The same Jesus said for sure that "they that take the sword shall perish with the sword" (Matthew 26:52). He said nothing to his disciples about taking weapons to save their lives so as to "endure to the end" (Matthew 10:22). But he assured them that many of them would be put to death, even being betrayed by their brethren (Matthew 10:21). Nothing about taking physical arms for protection against such things. The apostle Paul also said, writing to saved people who are led by the Holy Spirit:
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
There is no obedience of Christ in taking weapons to fight one's enemies:
John 18:36
Jesus answered [to Pilate], My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from here.
Jesus taught his followers:
Matthew 5:44-45
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
Why not be reminded of that rather than thinking to be ready to blow someone's brains out?
Murder is a work of the flesh that disqualifies someone from entering the kingdom of God. Already saved people who were led by the Holy Spirit were amply warned of that fact, so they wouldn't by any means be deceived into thinking they could live as murderous saints, starting in their hearts (Mark 7:21), and still have a shot at inheriting eternal life (Galatians 5:21, 1 Peter 4:15, 1 John 3:15, Revelation 21:8, Revelation 22:15).
A born again Christian who would think lightly of shedding a person's blood like Cain who killed his brother is in grave danger. That person is close to having no spiritual pulse, to put it mildly. Is that proof of the love that has grown cold (Matthew 24:12)? There is no salvation or assurance of salvation to speak of on such a path.
Keep in mind that Jesus knowingly sent out his disciples into the world as sheep in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16). And He told them nothing about needing to have a bodyguard or to be one’s own bodyguard (for personal security’s sake). But He taught them this:
Matthew 10:28
And do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna].
That’s a word that is meant to instill in the hearer a massive change of focus from surviving in this blood-bathed world (trying to save one’s skin) to staying on the path to eternal life by fearing God and therefore remaining obedient to Him in all until the end, without seeking exceptions.
Ecclesiaste 12:13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
So, what's with this Luke 22:36?
It reads:
"Then said he unto them, But now, he that has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his bag: and he that has no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."
The answer is really not that far. Luke 22:37 reads:
"For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, "And he was reckoned among the transgressors [lawless ones]": for the things concerning me have a fulfillment."
It was necessary for Jesus to be regarded as a transgressor, as much as the two other people who were put to death alongside him (Luke 23:32). Also, two (2) swords being deemed enough (Luke 22:38) for Jesus and his disciple doesn’t hold water in making the case for self-defense for his followers in the way the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution affords it to a US citizen, for instance (comp. Philippians 3:18-21).
This is the prophecy that needed to be fulfilled:
Isaiah 53:12
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he has poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
That's it! No deep ideology about bearing arms and using them against one's enemies. And if you're a follower of Jesus, may you increase in clarity on who are your enemies who are surely coming for you in ways you haven't seen before. Are you ready?
Concluding Remarks:
Romans 8:5-9
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace; 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile towards God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 And those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if it is so that the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.
See also:
For God and Country - video
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