The Last Miracle of Jesus

(Luke 22: 35-53)

I.  Jesus' rejection of Peter's act of violence

            (Lk. 22:35-53; Mt. 26:52-54)

II. Faulty applications of this narrative

            A. This is not an example for governments to follow. (cf. Rom. 13:2-4)

                        1. It does not prohibit just wars.

                        2. It does not prohibit governmental use of violence to punish citizens.

            B. It is not a prohibition of all self-defense.

                        1. Paul's use of legal self-defense (Acts 22-26)

                        2. Jesus rebuke of Peter (v. 51) is

                                    a. Not a categorical rejection of violence (Lk. 22:36)

                                    b. Rather, based on Jesus' submission to the Father (Mt. 26:52-53; Jn. 18:11)

                                    c. And the imprudence of violence in self-defense (Mt. 26:52)

III.Legitimate applications

            A. We should renounce a spirit of revenge.

                        Mt. 5:38-39, 41

                        Lk. 9:52-55

                        Rom. 12:17, 19

            B. We should forgive our enemies.

                        Mk. 11:25

                        Lk. 23:34

            C. We should love our enemies and do good to them

                        Mt. 5:44

                        Lk. 6:27