Be Careful with Your Sword
The Garden of Gethsemane was a peaceful place, and Jesus often went to that area to rest (Lk. 22:39). Moreover, on the night of His betrayal, He chose it as the place where he would pray to His Father. In the midst of the garden’s solitude, however, came the sound of a hostile multitude bearing swords and clubs, led by Judas.
The scene must have been chaotic as the mob grabbed Jesus and placed Him under arrest. In an act of rash bravery, Simon Peter drew his sword and swung it toward the captors, cutting off the ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest (John 18:10).
As a bloody fight was about to ensue, Jesus promptly ended it by saying “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). Moreover, Jesus reached out and miraculously healed the injured man’s right ear.
Perhaps we can learn a valuable lesson from this narrative.
In our defense of the gospel, we sometimes act like Peter. We rashly draw the sword of harsh rebuttal to those that disagree with us. In our well-intentioned attempts to defend the truth, we may inadvertently violate God’s will. The apostle Paul told Timothy, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all and in humility correcting those who are in opposition” (2 Tim. 2:24). Yes, we are to be ready to give an answer and defense to those who oppose God’s word, but we must do so with meekness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15).
During Jesus’ trial, He indicated that His Father could have sent twelve legions of angels to save Him (Matt. 26:53). But Jesus did not come to be rescued. In a similar way, God’s truths do not need to be “rescued” by fanatical Christians who denigrate and disparage those that oppose them. Instead, God’s word should be shared with concern and love. Remember - enemies prefer fighting to listening. So be very careful how you use your sword.
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
The Garden of Gethsemane was a peaceful place, and Jesus often went to that area to rest (Lk. 22:39). Moreover, on the night of His betrayal, He chose it as the place where he would pray to His Father. In the midst of the garden’s solitude, however, came the sound of a hostile multitude bearing swords and clubs, led by Judas.
The scene must have been chaotic as the mob grabbed Jesus and placed Him under arrest. In an act of rash bravery, Simon Peter drew his sword and swung it toward the captors, cutting off the ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest (John 18:10).
As a bloody fight was about to ensue, Jesus promptly ended it by saying “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). Moreover, Jesus reached out and miraculously healed the injured man’s right ear.
Perhaps we can learn a valuable lesson from this narrative.
In our defense of the gospel, we sometimes act like Peter. We rashly draw the sword of harsh rebuttal to those that disagree with us. In our well-intentioned attempts to defend the truth, we may inadvertently violate God’s will. The apostle Paul told Timothy, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all and in humility correcting those who are in opposition” (2 Tim. 2:24). Yes, we are to be ready to give an answer and defense to those who oppose God’s word, but we must do so with meekness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15).
During Jesus’ trial, He indicated that His Father could have sent twelve legions of angels to save Him (Matt. 26:53). But Jesus did not come to be rescued. In a similar way, God’s truths do not need to be “rescued” by fanatical Christians who denigrate and disparage those that oppose them. Instead, God’s word should be shared with concern and love. Remember - enemies prefer fighting to listening. So be very careful how you use your sword.
Live for the Lord in 2024!
Dennis
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