[CYM] 27.0 Do Not Resist an Evil Person

Yeshua’s command to not resist an evil person is found in the Sermon on the Mount, where He redefines justice and retaliation for His followers.

In Matthew 5:38–39, Yeshua says:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Here, Yeshua contrasts the Old Testament law of proportional justice (Exodus 21:24) with a new ethic of non-retaliation. His instruction is not about permitting injustice or abuse, but about refusing to return evil for evil. It calls believers to respond with humility, mercy, and generosity, even when wronged.

He continues in Matthew 5:40–42 by giving further examples:

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

This radical posture reflects God’s grace and mercy, offering peace instead of vengeance.

While this specific phrase appears only in Matthew, the spirit of it is echoed elsewhere. In Luke 6:27–29, Yeshua says:

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

This shows that the ethic of nonviolence, forgiveness, and sacrificial love is central to Yeshua’s teaching.

Across the scriptures, Yeshua commands His followers to overcome evil with good, showing a countercultural way rooted in God’s character.