The Sword Is Still The Way of the World
A reading for Tuesday, July 22, 2014: Matthew 26:47-56.
Jesus said, "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword."
The world again finds itself in the midst of conflict and violence. In Ukraine and in Gaza, but also in Chicago and on the southern border of the United States. Many call for the sword, in the name of peace and justice. We must lead, they say, if the world can ever find it's way back to peace.
We agree. The question for us as followers of Jesus Christ is what that leadership will look like? Will we succumb to the temptation to take up the sword too in the name of justice and defending our own (as the follower who defended Jesus did) or will we listen again to the Lord.
Jesus said, "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword."
Jesus said, "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword."
The world again finds itself in the midst of conflict and violence. In Ukraine and in Gaza, but also in Chicago and on the southern border of the United States. Many call for the sword, in the name of peace and justice. We must lead, they say, if the world can ever find it's way back to peace.
We agree. The question for us as followers of Jesus Christ is what that leadership will look like? Will we succumb to the temptation to take up the sword too in the name of justice and defending our own (as the follower who defended Jesus did) or will we listen again to the Lord.
Jesus said, "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword."
It's worth noticing that in the end of our story today, all the disciples fled and deserted him. All of them! It seems such a teaching isn't very popular either then or now. It seems the sword still is the way of the world...
May we the disciples of Jesus Christ pray for and work for peace today!
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