Jesus Arrested
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”
Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Matthew 26:47-56
In this passage, in verses 52-54, Jesus makes a few points regarding violence and "the sword."
1) Those who employ violence are eventually destroyed by it (v. 52). There are many layers to this. There is an element of the teaching that applies to physical violence. While not every single person who employs violence physically dies from it, part of employing violence means subjecting yourself to the cycle of hatred and revenge that eventually destroys people who foster it. In the Old Testament, the sword was a symbol of wrath and judgment. Jesus is teaching his followers that they should put away wrath and judgment on each other and on the world. Through the cross, Jesus has satisfied God's wrath and judgment on us that we might be free and live through him. Thus, his followers have no right to foster bitterness with each other. We are called to forgive and restore as Jesus did.
2) God is ultimately in control (v. 53). We are called to live in faith that God will protect and justify us even in uncertain circumstances. Jesus is reminding Peter that even in a situation that doesn't look good, God is still in control and his purposes are being fulfilled even when it doesn't seem like that is happening.
3) God's will for Jesus included suffering--his will for us may also include it. Jesus was certainly distraught and discouraged. He prayed multiple times that if another way were possible, that God would provide it. He was physically distressed enough to sweat drops of blood. Even so, he submitted to suffering willingly out of love for others and for the world. As followers of Christ we also must be people of sacrificial love. We must be willing to absorb violence but not use it.
