"Put up your Sword" John 18:11

Preach the Word Podcast

Episode 47

"Put up your sword" John 18:11

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

• Who: Peter
• What: Cutting off the ear of Malchus
• Where: The Garden of Gethsemane
• When: Before the Crucifixion
• Why: Judas betrayal of Jesus
• How: with a sword
• How much:

I. Peter’s Troubling Response

• He responded in a way that was contrary to the big picture.
  • The difference cups in Scripture
    • Cup of Salvation: Psalm 116:13
    • Cup of Consolation (comfort): Jeremiah 16:17
    • Cup of Joy: Psalm 23:5
    • Cup of Judgment: Matthew 26:39
      • He bore this for us on the cross
      • Those who reject Christ must drink this cup
      • He, sinless and in perfection, drank this cup for us and bore our sins (Hebrews 12:2)
    • Wise (understanding of big picture)

Wisdom: “having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment”

Jesus foretells His Death and Resurrection: Matt 16:21

II. Peter’s Thoughtless Response

Sober (keeping your head despite circumstances)

Jesus tells the Disciples that one would betray him: John 13:21

III. Peter’s Treacherous Response

Vigilant (Keeping watch to detect Danger)

Jesus specifically tells Peter to pray against temptation: Matthew 26:36-46

Despite being taught the big picture of Jesus mission, being told that Jesus would be betrayed, and being directed to pray against temptation; Peter acted in carelessly in haste without thought of consequence.

“Put up your Sword”

Jesus tells Peter in v.11 “put up thy Sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

Matthew 10:34 “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (“strife, discord, conflict; deadly opposition between eternally hostile priciples” – Jamieson Fausset and Brown)

• Who is Jesus talking to? The twelve, commissioning them to go to the Nation Israel and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom.
• Who were the Jews looking for? The Messiah (a warrior Messiah to overthrow the Romans
• What is the Kingdom? Kingdom of God that originates in Heaven, and will be established on earth through Israel. Jesus was born of the seed of David and presents himself as Messiah to the nation of Israel. “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” – Matthew 4:12 (The promised King was present)
• So now that we have the context… what does Jesus mean?

“As a result of His visit to earth, some children would be set against parents and a man’s enemies might be those within his own household This is because some who follow Christ are hated by their family members. This may be part of the cost of discipleship, for love of family should not be greater than love for the Lord. A true disciple must take his cross and follow Jesus.” – John Walvoord

The Sword is referring to the strife that will be caused in a fallen world due to the first coming of Christ.

Luke 22:36 “Then said he unto them, but now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one”

• The Sword was needed for personal protection. Jesus pointed out during the last supper, that when they were with Him, they never lacked anything. But since he was about to go away, they would need some things for their ministry: 1.) a purse; 2.) a bag; and 3.) a sword.

Now, this goes hand and hand with Jesus words to Peter. “put up thy Sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

Forbear: “To stop; to cease; to hold from proceeding;”

• Peter could have easily been arrested and no longer a vessel for God’s use. (John 18:8-10)

A lack of Wisdom and Understanding can be catastrophic

• Peter could have caused those present to misunderstand Jesus Mission (John 18:11)

Three things that can help:

1. Clearness
2. Caution
3. Charity (love)

A special thank you to my Pastor, Mike Barnette, for the song “All Things New.” Please support his podcasts by clicking and sharing the links below.

The C.O.D.E. of Man Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Oglxqy35Wg4m4YMfU8Q28?si=074063174e334747

The Way of Holiness Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/08UgdbUrBDZoWWnfiCYxbO?si=oG-EaQzfQMC5GN-N7NaxvA

Daybreak Devotions Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2Z25hqT5DNOZcwBLBXc67I?si=1f1c8f24a3e24618