Cheek

Do God Say?

In the first century, the concept of "turning the other cheek" was understood as a call for patience and mercy, rather than seeking immediate justice or vengeance

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. This teaching was seen as part of the gospel's higher standard, surpassing the ancient law's focus on justice

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. The early Church fathers interpreted this command both literally and spiritually, with some suggesting it meant offering ethical teachings when faced with opposition to rational doctrines

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. This approach was considered a witness to future divine judgment and a test of faith

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. While the articles do not specifically address how this teaching was practiced in the first century, they do mention that the Roman world at that time was beginning to see legal reforms aimed at more humane treatment of slaves, though this varied considerably depending on individual slave owners

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Luke Comments

What is being referred to involves insult more than injury (cf.

The Strength of Surrender: Turning the Other Cheek

Summary: The theme 'Turn the other cheek' highlights the call for Christians to respond to violence and insults with grace and non-retaliation, reflecting God's love and mercy.

Application: This sermon can help Christians navigate personal conflicts and societal tensions by encouraging a posture of peace, kindness, and resilience. It reminds believers that responding with love rather than anger can break the cycle of violence in their relationships and communities.

Teaching: The sermon could teach that turning the other cheek is not just about being passive, but is an active demonstration of faith that trusts in God’s justice and promotes healing in fractured relationships.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, this theme points to Christ's own actions during His trial and crucifixion, where He exemplified the ultimate surrender and love by not retaliating against those who harmed Him. He embodied the fulfillment of the law by showing that true righteousness is found in love and mercy.

Big Idea: The big idea of this sermon is that true strength is not found in retaliation but in the courage to love and forgive even in the face of adversity, reflecting Christ's love.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider examining the cultural context of Jesus' teachings on retaliation found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:39). You might also explore the exegetical nuances of the Greek terms used in this passage and various interpretations throughout church history in your Logos library.

1. Forging Inner Strength

Matthew 5:38-39

Perhaps you could delve into how Jesus' teaching to turn the other cheek challenges societal norms of retaliation and justice. Reflect on how choosing non-retaliation shows an inner strength grounded in faith, much like Jesus exhibited during His passion. This point encourages believers to embody this radical form of love, trusting that their act of turning the other cheek can transform hearts and situations, reflecting the peace of Christ within.

2. Generous Grace in Action

Matthew 5:40-42

You could consider discussing the call to go above and beyond the demands of others, illustrating the extravagant nature of God's love. Jesus invites His followers to respond with unexpected generosity, which mirrors His selfless sacrifice. This teaching encourages believers to adopt a proactive stance of grace, changing the dynamics of relationships by showing kindness even when it is undeserved, as an expression of the incredible mercy shown to us by Christ.

3. Transformative Love Demonstrated

Matthew 5:43-45

Maybe you could explore Jesus' radical command to love enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This directive underscores the transformative power of Christ-like love, which goes beyond natural inclinations. It invites believers to witness to the Gospel by living out mercy and forgiveness, much like Jesus did. This point affirms that embodying such love demonstrates our identity as children of God and takes part in Jesus' mission of redemption.

The story of Jesus, when he was struck on the face during his trial, illustrates the concept of turning the other cheek. Instead of reacting in anger or defensiveness, he responded with calm and courage, embodying the lesson he would later teach in the Sermon on the Mount. This radical approach challenges us to consider how we respond to injustice in our own lives, encouraging us to uphold dignity and grace, following Jesus' footsteps.

During World War II, a soldier named Desmond Doss famously refused to carry a weapon due to his faith yet served as a medic on the front lines. His courage was tested time and again, yet he chose to rescue wounded soldiers instead of harming anyone, embodying the principle of turning the other cheek. His actions remind us that true strength lies in selflessness and the power of loving one’s enemies, much as Christ teaches us.

In the Scriptures, Joseph's story exemplifies turning the other cheek after his brothers betrayed him. Rather than seeking revenge when he had the power to do so, he chose to forgive and express love to them during their time of need. His ability to rise above personal pain serves as a powerful lesson in enduring hardships and extending grace, reminding us that true freedom comes through compassion and forgiveness rather than retaliation.

When a family member snaps at you over a minor issue, it can be tempting to respond with equal negativity. Instead, choose to turn the other cheek by deliberately responding with kindness—perhaps by making them a cup of coffee or asking if they need help with something. This action reflects Christ's love and grace, and can diffuse tension in the home, showcasing the power of humility and forgiveness in restoring peace.

If you're confronted with disrespect in public, such as being verbally attacked or insulted, resist the urge to respond angrily or defensively. Instead, practice turning the other cheek by calmly walking away or offering a simple, 'I wish you well.' This response demonstrates your commitment to peace and de-escalation, showing others that Christ-like conduct can triumph over hostility and negativity.

Luke Comments

If someone takes your cloak. The parallel in Matthew envisioned a legal situation in which the believer is sued for his inner garment (the tunic) and also gives up the outer garment (the cloak), which was exempt from legal suits because it was a basic essential for life (

Exodus 22:26–27 NET

If you do take the garment of your neighbor in pledge, you must return it to him by the time the sun goes down,for it is his only covering—it is his garment for his body. What else can he sleep in? And when he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am gracious.

Matthew Turning the Other Cheek, Letting God Vindicate Us (5:39)

Turning the Other Cheek, Letting God Vindicate Us (5:39)* As in much of Jesus’ teaching, pressing his illustration the wrong way may obscure his point. In fact, this would read Scripture the very way he was warning against: if someone hits us in the nose, or has already struck us on both cheeks, are we finally free to hit back? Jesus gives us a radical example so we will avoid retaliation, not so we will explore the limits of his example (see Tannehill 1975:73). A backhanded blow to the right cheek did not imply shattered teeth (tooth for tooth was a separate statement); it was an insult, the severest public affront to a person’s dignity (

New Testament Ia: Matthew 1–13 5:39 Turn the Other Cheek

OFFER THE OTHER CHEEK. ORIGEN: Jesus’ words regarding turning the other cheek concern more than simply long-suffering. For it is against nature to be so arrogant as to hit the other person. The one therefore who is “ready to give an answer” to every malicious person “concerning the faith that is in him” will not offer resistance

The Gospel of Luke The Golden Rule (Luke 6:27–38)

The Christian ethic is positive. It does not consist in not doing things but in doing them

The Gospel of Luke The Golden Rule (Luke 6:27–38)

The very essence of Christian conduct is that it consists, not in refraining from bad things, but in actively doing good things.