Read Luke 22:35-38
Persecution Is Just Around The Corner.
Jesus is approaching his upcoming death and he ends his conversation with his disciples with this question: “When I sent you out without a purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they replied. But Jesus tells them, now when you go out, “If you have a purse, take it, and a bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your coat and buy one.”
Everything that was prophesied about Jesus and his death and Resurrection is soon to be fulfilled. He is warning his disciples that a life of persecution is forthcoming. Pentecost is around the corner and the good news of Christ will be preached around the world. But there will be great opposition that Christians will face and they need to be prepared with the proper resources. So take your purse and bag, and take the things you need. But why the sword? What is the purpose for the sword?
1. Some say Jesus meant a spiritual sword like what is mentioned in Ephesians when we are told to put on the full armor of God. The sword is the word of God which is essential when we face opposition in this world. If we don’t have one we should be willing to give up anything we have to get it. The word of God is essential in our lives.
2. Is that what Jesus meant or is there a righteous purpose for a sword that is acceptable as we prepare for persecution in this world? Perhaps Jesus is advocating the idea to use the sword in self-defense. Let me explain: a person attacks you or your loved one in your home or on the street because of your faith. Are you then entitled to defend yourself? Is it your right to be able to defend yourself in this situation? Perhaps so.
But some red flags go up once we start to advocate the use of a sword. Some might take it to mean we also have the right to attack those who oppose Christians and destroy them. I don’t see that supported in Scripture. We are to love our enemies. Paul said that the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. They are spiritual weapons that have divine power from God. That should be how we attack our enemies: through the love of Christ not with the sword of this world.
I don’t want to get too hung up on just the sword. Although it has given me something to truly think about. What I want us to understand is that persecution is real in this world because of our faith. Persecution should not stop us from living out our faith. Persecution should not silence us in sharing God’s word. And if need be, persecution should not stop us from giving up our lives for Jesus.
