To Hell In A Hand Basket
This weapon is recommended, and the other. Pardon me if I offer a quiet suggestion. Open the door and let the lion out; he will take care of himself. - Spurgeon
It's hard to tell people about Jesus when we keep cutting off their ears. - Unknown
Do you remember when Peter cut a man's ear off?
In the Gospel narratives, there is a story told where Peter cuts a man's ear off who is trying to arrest. In the Gospel of Matthew (which is what I am personally journeying through), the account is told like this:
[50] Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. [51] And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. [52] Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. [53] Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? [54] But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” - Matthew 26:50–54 (ESV)
Jesus emphatically tells Peter (who is identified in John 18) to “put back your sword.” My question is…
Why?
Peter is protecting his friend.
Peter is defending his Rabbi.
Peter is showing loyalty to his master.
Why would Jesus rebuke Peter for valiantly attempting to fight back evil that would eventually lead to His crucifixion? Sure, maybe violence wasn't the answer. But was not his heart in the right place? Didn’t he have good intentions?
If anything, wouldn't you commend Peter for fighting back when everyone else (including Jesus) appeared to be passive, letting all Hell break loose?
The World Isn't Getting Less Crazy
Have you ever heard the statement, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket?”
I have! In fact, I think I've heard multiple family members decry this statement. The statement implies that the world is getting worse, and I don't think that is wrong by any account.
The world is getting more evil.
The world is getting more crazy.
The world is cycling downward in sin.
It doesn’t matter which side of the political aisle you stand on; no sane person thinks the world is headed in the right direction.
Those of us who understand sin and its effects know that things are getting worse in our world. And guess what? It most likely won't get much better until Jesus returns. But our response matters.
There are often two mentalities we display when things are spiraling out of control — they are fight or flight.
We either…
(Flight) Run from the evil to our insulated Christian communities.
(Fight) Pull out our sword to fight against the darkness.
But what did Jesus ask Peter to do when his world (and His Rabbi) seemed to be going to Hell in a handbasket?
You Had One Job, Pete
Peter had one job in the garden that night.
(Cue the “you had one job” exclamation)
He wasn't on patrol of the garden perimeter.
He wasn't Jesus's bodyguard.
He wasn't on the security team.
He was on the prayer team.
For example, look what Jesus asks:
[36] Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” [37] And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. [38] Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here and watch with me.” [39] And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” [40] And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? [41] Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Matthew 26:36-41 (ESV)
Peter wants to defend Jesus.
Jesus just wants Peter to be with Him.
My point is — the only thing Jesus was asking Peter to do was to be with Him & pray simply.
He didn't need a bodyguard.
He didn't need an entourage.
He didn't need a security team.
Jesus wanted a prayer team.
He desired his people to be with Him. And when the powers of sin, death, and Hell began to reach their climax, Jesus knew what was needed. It wasn't the sword. And it wasn't a legion of Angels. It was his presence that was needed.
His presence was required on the cross.
His presence was required to atone.
His presence was required for victory.
And Jesus was inviting Peter deeper into His presence because His presence (not the sword) was the only place of power.
Jesus did not ask Peter to pull out his sword.
Jesus asked Him to sit in his presence.
Jesus wanted Peter to be with Him.
Jesus wants the same from you, too.
Put Back Your Sword
Before you pull out your sword & and before you run away, please remember there is no power apart from His presence.
Your best weapons won't work without His presence.
Your well-intentioned fleeing won't work without His presence.
There is a time to fight and a time to fight, but the first response Jesus is always asking for is to be with Him simply.
He wants to sit with you.
He wants to pray with you.
He wants to speak with you.
He wants to know you.
He knows your sword has no power. The only power you've gained is first from his presence.
So when your world seems to be “going to” hell in a handbasket,” I pray” you respond like Moses and say:
“If your”presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” - Exod”s 33:15 (ESV)
The tangible presence of Jesus is inviting you in.
Just put back your sword and sit down.
For The Local Church 📍
Landon Reynolds