Friday 29th March
Read Matthew 5:38-42
“‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” 39 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. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (NIVUK)
Slapping of the cheek is a rare occurrence today, except perhaps at the Oscars. In ancient times it was meant as an offense – as a deliberate insult. It indicated to the one slapped that they were not worthy of respect. If a right-handed person (which was most common even then) slapped someone on the right cheek, then they have done so with the back of their hand – complete disdain.
To be thought of as so insignificant usually results in retaliation. Our pride is stung and we can’t help but want to strike back. Yet Jesus asks that we turn the other cheek, that we accept further humiliation and disrespect. It is counter-cultural in every way, both then and now. Yet it is nothing more than He Himself endured.
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’ 25 For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:23-25) (NIVUK)
