-July 29, 2023-
Good morning, happy Saturday,
“Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear. So Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given Me?’”
(John 18:10-11).
This portion in John 18:1-13 describes the arrest of Jesus. A large detachment of troops directed by the chief priests and led by Judas Iscariot arrived on the scene. Jesus never resisted; He willingly gave Himself up. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Peter was the only disciple that who fought back.
According to Luke’s account, Jesus had told his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane that each of them should take a sword, as well as a money belt, and knapsack. Luke 22:38 says, “So they said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ And He said to them, ‘It is enough.’” The disciples asked if they should strike with the sword, but before He could answer, Peter grabbed a sword and cut of the ear of Malcus, the servant of the high priest. Jesus told him to put his sword into the sheath. Jesus healed the ear by reattaching it. This was His last miracle before He died on the cross.
There is no room for fighting back, taking our own vengeance, or rebelling against government authorities. This is the story of Peter’s sword. Matthew 26:52 says, “But Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” The expression in common usage is taken from this verse, “Those who live by the sword, will die by the sword.”
May the Lord help us to follow the example of Jesus in how we handle unfair, unjust, and volatile situations in Jesus’ name. The Apostle James was killed with a sword (See Acts 12:1-2). Have a blessed day letting the Lord fight for us. Stay safe and healthy.
Fighting our battles on our knees,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 