Luke 22: 47-53
A crowd gathered in the dark of the garden. The religious authorities had sent their guard. Judas of the Twelve, the betrayer, led them to the place. He kissed Jesus and the temple police came forward to arrest him, swords and clubs at ready. The revolution is about to begin or is it? Jesus’ companions asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Is that not the way to win? Isn’t violence necessary to change significantly the way things are done? Shouldn’t we defend the innocent, the righteous, the good, with every force available? We have swords, too! History tells us that’s the only way to stop evil. One of Jesus’ followers struck the first blow cutting off the ear of the slave of the high priest. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” and healed the slave’s ear.
A crowd gathered in the dark of the garden. The religious authorities had sent their guard. Judas of the Twelve, the betrayer, led them to the place. He kissed Jesus and the temple police came forward to arrest him, swords and clubs at ready. The revolution is about to begin or is it? Jesus’ companions asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Is that not the way to win? Isn’t violence necessary to change significantly the way things are done? Shouldn’t we defend the innocent, the righteous, the good, with every force available? We have swords, too! History tells us that’s the only way to stop evil. One of Jesus’ followers struck the first blow cutting off the ear of the slave of the high priest. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” and healed the slave’s ear.
Can you follow this Jesus? Can you not use the power you possess? Do you agree that violent resistance is not necessary? How do you understand Jesus?
We now live some two thousand years later. Our “swords” are much more powerful. But we still must arrest those who disturb the “peace” of our society. We still attack those who we consider dangerous. We still make mistakes in justice. We still misjudge and condemn those who are innocent and advocates of a better way.
What does Jesus say to us today when we draw our swords? Or would you not ask this question of him?
Lord Jesus, what does it mean to follow you? We would defend you. We would please you. We call you Lord. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
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