Luke Chapter 9: Verses 51-56 (NIV-UK)
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.
Matthew Chapter 5: Verse 39 (NIV-UK)
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Jesus set off resolutely to get to Jerusalem for the climax of His ministry. There were different ways to get to Jerusalem, without having to go through Samaria. The Jews and the Samaritans didn’t get along, so often Jewish pilgrims would choose a route that avoided having to go through Samaria. But we have seen in the past where Jesus taught the story of the Good Samaritan, the acceptance and transformation of the woman at the well, showing us that He did not avoid mixing and ministering to Samaritans. Perhaps the disciples expected that Jesus would be welcomed into this village too. But when the villagers heard where they were going, they would not welcome them. Jerusalem as the main place of worship was a real stumbling block to the Samaritans so it seems to have struck a raw nerve. But equally it has stuck a raw nerve in the hearts of the disciples too, when we see how they responded to this rejection. And they were soundly rebuked by Jesus for the way that they behaved.
I’ve heard it said that we can tell the depth of our faith and walk with Christ by the way that we respond when we are crossed or disappointed. If someone treats us unfairly or badly, and our feelings are hurt, do we respond in kind, or, as Jesus teaches us to do, do we make the choice to turn the other cheek?
Its definitely not an easy thing to put into practice, and it’s even more difficult if we see someone that we love being treated unfairly. The disciples were offended on Jesus’ behalf. None of us like to see others being mistreated and can be quick to jump to their defence. But that’s not always what Jesus wants us to do, and He will be just as quick to rebuke us if we behave in the same way as the disciples did. When we realise how hard it is to put Jesus’ teaching on turning the other cheek into practice, we also realise that when we do so, its not a sign of weakness, as many people see it. To do that takes courage and strength, and makes us a little more like Jesus. Isn’t that what we want?
Dear Lord.
I confess that I don’t find it easy to always turn the other cheek. Give me the strength and courage to follow Your example that I might be more like Jesus. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.