Jesus and swords?

Question

Why did Jesus tell his disciples to sell their cloaks for swords in Luke 22:37 and then chastise Peter for using it in Matthew 26:52?

Answer 1

The "Word of God" contradicts itself numerous times. It is perfect, yet obviously flawed.
Frankly, I don't understand the Christians either.

Answer 2

There is a time and place for using a sword. In Matthew because of their location using the sword could result in that disciples death because it was used on the servant of a High Priest. In Luke he wanted them to have a sword to stand guard over him while he was praying in the garden. While he could call upon his Father to protect him, in the garden he was otherwise busy and might not notice what was going on around him.

God shows that there is a time of use force and a time not to. Always for self defense as in the you quote of Luck and a time to follow the laws and leaders of those laws as in Matthew.

Look at the history of Israel and you will see this pattern. When they were in danger or being invaded, or if some other nation had taken over their land they God told them to go to war. But if all was peaceful then they lived a peaceful existence.

Answer 3

You mean Luke 22:36.
What it means is this. When the disciples went out to spread the Good News they needed nothing extra for the Father was to see to all their needs.

When they returned, Jesus spoke with them and asked if all was provided them. They agreed all was provided. It was by FAITH they went forth to Preach.

Jesus is telling them that if you have no faith you will need to sell your possessions to buy your protection for you will be facing Satan on your own in this final generation.

There is so much more contained in these words from Luke's Gospel. Read it again with understanding from God's Holy Spirit. ASK. A=ask, S=seek, K=knock.><>

Answer 4

Jesus told them to get swords because He was going away and despite what people who don't understand the Bible might think, it's not an impractical faith that tells people to leave their brains outside of the church door.

"While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17:12-15

Jesus protected them by His presence while He was with them and He prayed for God to keep them from the Devil, but it wasn't his plan for them to live trouble free lives. There were many robbers and bandits in the regions they would be traveling and it just makes sense if you are going to get run out of town because you are a follower of Christ to have some protection with you.

If everyone who became a Christian never had to worry about being attacked then people would join the religion for that reason and not out of faith in Jesus. Jesus chastised Peter for the same reason He said to him "get thee behind me Satan" when Peter tried to tell Him that He didn't need to die. It was his plan all along to lay down his life to pay for our sins and Peter still didn't understand that and by trying to protect Jesus was actually hindering His plan.

Answer 5

I do not understand it fully, I am not versed in Luke yet.

He is not speaking of his time (his day).
I'm not sure but he may be speaking of the end times.

More than that I would be guessing.

Answer 6

God does not use force. Neither should we.