Compare Luke 22:38 with Matthew 5:39. How should Christians handle aggression? Setting the Texts Side by Side Luke 22:38: “So they said, ‘Look, Lord, here are two swords.’ ‘That is enough,’ He answered.” Matthew 5:39: “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” What Jesus Meant by “That Is Enough” • Context: Jesus has just told the disciples, “whoever has no sword should sell his cloak and buy one” (Luke 22:36). • Purpose: – To fulfill Isaiah 53:12 (“He was numbered with the transgressors”) by being arrested among armed men. – To prepare the disciples for a dangerous mission field after His departure (Acts 12:1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:26). • Limitation: Two swords among eleven men show the intent was not armed rebellion. When Peter swung one in Gethsemane, Jesus rebuked him (Luke 22:51; Matthew 26:52). What Jesus Meant by “Turn the Other Cheek” • A slap on the right cheek in Jewish culture was an insult, not a lethal threat. • Jesus calls His followers to forgo personal retaliation for insults, trusting God for vindication (Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 2:22-23). • The command addresses vengeance and spite, not self-defense in life-threatening situations. Reconciling the Two Passages • No contradiction: – Luke 22:38 allows prudent preparation against violent danger. – Matthew 5:39 forbids pay-back when wronged. • Key distinction: – Personal insult ➔ respond with meekness and grace. – Imminent harm to life or those under our care ➔ permitted, limited defense (Exodus 22:2; Nehemiah 4:13-14). • Jesus Himself modeled both: – Submitted to unjust arrest without resistance (John 18:11). – Escaped danger at other times (Luke 4:29-30; John 7:1). Practical Guidance for Handling Aggression 1. Examine the kind of aggression. • Insults, ridicule, social injustice ➔ absorb, forgive, bless (Matthew 5:44; Proverbs 15:1). • Criminal violence ➔ seek lawful protection; defend within reason (Acts 22:25; Romans 13:3-4). 2. Check the motive. • Defense of life and others’ safety can be loving. • Revenge, pride, or intimidation violate Jesus’ teaching. 3. Exhaust peace-making first. • “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). 4. Use proportional response. • “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). • Even necessary force should aim to restrain, not to destroy. 5. Trust God with outcomes. • Whether suffering wrongfully or defending, leave judgment to the Lord (Psalm 37:5-6). Summary Snapshot Christ calls His people to absorb personal offenses without retaliation, mirroring His own gentleness, while allowing measured, lawful defense against grave harm. Turning the other cheek guards the heart from vengeance; carrying “two swords” reminds believers to steward life responsibly in a fallen world—always under the authority of the Prince of Peace. |
    |