Peter, the companion mentioned in this passage, is full of zeal and righteousness. He is stepping up to the Pharisee’s servants and defending his Rabbi and Lord with the sword. Jesus intervenes, correcting him and teaching him that the law will be fulfilled by willing sacrifice, not fighting. In our culture, the victor is the one who kills the most people, the one with the most piercing insults; some form of self-elevation usually identifies the victor. As a culture, we crave this: we crave winning, and we win at whatever cost, even if it is rooted in righteousness, as with Peter. But Jesus teaches us by his own example that rather than fight with fists or words, we are called to lay down our lives.
Jesus says in Luke 9:23, “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” This backward, sacrifice-first gospel is not confined to Jesus; it is calling us to recognize our brokenness and need for a savior and to pick up our own cross before pulling out the sword as Peter did. Taking up my cross looks like admitting my faults, and admitting that I have nothing to give. While I confess these things, I am not bound, because one person defeated the cross so that I can walk in freedom.
Question: What comes first for you, sacrifice or the sword? What prevents you from denying yourself and picking up your cross daily?
Prayer: Jesus, allow me to choose to sacrifice first rather than to fight. Let me walk in humility and pick up my cross. Remind me of my brokenness, and let me walk in the freedom and strength you provide. Amen.