Lesson 8: Turning the Other Cheek
Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:38-42
Thank you for joining me today as we reflect on Matthew 5:38-42. In this passage, Jesus challenges our instinct for retaliation and calls his followers to embody a radical Kingdom ethic of grace and selflessness.
Beyond the Law of Retaliation
Jesus begins by quoting the well-known legal principle, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’" (Matthew 5:38). This law, known as lex talionis, was given in the Old Testament (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21) to ensure that justice was proportionate and restrained. It was intended to limit excessive punishment and prevent personal vengeance.
However, Jesus moves beyond the legal framework to call his followers to something greater: “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil" (Matthew 5:39). Rather than seeking revenge, disciples of Christ are to respond with grace, absorbing offenses rather than retaliating. This doesn’t mean permitting evil to flourish unchecked but rather refusing to return evil for evil (Romans 12:17-21).
Radical Grace in Action
Jesus provides four striking illustrations of how Kingdom-minded people respond to wrongdoing:
1. Turning the Other Cheek – “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39). A slap on the right cheek likely refers to a backhanded insult, a deep offense in Jewish culture. Instead of retaliating, Jesus calls his followers to forgo vengeance and demonstrate meekness.
2. Giving More Than Required – “If anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well” (Matthew 5:40). In biblical times, a person’s outer cloak was essential for warmth and couldn’t legally be taken permanently (Exodus 22:26-27). Jesus teaches that his disciples shouldn’t cling to their rights but willingly surrender even what is legally theirs for the sake of peace.
3. Going the Extra Mile – “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles" (Matthew 5:41). Roman law allowed soldiers to compel civilians to carry their burdens for one mile. Instead of resisting, Jesus instructs his followers to exceed expectations and serve willingly, demonstrating love even to oppressors.
4. Generous Giving – “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” (Matthew 5:42). Kingdom generosity isn’t about calculating what we might lose but about reflecting God’s abundant grace toward us.
Jesus’ teaching here is truly radical. Yet he’s not advocating passivity in the face of evil, nor is he calling his followers to be doormats who let others exploit them without wisdom or discernment. Rather, he’s commanding a self-denial that actively chooses grace over vengeance, love over retribution, and humility over personal rights. This is the essence of taking up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), dying to self, and living by the Spirit (Galatians 2:20). Paul echoes this in Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This isn’t weakness but Christlike strength, reflecting the heart of the Savior who, when reviled, did not revile in return (1 Peter 2:23).
At the same time, Scripture doesn’t teach that we should enable abuse or allow oppression to go unchallenged. Jesus confronted injustice (John 18:22-23), and Paul invoked his rights as a Roman citizen when necessary (Acts 22:25). Yet, in personal relationships and daily interactions, we’re called to be a people who trust God’s justice rather than seeking our own. Our radical love and willingness to surrender personal grievances testify to the transforming power of the Gospel, pointing others to the ultimate example - Jesus himself.
Key Principles
Jesus calls his followers to respond to offenses with grace rather than vengeance (Matthew 5:38-39).
True disciples are willing to surrender their rights for the sake of Christ’s kingdom (Matthew 5:40-41).
A heart transformed by Christ is quick to give and serve without expecting repayment (Matthew 5:42).
Bible Study Questions
How does Jesus’ teaching contrast with the Old Testament law of “an eye for an eye?” (Matthew 5:38; Exodus 21:24)
Why does Jesus instruct his followers to turn the other cheek instead of retaliating? (Matthew 5:39)
How does surrendering our legal rights, as in giving up one’s cloak, reflect Kingdom values? (Matthew 5:40)
What does “going the extra mile” teach us about Christian service and humility? (Matthew 5:41)
How does Jesus’ call to generosity challenge our attitudes toward personal possessions? (Matthew 5:42)
How does Romans 12:17-21 reinforce Jesus’ teaching on responding to evil with good?
What are some practical ways we can apply the principle of non-retaliation in daily life?
In what ways does Jesus’ teaching on radical grace reflect God’s treatment of us?
How can we balance Jesus’ call to selflessness with the need for justice and accountability?
How does this passage challenge cultural norms about defending personal rights and seeking retribution?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
Are there situations in your life where you struggle with the desire for retaliation?
How can you cultivate a heart that responds to offenses with grace rather than anger?
What is one way you can “go the extra mile” in your relationships or community?
How does Jesus’ teaching on generosity challenge your perspective on giving?
How can you model the kind of selflessness Jesus describes in your workplace, family, or church?
Have you ever had an opportunity to respond to wrongdoing with kindness instead of revenge? What was the result?
How does understanding Christ’s sacrifice help us embrace a lifestyle of non-retaliation?
What does it mean to surrender your “rights” for the sake of the Gospel?
In what ways can we demonstrate radical grace to those who mistreat us?
How can you rely on God’s strength to live out this difficult but essential kingdom principle?
Action Steps
Identify someone who has wronged you and choose to release any bitterness, responding with grace instead of retaliation.
Look for an opportunity this week to “go the extra mile” by serving someone without expecting anything in return.
Intentionally give to someone in need, whether through time, resources, or encouragement, reflecting the heart of Christ.
Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this passage. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. If you found this study helpful, please consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe as well.