John 18:1-14 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden… I. UNAVAILING. The Church's feeble instruments can do as little against the world's battalions as Peter's sword could have done against the guardsmen of Caesar. II. UNNECESSARY He who Gould have commanded twelve legions of angels had no need of Peter's rapier; the cause which is supported by "all power in heaven and earth" requires not to be furthered by carnal weapons. III. UNCHRISTIAN. Peter's action was in flagrant opposition to the precept that Master had taught (Matthew 5:39). For the Church to employ force is in total contradiction to the character of Christ's kingdom (ver. 36.) IV. UNREASONABLE. Had Peter been able to rescue Christ, that would not have proved either that he was right or that Christ's assailants were wrong. "Force is no remedy," and "no argument." So Christ said (ver. 23). Instead of resorting to magisterial authority, the Church should labour to convince and convert its opponents. V. UNWISE. Could Peter have delivered Christ, he would have hindered the Father's purpose. The Church, when she unsheathes the sword, retards rather than advances the triumph of truth. VI. UNSAFE. Peter's sword practice led to his identification, and to the suspicions and cross-examinations that brought about his fall. So when the Church resorts to violence, she may anticipate danger to herself. (T. Whitelaw, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. |
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