TURN THE OTHER CHEEK...

When I was younger I wondered why Jesus would tell his followers to let people beat on them and submit to ill will without a fight. Then I found out what turn the other cheek really meant.

Now, I've found this little tidbit of history to go along with the rest of the story. Knowledge is power! :-)

The verse in question:

In Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, he spoke, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your outer garment, give your undergarment as well; and if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, go two.”

Here's some history.

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(begin snippet: 2006 sermon by the Rev. Forrest Gilmore)


A backhand was something Romans did to Jews, masters did to slaves, men did to women, adults did to children. To turn the other cheek is to prevent a second backhand, putting your nose in the way. It forces your superior to strike you with a fist,(or with an open hand to the left cheek) when only equals fight in such a way. It is to say, “I have dignity. I am your equal.” We recognize now that Jesus has a radical sense of humor, that he is encouraging people to engage in a kind of nonviolent ninjitsu – using the power of oppression against itself.

And Jesus’ other two phrases have similar twists of meaning.“If anyone wants to sue you and take your outer garment, give your undergarment as well.” At the time, the wealthy were often taking the poor to debtor’s court. The law allowed their outer cloak to be the last thing a wealthy person could take. But to give them your undergarment as well then you'd be what? Naked! And in that culture, it was embarassing not to be naked but to witness nakedness.

Imagine a poor person giving over his cloak and then his undergarments also. And then imagine that person walking naked out on the streets of town. His friends would ask him what happened. Crowds would gather. Others might join in the nakedness too! (solidarity not nastyness)

“If one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, go two.” Roman troops carried packs that weighed as much as 85 lbs. and there was a law at the time that troops could force people to carry their gear, but for no more than a mile. Imagine a Jew coming upon the mile marker and continuing to joyously carry the Romans pack, refusing to give it back. What would a Roman soldier make of this? Is this person crazy? Hostile? Kind?

Imagine the soldier trying to chase down the person carrying his pack. It would be completely bewildering to him.

(end snippet: 2006 sermon by the Rev. Forrest Gilmore)

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Demand equality not loss of respect. I like it. :-)