And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:51-52)
What Did Jesus Mean?
What did Jesus mean when He said these words? Did he mean that the person who drew the sword to hurt or kill someone will also die by a sword? Literally?
Does that mean a police officer will die by the use of a gun because he uses his weapon for work? Or, if someone hurt another by strangling someone with his bare hands, also perish by the same method?
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
~Proverbs 26:27~
Symbolism
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus had taught many things. He used a lot of metaphors, stories, and symbolism. Here, he used the sword as a symbol to convey His message to His disciples and adversaries alike.
The Sword
A sword has many different descriptions and symbolism. Merriam-Webster describes a sword as “a weapon (such as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting.” It was created as a “weapon” and was used to cause harm, maim, or kill.
Ancient history shows that people with any weapon, including swords, have the power or a feeling of power, authority, and strength.
Thus, in the second part of Merriam-Webster’s description, it says, “It is often used as a symbol of honor and authority.”
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
~Romans 12:19~
Two Symbols of the Sword
In my interpretation of this passage, there are two symbols of the sword. One is Jesus’ authority over evil, and two, the different ill feelings or emotions that one harbors in his heart that impacts their lives and the way they live it.
Jesus’ Authority
Christians believe that Jesus’ authority never came from violence or viciousness. He never used any physical weapon. His weapon was His words. His weapon was His miracles and His good deeds. He had a Father, God Himself, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
His weapons were mightier than any sword. And because he had those weapons, many people believed in Him. They followed Him and imitated Him.
Jesus’s sword was Himself!
For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
~James 1:20~
Ill-feelings and Adverse Emotions
The gospel showed that one of Jesus’ followers drew his sword and struck the soldier’s ear. This violent act was done out of anger or maybe, even out of fear. Remember, this was the time that Judas sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and was about to be handed over to be crucified. Naturally, the disciples were all probably anxious, scared, and, more so, angry by Judas’ betrayal. The real weapon here was the sword. But, the disciples’ adverse and ill-feelings towards another, whether a person, thing, or situation, was the other kind of sword. Although the naked eye does not see it, it is felt, and it cuts deep unto one’s soul. Anger, in particular, was prevalent in this situation, as demonstrated by the disciple who cut-off the soldier’s ears. His sword symbolizes his rage. And if he lets his rage overtake his soul, he will also perish by rage or because of his rage.
Swords of Our Own Lives
So, Jesus Christ said, “for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Those who live in anger will die because of his wrath.
Those who live with jealousy or enviousness will die because of such emotions. Those who live in despair, loneliness, and misery will perish due to the same reasons. That was why Jesus Christ said those words. It was His admonition to STOP using the “harmful weapons” that destroy. It was His way of telling us that if we continue to live in lies, fury, and hate, these will be the same things that will bring us to our graves. The negativity that you put out there in the world is the same negativity that will take you out of this world. As Jesus also said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). What you nurture in your heart and your thoughts, whether love or hate, your mouth shall speak, and your body and action shall reveal.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
~Ephesians 4:26-27~
What Is Your Sword?
What is your sword?
What is that one sharp weapon you have that can hurt not only others but yourself? Is it anger? Hate? Envy? Callousness? Why do you continue to nurture those ill feelings? Does it make you feel good having them in your heart?
“Put Your Sword in Its Place”
Jesus said, “Put your sword in its place.”
Put it away. Put it away where you can no longer see it, reach it, or find it. Put it away because you have no use for it. Put it away because it is harmful and dangerous. And, you can die from it.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
~Galatians 5:16~
Identify Your Swords
Again, ask yourself, what are your swords? Identify them. Once you have identified what they are, lift them to the Lord. That is the way to put those swords in place. You give it up. You pray to the Lord to help you surrender them because surrendering them is difficult. Change these swords to harmless tools, (not weapons). Read the Bible. Turn to God.
Live in faith, love, and charity. Fill your lives with positivity, optimism, and the right attitude. As you do, you will be spared from perishing from the swords that you have carried all your life.
