The Hardest Teaching of Jesus

About a month ago, I had a friend (someone whose opinion I respect) suggest an idea to me about the passage about turning the other cheek. Since I am going to disagree with him here I will leave it up to him to "out" himself if he wants. Anyway his theory was that he thought maybe Jesus was talking about taking revenge and that we should not take revenge ourselves. He wasn't talking about not defending ourselves. In other words if somebody attacks you it is ok to defend yourself but once the threat is over it isn't ok to lash back at the person. When I first heard it I thought yeah that makes a lot of sense. It was a very appealing idea and meshed with how I felt but I told him I would have to read it again before I came to a conclusion. Here is the passage:

You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. -Mat. 5:38-42 NIV

Those are very hard words to live by! I think that is why an easier way is so attractive. I don't think the passage is just talking about not taking revenge though. Jesus says to "not resist an evil person." I also think there is plenty of other Scripture that backs up that conclusion:

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 -1 Peter 2:23 NIV

Jesus himself left us a powerful example. He had the disposal of all heaven yet didn't even so much as utter a threat. I think it is the NAV that says "He was reviled but did not revile back" (or something close to that) However I don't think this should ever be mistaken for weakness or pacifism. Jesus did defend his teaching from the Pharisees and teachers of the Law, he also used violence when cleansing the Temple. I think the key is that we are not to defend ourselves but we are to defend others! I would use whatever actions necessary to defend my family against someone causing them harm and it would be immoral for me not to. I had another friend describe himself as a personal pacifist. I may not completely agree with his conclusion but I think that is a good way to describe it. I will not defend myself but I will defend the defenseless.

I could go on and discuss "Just War" philosophy etc... but I think I will leave it with one last thing. I talked about this with my parents and my Mom had a piercing point. Basically she said why are we even worrying about a violent situation which for most of us rarely if ever happens when we can't even let someone insult or slight us in some small way without retaliating or defending ourselves. "...Why not rather be wronged?..." -I Cor 5:7