Many Christians have asked themselves this very question. While in the midst of a war, I’ve heard other Christians bring up the question, “Do you really think Jesus agrees with the violence? What would Jesus do?”
If we believe what the Bible says about Jesus in Colossians 2:9, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Then we can look back through the Bible and read, even from the Old Testament, the character of God. The instruction God gave the children of Israel to claim their promised land might have some people questioning the gentle heart of God we see in Jesus. Keep in mind, though God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, the instructions in the Old Testament were given for that dispensation to deal with man in a particular way. From this, we can also further examine the character of God.
What then does the Bible have to say regarding violence?
Someone Who’s Personally Offended You:
I hear many take the scripture from Matthew 5:38-39 where Jesus tells the crowd, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” But as I’ve studied and read this in proper context, I see Jesus seems to be talking about personal vengeance. We learn from Matthew 5:17-18 that Jesus did not come to get rid of the laws of the Old Testament, but to fulfill them. We are no longer saved by the works under the law; however, the law does have much to teach us. The “eye for an eye” comment was made in Exodus 21:24 in context with other laws giving direction for a judge’s ruling. It’s likely, during the days of Jesus, people were taking the Law using it out of context and applying consequences personally. This is why I believe Jesus addresses other laws as well bringing clarification.
The Governing Authorities:
I do not believe that turning the other cheek means we shouldn’t defend our family or our land. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.” (Romans 13:3-5)
I believe our primary aim should be toward peace. “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:17) But when it is not “possible” to achieve peace without a physical confrontation against evil, then I believe there may be a case to lash out for the sake of righteousness. Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for every purpose under heaven; chapter 3, verse 8, “A time of war, and a time of peace.”
Did Jesus Ever Display Violence?
So, if you are wondering if Jesus was ever violent, I’ll share with you this passage from John 2:15 regarding His actions upon seeing the corruption being committed at the temple during the time of Passover:
“When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.”
This was not a conflict between Him and one individual, this involved many who were perverting the temple. Could Christ have handled it differently? Probably, but as Jesus is without sin, I believe there was a greater purpose in lashing out at the crowd than just giving them a peaceful talking to. Likely, Jesus knew that a point had to be made in a way that would cause these people to change their behavior. Simply saying, “Don’t do that” probably wouldn’t have been taken seriously.
Between Other Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
In regard to sins against God or sins against other believers, the Bible tells us “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19). We are given instruction in how to be toward others in Christ. Romans 12:14-16 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another.”
In Conclusion:
Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” As the scripture further elaborates, we learn Jesus is not referring to bringing a sword for violence, but to divide the righteous from the unrighteous. His message was that of peace, but until all is fulfilled through His return and reign, there will not be complete peace. I believe peace does start with us, but unless we are to be overruled by evil, we should recognize there is a time to retain or reclaim righteousness even if it means violence.
Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.