A knife can be used as a tool to do useful things. It can also be used to commit violent acts.
Same with a sword. Jesus made various references to the use of a Spiritual Sword. But in all cases, the use of The Sword was for good and not evil.
What is this Spiritual Sword? Paul told us, what it is. The Sword of The Spirit is The Word of God.
Paul said,
“Take the helmet of salvation and The Sword of The Spirit, which is The Word of God.”
Ephesians 6:17
Paul also told us how powerful that Sword is. It is much more powerful than any physical sword.
“For The Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12-13
Jesus knew that in spite of His intensive training, His Followers would be tempted to forget the sword He wanted them to use.
He wanted them to give up the use of their physical sword and instead learn how to use their powerful Spiritual Sword.
Jesus shared The Last Supper with His Disciples. He revealed to them that one of them would betray Him. They wondered who it was.
But then they quickly moved on. Look at what happened next.
A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.
Luke 22:24
Jesus gave them yet another lesson in humility. He carefully reminded them that being in authority was to be a servant, not a master.
He gently reminded them of His Authority.
He said,
“ I am among you as one who serves.”
Luke 22:27
Then He served up something so wonderful it would take years to digest.
He said,
“I confer on you a kingdom, just as My Father conferred one on Me.”
Luke 22:29
Then Jesus spoke specifically to Peter, telling him,
“Simon, Simon, satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32
Jesus knew, not only the tests before Him, He knew the testing to come for all His Disciples.
Peter, however, was sure he would prevail by his own strength. He declared he would go with Jesus to prison or death.
Jesus told Peter he would deny him.
Peter was determined to prove Jesus wrong. He saw himself as loyal. He saw himself as strong.
Jesus again gently interjected.
He reminded all His Followers that when He had sent them out, they had wanted for nothing. But in the coming days, He said, they would need to have some physical preparations.
He told them to get several things … a purse, a bag and a sword.
Wait! He told them to get a sword?
Yes.
Remember a sword, like a knife, is both a tool and a potential weapon. After all Jesus had taught and modeled on non-violence, He was not changing to advocating violence.
But his still immature disciples zeroed in on the swords, proudly proclaiming they already had two.
Jesus’ reply has too often been interpreted as approval, but I do not think it was.
I imagine Jesus doing a deep sigh and perhaps an eye roll. I imagine Him thinking, “Did I not just review non-violence, humility, being a servant?”
And then, to stop any continuing banter, Jesus, like a good parent said,
“That is enough.”
Luke 22:38
After that they went to The Mount of Olives. Jesus prayed. But He also directed His Disciples to pray for themselves and each other.
Jesus said,
“Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”
Luke 22:40
After Jesus prayed apart from them for awhile, He returned and found them sleeping. Once again, He implored them to pray. As He knew the testing and temptation were about to begin.
He said,
“Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
Luke 22:46
Soon afterward, the chaos began. Judas arrived with soldiers. Judas kissed Jesus. In spite of the best spiritual training anywhere, in spite of being in the very presence of God Who had authority over everyone and everything, Jesus’ Followers said,
“Lord, should we strike with our swords?”
Luke 22:49
And before Jesus could even answer, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.
Now before we are too hard on the disciples, think about the world today. People who carry The Name of Jesus are at this moment carrying out acts of violence. Some are doing so in Jesus’ Name, even quoting scripture to prooftext their actions.
How did Jesus handle Peter’s impulsive misuse of his sword?
He healed the victim’s ear. He then spoke to Peter and anyone else thinking of dealing with conflict through violence.
‘Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Matthew 26:52
Think of the swords you carry. You may have any number of physical things that could be used as a tool or a weapon.
But you also carry other things that can heal or hurt. You carry words. Do your words heal or hurt?
Most importantly, are you using The Sword of The Spirit? And are you using it as God intends it to be used?
If you are not sure how to use your Spiritual Sword, ask God. He does not mind giving repeated lessons until you understand. Peter finally understood and became the rock on which The Church was built.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.
1 Peter 1:22
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8
P.S. God wink. In case you forget what The Sword is, God has given you a clue in the word itself.
sWORD
