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
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
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