A sword? I thought Jesus was all about love, peace, passivity. What's the deal with the sword? Why did He tell His disciples to sell their cloaks and buy one if they didn't have one. It's kind of hard to visualize Jesus carrying a sword. Yet when Jesus asked about them having a sword, the twelve produced two. And apparently Peter was one of the two toting one because he pulled it and took a swipe when they came to arrest Jesus. It wouldn't surprise me if Simon, the Zealot was the other.
So what's Jesus saying here in this text? Palestine was a dangerous place with all the political tensions. Was Jesus advocating being part of an insurrection against Rome or Herod or even the Temple guard? Was He implying with His impending death that there would be others coming after them? What's the deal?
Jesus isn't promoting violence or aggression. He isn't even talking about the disciples defending themselves against an angry mob. Jesus is preparing them for the spiritual battle ahead, about which His disciples hadn't a clue. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, our battle isn't against rulers and principalities of this world, flesh and blood. The spiritual battle we're in is fought on a different plane.
When I was playing football, back in the leather helmet days (just kidding), our coach would have us practice hard all week. Usually we were in full pads, but not always. Practice was often intense, but nothing like the competition of the game. Before each game we got the pep talk, where our coach would "pysche us up." He was getting us ready for the physical encounter of the game. Virtually, that's what Jesus was doing here. The mission of God was now going to be in their hands.
The image of Jesus' followers with swords may seem contradictory at first, yet it's an image the Bible clearly paints. Ephesians talks about taking up the sword of the Spirit as part of the armor of God. Hebrews refers the word of God as sharper than a two edge sword. Revelation paints an image of Jesus' return riding a white horse wielding a sharp sword with fire in His eyes. A true symbol of conquering victory.
I told our congregation this past Sunday that I was tired of the blond hair, blue eyed, effeminate image everyone paints of Jesus. It doesn't really appeal to me or invite me. I want see Jesus painted more like the image of Mel Gibson in Braveheart, riding around on His white horse rallying the troops. Now that could get me pumped up, ready for the game of life.
God, I sometimes forget that I'm in a spiritual battle in a realm that's over my head and beyond my understanding. Somehow or another I'm always forgetting to pick up my sword as I head into the day or my crisis or situation. I'm downright neglectful. I know I need my sword to do battle on a spiritual level. Thanks for reminding me. Thanks for assuring the victory.
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