| The Glory of the Common Life |
Chapter 6 |
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People say that, of course, he did not mean he would do this literally. If not, just what did he mean? If some one were to smite you on the right cheek, what ought you to do? What would Jesus himself do? It is not in civilized countries in our times that one actually strikes another in the face; but what kind of treatment does face smiting stand for? It may be regarded as a type of anything of the nature of personal insult, wrong, or indignity. If we would know just what Jesus would do in a case like this, we have an actual illustration in his own life. When he was on his trial, an officer smote him on the cheek with his hand. Did Jesus literally turn the other cheek? No; he asked the officer why he had smitten him. There was no anger in the question – it was not a hot word that he spoke. He did not return the blow. He showed no temper. He bore the insult without resentment, without bitterness, only challenging its justice.
When we study Christ’s conduct in all his life, and note what he did when he was wronged or insulted, when they spat in his face and buffeted him, we find that he was always most gentle and patient in return. He did not resist him that was evil. He did not contend for his rights. He endured wrongs without complaining. When he was reviled, he reviled not again. When he suffered cruelty or injustice he threatened not. There are certain trees which, when struck, bathe with fragrant sap the axe that cuts into them. Thus it was with Jesus when he was hurt – it only brought out in him more tenderness, more sweetness of love. When they drove nails into his hands and feet, the blood that flowed became the blood of redemption.
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