INTRODUCTION
According to many translations, Jesus instructs His disciples, “do not resist him who is evil” (Matthew 5:39, NASB). This is mistaken. What Jesus says is “do not resist by evil means.” Jesus resisted evil, but He resisted evil by doing good. He calls us to the same kind of resistance.

THE TEXT
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also . . . .” (Matthew 5:38-48).

EYE FOR EYE
Jesus again quotes from the Old Testament lex talionis , the “law of retribution” (v. 38; cf. Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20). He doesn’t dismiss it so much as suggest a paradoxical fulfillment of this law. The first example illustrates His point. A slap on the right cheek is a backhanded slap, an insulting slap rather than a danger to life and limb. Instead of carrying out retribution by returning a slap for a slap, Jesus calls His disciples to bear the burden of retribution and offer to receive a second slap. The “double restitution” comes back on the disciple, who bears the punishment on behalf of the one who assaults him. Just like Jesus.

RESISTANCE
Many have taken these instructions to be about “non-resistance,” but that’s inaccurate. Jesus is not telling us to “take it,” glowering resentfully as we get beat to a pulp. Jesus is teaching a form of resistance, but a form of resistance in which good triumphs over evil. Instead of perpetuating insults and blows, Jesus teaches His disciples to act in a surprising way that brings an end to the cycle. Following these instructions also, subtly, restores the dignity of the person under assault. Instead of being a victim of an unwanted blow, the disciple takes initiative into his own hands – he offers his cheek, he removes his undershirt, he goes a second mile, he gives to whoever demands (vv. 40-42). In doing so, he might also expose the bully for the brute that he is, turning the tables in a way that might bring shame on the oppressor. Slapping might make the slapper look virile. Slapping someone who’s willing to be slapped makes the slapper look cruel (think of the attack dogs of the Civil Rights Movement).

SONS OF THE FATHER
Jesus challenges the perversion of loving only those who love you (vv. 46-47). We are to love those near to us (cf. Galatians 6:10), but if our love is restricted by blood, race, kinship, church membership, or whatever, it is no better than the love of Gentiles and tax-collectors. It is not the righteous love that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees.

These instructions have been read as shrewd tactics for an oppressed people. They are that, but Jesus doesn’t justify them in a pragmatic way. When he instructs us to love enemies, He appeals instead of the example of our Father, who gives sunshine and rain to His enemies (v. 45). He ends this portion of the sermon with a restatement of the Old Testament demand, “Be perfect as I am perfect” (v. 48, cf. Leviticus 19:2). In context, Jesus has redefined “perfection” or “holiness” in terms of love for enemies and doing good to those who abuse us.