What did Jesus teach? 

To be a follower of Christ means to embrace His teachings wholly.  We do not get to claim some are good but others are outdated or unreasonable if we are personally threatened.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.   Matt. 5:9

But isn’t the Bible full or war and violence? 

In the Old Testament the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, fought wars according to the Law under which they lived that had given to them by God. All mankind lived under rules in order to please God because of sin.  When Jesus came He introduced a new kind of Kingdom.  A kingdom that would be based on relationship with God.  A relationship that would draw us so close to God we would be called His sons and daughters.  This new kingdom offered new guidelines for living because of what Jesus did in taking on sins on Himself on the cross.  God could now relate to His children without keeping us separated. He could now be our God and we could truly be His people.

As his children his promise is to care for us and protect us.  This is why Jesus teaches in Matthew that we are no longer on our own and needing to defend ourselves.  He contrasts life under the Law and life in His kingdom.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’  39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.   Matt. 5:38-39

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:27-31

 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?  Matt. 26:52-53

The Apostle Paul also wrote…

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live atpeace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;  if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Rom. 12:17-21

Didn’t Jesus advocate self-defense when He told His disciples to buy swords?

But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” 35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered.

36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.  Lk. 22.36-38 

Jesus is responding to Peter who boldly declares what he is going to do to help Jesus, in his own strength. What Jesus is in effect saying is, “If you won’t trust me you are on your own.”

This unfortunately is where too many Christians have settled today. They make bold claims about loving God but when it comes down to it they only trust in themselves.  I’ve heard Christians attack people who advocate trusting God as weak, out of touch, naive.

So how we say we follow Jesus and sweep this important teachings on no-violence under the rug or ignore them irrelevant to our day?  Are we protecting His kingdom or ours?

We have certainly given militarism a try and what has it accomplished?  Tomorrow we will examine the cost of war.