Growing up I learned that Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation, played a major role in gaining its independence from the British. He started many movements including the non-cooperation movement in 1919-1922, the civil disobedience movement, the Salt Satyagraha of 1930-1931, and the Quit India movement from about 1940-1942. A key pillar of his belief was that “non-violence” would be the strongest weapon against colonial oppression. But where did he get this idea from? Little did I know that he learned this from the teaching of Yeshu. No one told me this!
In this video you’ll see a large crowd gathered to listen to Yeshu teaching the “Sermon on the Mount.” Gandhi said it “went straight to my heart.” We’ll just watch the last part that touched the heart of Gandhi and became the foundation principle of the non-violence movement.
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42
As a young man, Gandhi discovered the “Sermon on the Mount,” a famous set of teachings from Yeshu. When he read that those who are struck on one cheek should turn the other cheek also, Gandhi said, “it delighted me beyond measure and gave me comfort and boundless joy.” Throughout his life, Gandhi continued to return to Yeshu’s “Sermon on the Mount” as a source of insight and inspiration.
Like Gandhi, I’ve been deeply influenced by Yeshu’s “Sermon on the Mount.” In many ways I feel that by following Yeshu’s teaching to love and forgive, I am also fulfilling Gandhi’s dream for our nation. While I strive to “turn the other cheek,” I find that this is not easy; indeed, perhaps it is an impossible task. So I must totally rely on God’s strength and his Spirit to walk this path.
Questions
- Do you feel that you are just following rules to reach Moksh?
- Would you be willing to turn the other cheek if someone treated you badly ?
Final Thoughts
A life of following Yeshu is not about following a set of religious rules. It’s about a transformation of the heart that only the One who created us can bring about through a deep relationship of love with him. I don’t obey all the rules in the hope of reaching God. Rather, it’s God’s transformation of me that brings about the desire in me to follow his teaching … even the more difficult parts like “turn the other cheek.”
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48
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