Why Was Jesus Considered A Counter Culture

In this paper, I will argue that Jesus’ teachings found in Matthew 5:38-48 concerning violence were counter cultural for His time and is still considered countercultural in modern times. In order to show this, I will first deal with the culture of violence in modern times. Then, I will deal with the culture of violence in Jesus’ time. Finally, I will present and explain the context and message of the referenced scripture. Once I have done this, it should be clear that Jesus’ teachings about dealing with violence were counter cultural in his time and is still considered counter cultural today.
Violence is a huge part of our culture today. The latest publicized atrocity was the November terrorist attack in Paris, killing over one-hundred innocent
people and injuring hundreds of others. In America, there have been 145 school shootings recorded since the Sandy Hook elementary mass shooting that occurred on December 14, 2012. (Wing) According to the Open Doors non-profit organization, in North Korea there are 50,000-70,000 Christians being tortured because of their faith in North Korean Labor Camps. There once was a large contingency of Christians living in Iraq that has almost completely diminished due to persecution. These are just two examples of the one-hundred million Christians who are persecuted because of their beliefs worldwide. ("Take Action")
During the time of Jesus, leadership and Roman rule during the time of Jesus was oppressive and violent.
At the time of Jesus’ birth, King Herod reigned over Judea. He was given control over the land by the Romans and was also deemed King of the Jews. King Herod was known to be a very jealous and ruthless ruler. When rumors started spreading about the Messiah being born, he ordered the deaths of all baby boys under the age of two in Bethlehem. ("King Herod") Jesus’s family was forced to flee to Egypt in order to protect the life of Jesus. The Roman soldiers were given tyrannical authority. As a result, the Jewish people were often physically abused and taxed unfairly. Of course Jesus’ death was by crucifixion, a horrific method often used by the Romans to kill foreigners. The torturous flogging leading up to His death was just as vile and also a common form of
punishment.
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38-44 gave the Jewish people of His day a clear directive on how to deal with violence. This directive also applies to His followers of the modern day. I’ll start with the latter part of this scripture and then go back and explain the beginning verses. In verses 43-44 Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This was counter to how the Pharisees had interpreted the law. They believed they were only required to love those who loved them. Their interpretation made much more sense to them. It is easy to understand why the Jewish people longed for a Messiah that would conquer, and be victorious. They were tired of being victimized by the Romans, longed for freedom, and wanted revenge.
Two-thousand years later not much has changed as far as people wanting revenge due to violent acts. I will never forget the day Osama bin Laden was killed. The United States had gotten revenge, we had conquered, and been victorious. I remember seeing celebrations on the news and many celebratory Facebook posts concerning his death. I wasn’t upset that he had been killed, however, I was upset about the reaction of people. It gave me a sick feeling, it was almost like the evil was palpable. I didn’t celebrate, but I certainly was not lifting ben Laden’s family up in prayer either. Loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute is not the natural tendency, it was much easier for Christians and non-believers alike to celebrate and be happy about justice being served.
In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus brings violence down to a personal level.
The law stating an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, was just and fair. It was implemented so that the punishment would be justified for the crime and so that people wouldn’t take justice into their own hands. However, in these verses Jesus wants his followers to look beyond institutional justification. (Wiersbe) This is why he gives the example of turning the other cheek. Being hit in the face was the ultimate humiliation in Jesus’ time. In our time too, for that matter. If someone turns the other cheek, the victim experiences freedom because he is allowing another person to strike him again. He has the power over his enemy by resisting evil instead of fighting back and creating more of the same. The same applies to his example of a tunic and cloak. A lot of Jesus’ followers probably only owned one tunic and cloak. So, it was a big deal. By giving more than what is asked one is choosing love over more evil which produces freedom. Finally, walking two miles instead of one. Erwin McManus gives the example of a Roman soldier having the power to make anyone a slave for the day. Someone may have had to walk a mile under excruciating conditions and at the end the Roman soldier could say you’re done, go home. The person had a choice to cower off in fear and let evil win or voluntarily go another mile. By going another mile, the person is free and is making a conscience decision to not let evil control
them. (McManus)
Donald Trump has successfully used hate and violence to promote himself as the Republican Candidate. We can choose to be angry about the state of politics today and fuel the hatred as many have done. If someone throws a tomato, beat them up! If someone yells something you don’t like, clobber them. We have a choice today just as people did back in Jesus’ time to choose His way and not the world’s way. We are called to be different. The feeling of satisfaction through retaliation is fleeting. But, dealing with evil according to Jesus’ teachings builds lasting character. (McManus)
As you can see, circumstance have changed, but violence has always been a part of our history and will continue to be. The sinful condition of the human race has also remained the same. This is the reason Jesus’ teachings about dealing with violence are just as counter cultural today as they were in His time