"Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?" Luke 14:31 Jesus agrees with a kind defending his people. The only consideration on the table is whether he can fight win or if it would be wiser to surrender.
I've often thought about this subject, and you've given an interesting perspective. Especially the examples of Rahab, and the Hebrew midwives, which seems to show the idea that saving life is the overriding factor there. In regard to physical force, the passage about Eli not rebuking his sons comes to mind, where I guess God expected him to physically eject them from the priesthood. This indeed would have been classed as resisting evil, which Jesus says don't do. However, in the previous verse Jesus makes reference to an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. Which from the Old Testament references refers to the way in which people were to punished by the Jewish legal system. And therefore, Jesus' teaching would be more about not seeking punishment for a crime, rather than how we should act in the moment of someone attacking us. Having said this, we do have Jesus' own example of allowing himself to be mistreated, and his rebuke of Peter when he tried to defend him. Though it could be argued that this was specific only to Jesus' situation. I can't think of any more self defence examples right now. Would be interested in any other ones.
Yes, as you suggested, I think Jesus had a specific role, and I also think it's true that we should never take up the sword for Christ or truth. That's not the way to advance the kingdom. I also personally oppose engaging in war for the State, because the purposes of the world's kingdoms are antithetical to the purposes of Christ's kingdom. I would, however, use force if necessary to protect my family from a violent attacker.
True & Well Explained! 🙏🏼✨💯
"Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?" Luke 14:31 Jesus agrees with a kind defending his people. The only consideration on the table is whether he can fight win or if it would be wiser to surrender.
I've often thought about this subject, and you've given an interesting perspective. Especially the examples of Rahab, and the Hebrew midwives, which seems to show the idea that saving life is the overriding factor there.
In regard to physical force, the passage about Eli not rebuking his sons comes to mind, where I guess God expected him to physically eject them from the priesthood. This indeed would have been classed as resisting evil, which Jesus says don't do. However, in the previous verse Jesus makes reference to an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. Which from the Old Testament references refers to the way in which people were to punished by the Jewish legal system. And therefore, Jesus' teaching would be more about not seeking punishment for a crime, rather than how we should act in the moment of someone attacking us.
Having said this, we do have Jesus' own example of allowing himself to be mistreated, and his rebuke of Peter when he tried to defend him. Though it could be argued that this was specific only to Jesus' situation. I can't think of any more self defence examples right now. Would be interested in any other ones.
Yes, as you suggested, I think Jesus had a specific role, and I also think it's true that we should never take up the sword for Christ or truth. That's not the way to advance the kingdom. I also personally oppose engaging in war for the State, because the purposes of the world's kingdoms are antithetical to the purposes of Christ's kingdom. I would, however, use force if necessary to protect my family from a violent attacker.
@@LoveAndLiberty02 It's my conviction too, that I must refuse to take up arms for the state.