John 18:22-24

“Truth has a self-evident power of persuasion and those who oppose it find it difficult to deny.” Bible Knowledge Commentary

When hypocrisy is exposed fury results. Hence, the slapping of the Word made flesh, of the Truth and the Life. Rather than choosing to embrace Truth some people simply find it easier to evade it or fight against it or even seek to silence it by slapping it away. The wording used in our verses for today actually means “gave a blow on the face” – the first blow of many which the holy body of Jesus would receive. Micah had prophesized regarding this:

1 Marshal your troops, O city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod. Micah 5:1 (NIV)

No matter how much the fighting against or the confusion and the willing refusal of, Truth will forever stand. Therefore, we must confidently preach Christ and allow God to open the eyes that are blind. I am reminded of our Lord’s Word in Matthew stating wisdom will always be proved right by results:

“But wisdom is proved right by her actions." Matt 11:19 (NIV)

Those who questioned our Lord knew Truth yet chose error in a particularly degrading and disorderly way. Isn’t that just the way sin seems to flesh out? Our God is the God of encouragement, order, light and peace while Satan’s domain is one of disdain, disorder, darkness and confusion. Furthermore, this mockery and violence to a prisoner in a court of justice serves as a demonstration of the miserably low state to which the Jewish nation had fallen. Nothing seems to be a surer index of the real condition of a nation than the conduct of its courts. It would do well for us to remember the Proverb:

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Prov 29:2 (NIV)

When man begins to spiral down in sin there seems to be no limit to his wickedness. The court appears to have loved the darkness rather than to have embraced the Light. They are those whom Paul describes in Romans who hardened their hearts, refusing to believe what was most evident:

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)

Jesus’ reply to the one who struck Him is both calm and dignified clearly fleshing out His charge to His followers in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew – a charge which at first blush appears a bit confusing. Surely there are times when a Christian in honor of justice must protest against violence as well as certainly removing themselves from a dangerous and hostile circumstance. Our Lord’s underlying point, therefore, in the below verse in Matthew is regarding our rights – we must be willing to submit all of them to God – entrusting our care to Him. Christians are bond slaves to Christ:

38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matt 5:38-39 (NIV)

Peter elaborates a bit more on this for us clearing the confusion:

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)

“Our Lord here showed that His great precepts of patience are to be put in practice, not by outward show of the body, but by preparedness of heart. Visibly to present the other cheek is no more than an angry man can do. How much better then that with mild answer he speaks the truth, and with tranquil mind endure worse outrages.” Augustine