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Mrs. Don-o

The context is quite clear. Believers will have to fight to defend themselves against those who would seek to kill us for our faith. Jesus did not defend himself because he was the lamb to be slain for our sin. Blameless and without spot.

We however, can (and should) carry the sword. This is not to force the gospel, but to defend it. The ratio is quite certain, 2 of the 12 were armed, with the strongest among them (at least in Peter's case) being the ones to bear arms. Jesus knew who had weapons and walked with them every day for more than 3 years.

Strange Messiah, that: at two swords, he says "Enough" -- and at one stroke He says, "No more."

Nothing strange about it. He was not to be charged with assaulting the Temple guards in any way, so as to remain blameless.

My point is this: Be careful to read Scripture in context. I remember, too, that Jesus said that each one of us was to take our cross and follow Him: so though Jesus' self-oblation as God-Man was unique, it is also our example and pattern of life.

Matthew 10:38
Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

I'm not preaching pacifism here. My 18 year old son has just signed up for the Marine Reserve,and I support him. However, as I look at Jesus I realize that there is something greater than the Marine Corps here.