Can We Fight or Not?

Help us, Jesus.

Luke 22:35-38 | Philippians 4:10-20 | Gospels during Lent: Matthew 4-6

This short account from Luke concerning Jesus’ instructions for his disciples is confounding to many.

It seems clear in the first place that Jesus’ question in verse 35 is in relation to his sending of the 72 earlier - the disciples’ journey to go and visit the villages, teaching and healing. It also seems clear that he is contrasting his instructions there with what needs to happen now, on his way to the cross.

What isn’t as clear is if what he describes are instructions for his disciples (then and/or today) or simply a description of the way things are about to go.

For instance, why would he say to take a sword, only to tell the disciple to put it away at the first sign of trouble? Many Christians lean heavily on this one verse to say that Christians are sometimes called to take up arms. But the case seems weak in light of what Jesus is about to do (give up his life) and the whole of Jesus’ teachings (to love one’s enemies).

What do you think?

(Oh, and Paul gives us a lesson of sorts on how to politely ask for money.)

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Luke 22:35-38

Jesus said to them, “When I sent you out without a wallet, bag, or sandals, you didn’t lack anything, did you?”

They said, “Nothing.”

Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a wallet must take it, and likewise a bag. And those who don’t own a sword must sell their clothes and buy one. I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in relation to me: And he was counted among criminals.Indeed, what’s written about me is nearing completion.”

They said to him, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”

He replied, “Enough of that!”

Philippians 4:10-20

I was very glad in the Lord because now at last you have shown concern for me again. (Of course you were always concerned but had no way to show it.) I’m not saying this because I need anything, for I have learned how to be content in any circumstance. I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. Still, you have done well to share my distress.

You Philippians know from the time of my first mission work in Macedonia how no church shared in supporting my ministry except you. You sent contributions repeatedly to take care of my needs even while I was in Thessalonica. I’m not hoping for a gift, but I am hoping for a profit that accumulates in your account. I now have plenty and it is more than enough. I am full to overflowing because I received the gifts that you sent from Epaphroditus. Those gifts give off a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice that pleases God. My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus. Let glory be given to God our Father forever and always. Amen.

Prayer

God,

Can we do violence or not? I mean, it seems clear to me that the gospels and Acts and pretty much the whole of the New Testament tell us of a different Way, a Kingdom established through sacrificial power above and beyond the accumulation of power.

But so many of my brethren in Christ allow for the taking up of arms in all sorts of situations, for protection and defense, as well as for military purposes. I suppose the latter of these would be okay if I could find a wholly just government.

But I can’t.

But Lord, I feel like a stranger when I talk about these things. So many Christians. Ready to fight.

So help me, God: Help me know what is right and best.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.