Reflecting on John 18:10-14“Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
It was Jesus who first suggested that Peter and the disciples take swords.
“If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36)
Jesus explains why, so that He and the disciples would be seen as ‘rebellious sinners’.
“It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’” (Luke 22:37)
In other words, Jesus was not defending the right to bear arms.
When Peter uses the sword to fight, Jesus stops him firmly.
“Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
“For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)
The first reason points to God’s mission and purpose for Jesus.
The second reason points to the folly of fulfilling that mission with violence.
Violence is the result of sin, and it only results in more violence.
Jesus came to break the cycle of sin and violence, to overcome evil with good.
Jesus does not win by using force, overpowering the enemy, asserting control.
Jesus wins by living God’s way, the way of humility, grace and compassion.
This was His mission, and our mission too… the cup we must drink!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we are sent into this sinful violent world like You -- to overcome evil, hate and violence God's way with humility, grace and compassion. Carrying swords (or guns) only identifies as transgressors, not as Jesus followers.