Eye And Tooth Approach

Today we hear Jesus tell his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.  When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.  If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.  Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.  Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.” 

In this day and age the eye-for-an-eye and tooth-for-a-tooth approach seems to be standard practice.    Hit me; I hit you.    Insult me, and it will be returned.    Retribution and revenge are the norm.   This applies for individuals and governments.  

And let’s face it.   Offering no resistance to one who is evil is more than foolish; it’s reckless.  It’s simply bad strategy unless of course like during Jesus’ time, oppressors, such as the Roman Empire, have total control, all the power, and our only course of action is passive resistance that Jesus’ approach suggests.  It’s especially good strategy if it entails subtle insults such as those created by the cheek-cloak-miles approach only appreciated by the Jews who endured terrible hardships and foreign conquerors. 

I suggest the best way to understand this passage is to consider it as warning from Jesus that the eye-and-tooth approach simple escalates a conflict making it impossible for reconciliation and perhaps even forgiveness.  Strike back, and the striking goes on until blood is shed.   Throw insults, wait for the return volley, then watch the relationship be torn asunder.

It’s far better to look the other in the eye and say, “Let’s work it out.”   It far better to show teeth to the other through smiles and a willingness to see and appreciate the other side's view.   In this way, we walk together, and revenge is unthinkable.

Deacon David Pierce