Buy A Sword But Don't Use It

The story of Peter cutting off the ear of Malchus in John 18:10-11 contains many valuable lessons and proves that even Bible class teachers can learn things in class.  As Jesus was being arrested, Peter drew his sword in an attempt to defend the Lord against the band of soldiers.  In the process, he cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest but Jesus healed the wound and told Peter to put away his sword.  Let’s look at the entire context.

The first question to consider is why did Peter have a sword in the first place.  After all, Jesus was a preacher of “love your enemies” and “turn the other cheek.”  It was not uncommon in those days for people to carry some type of weapon in case they  needed to defend themselves from wild animals or thieves.  Many walked wherever they had to go and this would take them through dangerous territory.  This is no doubt why there was a sword among the group of disciples.  In fact, the Bible reveals that there were 2 swords among them. 

The context of Luke 22:35-38 seems to imply another reason for the disciples having swords.  He told them to get swords but then when the time came to use them, he would not allow it.  As usual, an examination of the contest will explain what is going on.  Notice this text from Luke 22:33-38:  Peter said to him, “Lord I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”  Jesus said to him, “I tell you Peter, the rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you know me.”  And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?”  They said, “Nothing.”  He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack.  And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.  For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me:  And he was numbered with the transgressors.  For what is written about me has its fulfillment.  And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.”  And he said to them, “It is enough.”  After this Jesus and the disciples went to Gethsemane and the band of soldiers came to arrest Jesus.  As the story continues, “And when those who were with him saw what would follow, they said, ‘Lord, shall we strike with the sword?  And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.  But Jesus said, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched his ear and healed him” (Luke 22:49-51.)  Why did Jesus want them to have swords but then did not allow their use in his defense?

In the context, Peter had stated his conviction that he would die with Jesus but the fact was that Peter would end up denying the Lord.  In verse 35, Jesus reminded the disciples of better times.  There was a time when they were sent out among the people (see Matthew 10) and the people looked favorably on them.  They needed no moneybag or supply sack.  The people helped support them.  Then verse 36 show that times were different.  Where once the people looked favorably at them, that time had past.  They could no longer count on the people to help them therefore they would have to take care of themselves.  Jesus was being rejected (verse 37) and they could expect the same thing.  The reference to buying a sword in verse 36 seems to be spoken in a figurative sense.  The Lord frequently used metaphors to make some important point.  He is simple letting them know that times are different and they will need to take care. 

As usual, the disciples took what Jesus said literally and pointed out that there were two swords available (verse 38.)  They had no idea of the coming trial just minutes away when Jesus would be arrested .  In fact, their response shows a lack of understanding about what Jesus was saying for certainly 2 swords would not be at all what they needed.  Jesus is speaking of the evil times they would have to deal with after he was gone and there is no way 2 swords would help with that.  When Jesus said, “It is enough” (verse 38,) he is not saying 2 swords are enough.  He means there was to be no more discussion of the matter.  It was time to go to Gethsemane.  The whole discussion of the evening and the Lord’s subsequent trials show his great concern for the safety of his disciples and swords were not going to help keep them safe.  So he is not telling them to literally arm themselves.

But Peter drew his sword anyway.  He had said he would die with the Lord and was willing to prove it as long as he had a sword in his hand.  The Lord’s rebuke of Peter’s action shows that the emphasis was not to be on the sword.  And without the sword, Peter and the rest of the disciples fled.  While Peter had a sword in his hand to hide behind, he had courage.  But later that night, when he needed the moral courage to stand with the Lord, he denied him 3 times.  Like so many of us he had the courage as long as he had a physical crutch.  When we hide behind our fellowship halls and projects, we are strong but when those our gone - like Peter- we often lack the courage to stand in the power of the simple  gospel of Christ.