Jesus on retaliation in Matthew 5:39

Today, I'm reposting a snippet from actor / singer / wife / mommy / writer / traveler / foodie and RH advocate Lea Salonga's blog, about Jesus' teaching on retaliation, including two of the comments made in reaction to her post. The two comments had opposing views on the meaning and interpretation of the rabbi's teaching. When you read them later on, take a pause, and ask yourself which view makes more sense to you.

But first, here's what Lea had to say:

In the New International Version (En) of Matthew's gospel, in the fifth chapter, Jesus is recorded as saying:

[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 anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

Something to think about...
Written by Lea Salonga
Last updated Monday 07 February 2011 | 23:28
Not too long ago I saw a documentary about Jesus, and one of the sections struck me... apparently, in Matthew 5:3-9 [corrected - 5:39], Jesus is quoted as saying that if we are struck on the right cheek, to turn the other one to him also. The explanation given on the documentary was one that showed Jesus not as a proponent and peace and love, but of not wanting to be treated like a slave or second-class citizen.
Think of it this way... let's just say most everyone was right-handed, which meant that if you were struck on the right cheek, you were struck by the back of the right hand. The gesture is demeaning and insulting, and is only administered by one intending to put another in his or her place. By a husband to a wife; master to slave. To turn your other cheek is to demand that you be struck as an equal, and not as a subordinate, and back in the day, that just wasn't done. In short, Jesus said, "Don't let anyone demean you."
In today's parlance, Jesus said, "Don't let anyone make you his bitch."
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.
I like that although Jesus teaches us all about unconditional love, He wasn't always a nice guy. Awesome.

Lea's Twitter: @msleasalonga
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Comment #6:

An attack on punitive Judaic justice - posted by Teki on 2011-02-26 | 02:15

The entirety of Matthew 5 was actually Jesus' way of going against traditional but harsh Judaic ordinances prescribing what is called "lex taliones" (the law of retaliation). 
In Judaic times, pecuniary fines were imposed depending on the level of injury: a) striking with hands shut warrants paying a "shekel"; b) smiting the face with a double fist or using the palm of one's hands to strike a cheek imposes 200 "zuzim"; c) but if one uses the back of a hand to strike a cheek, the fine is 400 "zuzim". (Back of the hand strikes on the right cheek was considered a greater reproach.) 
Matthew 5:39 and its preceding and subsequent passages is not about being meek. Jesus was giving people "tips" about seeking grievance against injuries with the intent to fully secure justice without the need for revenge.

Comment #3:

turning the other cheek - posted by dfftan 2011-02-14 | 01:00

Hi Leah, I'm a long time fan. Regarding this passage which is from Matt 5:39, the meaning is actually the reverse of what you understand it to be. Forget left handed or right handed. The key to understanding is reading the passage 5 verses before and after it. If you do, you will see that it really means accepting the suffering. Go further to verse 44 it says, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This verse is about Love. If anyone has questions still, please email at info@defensoresfidei.com. God bless all...

What do you think? Was Jesus a prophet of social equality as much as he was a preacher of compassion and "unconditional" love?