Sword Swinging and Bible Thumping

       “Then, Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.”(John 18:10)  I have had so many diverse reactions to this line over the years.  My reactions have ranged from “YEAH! Get ‘em!” all the way to “wow Peter way to be a doofus jerk!”  This year, my reaction was a new one.  This year I thought, “ I've done that”.

       Ok, you caught me I have never chopped a guy’s ear off.  I have, however, seen Jesus being attacked or disrespected and aggressively pounced on his assailants.  This habit had me not-so-affectionately labeled as a Bible Thumper by some classmates in my freshman year of high school.  Our faith is something that is so close to us, so emotionally charged that it is easy to get overwhelmed and bite off someone’s head (or cut off their ear). 

picture via La Vista Church of Christ

       Don’t worry if you are a “Bible Thumper” there is a better way! Jesus, as always, steps in to show us how to properly handle a situation.  Christ sees Peter and tells him to put his sword away. He then leans down to the servant, one of the men leading him to his death, and heals him with a gentle touch. 

       Peter was driven to violence and aggression to protect Jesus.  The problem is that he was missing the point (he kinda had a habit of that).  Jesus is God in human form; that means he is love and is not easily angered.  We see in Jesus’ act of healing that he is not here to condemn even those who persecute him, he is here to love and to heal all. 

       Like Peter, we may be motivated by our desire to protect Jesus.  The only thing is that Jesus doesn't need our protection; we need his.  He has shown us time and time again in the scriptures and in our lives that love is the greatest way to share God with others because God is love.

       So quit the sword swinging and the Bible Thumping.  Share God through love: patience, kindness, honesty, forgiveness, trust, hope, and perseverance.

       Have you ever been a “Bible Thumper” or Bible Thumped? Have you moved past that stage to a deeper understanding?  Do you struggle with loving your enemies?(I do) How do you react/relate to Peter in this passage?  Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Drop me a line in the comments below!