“And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” Jesus
Jesus' attitude toward violence is clearly reflected in his famous phrase “those who live by the sword will die by the sword” so we should not understand his words here to contradict this. I think what Christ is saying is that there are times in this world, like his brutal but necessary death, when no matter what we do, things will be a bloody mess. A wife has to turn her husband in because he has sexually molested a child. A parent has to testify against one of their children for some heinous crime. A husband must choose to unplug life support for his brain dead spouse. God save us from such times but should they come, His grace will come as well. And, if I must use the sword of justice, let me at least wipe the blade with mercy and grace when finished. 8/13/2011 Conversations Within ts (Mesa Verde, CO)
Just me trying to be honest with God.
