Andy Talks

Reflections with Andy - Luke 22: 35-38; 47-53 - No More of This

Andy Stoddard

In reflecting on the transition from Jesus’ command to carry swords to His healing of the servant’s ear, we recognize the tension between fulfilling prophecy and practicing the ethics of the Kingdom. We understand that while the disciples were quick to use force to protect their interests, Jesus’ firm "no more of this" sets a definitive boundary against violence and retaliation. We acknowledge that in our own lives, especially in the heated climate of social media, we are often tempted to "lop off ears" in a show of misplaced righteousness. By following the example of the one who healed His enemy even in the moment of His own arrest, we commit to the difficult path of peace, trusting that God’s purposes are never achieved through the "power of darkness" but through the transformative power of humble service and healing.

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You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022%3A%2035-38%3B%2047-53&version=NRSVUE

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