Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 18:10, “Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.”

Background

What was Peter doing with a sword? Of all of the images and portrayals I have seen of the disciples, I have been hard pressed to find many with a disciple carrying a sword. But apparently it was not that uncommon for the men of their day to carry such an item. Now the sword Peter might have had would not have been one the likes of Excalibur, but more of a large knife, useful to a fisherman, and anyone else who worked outside or with his hands. In fact, as Jesus and the disciples were leaving the upper room, they spoke about swords and acknowledged that they had two of them amongst their small group. And they had just asked Jesus if they should attack the multitude and defend Him when Peter impulsively swiped at the high priest’s servant, before Jesus could even respond. But I don’t think Jesus intended His men to rely on the sword to get them through that night, nor any other situation they might someday find themselves in. He had not gathered to Himself a band of Musketeers. These were His students, His messengers, His followers. The entire future of His kingdom would flow through these few, and a metal blade and quick reflexes were not the tools to spread His gospel.

Application

But neither are many of the things that we wield without a moment’s notice. When we face our unexpected multitude, whether it’s a single person acting like a jerk, or an entire group of like-minded unbelievers, some of the things that we pull from our sheath have no business being associated with a follower of Jesus. Our unfiltered opinions and lack of compassion or reliance on God’s sovereignty emit an air of disdain that are more suited for Judas and his gang as they came to carry away our Savior. If the disciples did have a sword or two, I’m certain those daggers spent far more time tucked away than they did being brandished at another. Whatever else we have at our side along with Jesus is never going to bring Him honor unless we use it as He would. Could you imagine Jesus striking with a sword to defend Himself? Perhaps we should follow His lead.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God for guidance in using what you have at your disposal. Let the furtherance of His name be the only cause that brings your sword out of its sheath.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words