Why did Jesus tell his disciples to buy swords?
Jesus was a man of peace, who healed the sick and stood up for righteousness at every turn as God’s representative. He carried out his mission perfectly, preaching about God’s kingdom and dying as a ransom for Adam.
Does it surprise you to know that on the night he was arrested, he told his disciples to buy swords? Some misunderstand this scripture to mean that Jesus supported violence. Could that be true?
Absolutely not!
First, let’s look at the account in Luke where Jesus said in the Upper Room: (Luke 22:36, NASB 1995) “…whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.”
Now let’s set the scene: He and his disciples are in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus knows the time has come when he would be betrayed by Judas, taken as a prisoner, and then crucified the next day. But there was something the group who came to arrest him did not know – that Jesus was able to ask his Father to send him legions of angels for his defense and protection. Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to show that he willingly allowed himself to be captured. The swords were there to give the impression that Jesus COULD HAVE defended himself, but he did not – he clearly went voluntarily to die for all of humankind. Had there not been weapons present, it would have looked as though he had had no choice but to go with them, and that’s not the lesson we are to take from this account.
Another reason we know Jesus did not support violence is because of what happened when Peter, attempting to defend Jesus, (ironically with one of those swords), cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, named Malchus. In Matthew, we read: “‘Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.’” Then Jesus miraculously healed the servant’s ear – a perfect example of what it means to love your enemies!
In his darkest hour, they came to arrest this peaceful man with swords and clubs as though he was a dangerous criminal. He knew the terrible treatment that was to come, yet his thoughts were of the safety of his disciples. He said (John 18:8, NIV), “… if you are looking for me, then let these men go.”
So, why did Jesus tell his disciples to buy swords? Because it was necessary to show that his capture was not made by force, but that he voluntarily allowed himself to be taken and crucified. The swords were intended only for show – a demonstration – and not for a true defense, even though impulsive Peter ended up using one. But kind-hearted Jesus reprimanded him for that action and healed the wound Peter had caused. Jesus never supported violence, but instead was a perfect example to us of peace and love.