Turn the other cheek???!!! Matthew 5, Jesus, and nonviolent resistance

'Turn the other cheek' is probably one of Jesus' most quoted sayings. And I would argue it is probably one of the least understood.

Did Jesus really counsel cowardice and non resistance to evil? Or have we misunderstood his words in their cultural context? The teaching of Matthew 5, while far from easy, is a clear call to creative nonviolent resistance to the powers of evil. Not becoming like them through violence, and not letting them get away with it through passive acquiescence. This exemplifies the life of Jesus!

This sermon was preached at Pakenham Lakeside Church on Sunday 23rd February 2020.

Enjoy!