Reflecting on Matthew 47-56
“Put your sword back in its place!” (Matthew 26:52)
As a Jesus follower, non-violence needs to be a priority.
This is a hard thing to consider, especially when threatened.
Christians are divided over this issue, some ready to draw their swords.
They can use the Old Testament to justify this.
But they cannot use Jesus to justify this.
The Jesus Way is not the way of rebellion.
Jesus challenges the way of evil with the way of humility and grace.
It is a subversion by submission and service.
The Jesus Way is the God Way, the way of God’s creation kingdom.
It is the way of blessing and not cursing our enemies.
It is the way of turning the other cheek, going the extra mile.
It is overcoming evil with good, and not with more evil.
Those who know Jesus apply the Jesus Way in all their relationships.
This explains why Paul promotes mutual submission and service.
He does not urge women or slaves to rebel but to submit.
But He also urges husbands and masters to submit.
To forgo power and control, and to relate with love.
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)
This verse is usually ignored when speaking about submission.
I don’t pretend that non-violence is easy.
Those who see it as weak don’t realize it actually takes more strength.
Those who resort to force and violence are actually the weaker ones.
I admit that under threating circumstances, I would be weak.
I would not fully trust the Jesus Way to keep me safe.
I would attack a threatening enemy, if I had the means.
But in the end, the use of violence does not overcome evil.
It may postpone evil, and it may provide temporary protection.
But evil regroups, and violence resurfaces in new ways.
You can bomb terrorists, but you cannot change their hearts.
Choosing the live by violence will only lead to more violence.
Only the Jesus Way can change hearts, and overcome evil.
Non-violence may seem weak and foolish.
Look at Jesus, He was weak and foolish before the powers.
But the weakness and foolishness of Jesus is what overcomes evil.
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)
Under extreme circumstances I would fail in the Jesus Way.
Nevertheless, I will make non-violence a priority while I can.
I will pray for the Spirit of self-control, not other-control!
In all my relationships, I will aim to avoid force and violence.
For I believe that to live by love is the Jesus Way.
I will fail at times, but thankfully Jesus did not fail!
Lord Jesus, I know Your Way is best, and with Your help I will strive to follow Your Way. My Spirit is willing but my flesh is weak.
Thank You that Your Way of love covers over my weakness.