Peacemakers Don’t Need Guns

Peacemakers Don’t Need Guns

A few of our blog articles on being peacemakers and not needing guns or other weapons has sparked some controversy even among Christians, with some agreeing with “our” position, and others saying that we should be armed for protection.

We said “our” position, because that’s what the arguments referenced, but they were really Biblical positions of living as peacemaking children of God.

So, in this light, we’d like to take a look at how Jesus handled His own betrayal and arrest before His death, and the protection He desired when Judas led the mob to arrest Him as recorded in Matthew 26:49-53.

49. And immediately he [Judas] went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

50. And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

51. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

52. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.
NASB

Not only did Jesus tell Peter to put his sword away, but he also healed the ear of the slave of the high priest.

And the very fact that the high priest would have a slave, and be a part of this evil act, shows his true nature and hardness of heart.

Jesus is a peacemaker, just as we should be, even if we die in the process, which is exactly the example that Jesus set.

The reason that people arm themselves is because they’re afraid, which tells us that the love and knowledge of the Lord is not in them, or it is surely lacking.

As Christian peacemaking children of God, which we are all called to be, let’s think about who brings about true Godly change in the world.

Are they the people who arm themselves for protection, or to kill others, as did the gunman who killed the 20 children and 6 adults in the Sandy Hook Elementary School? No, it’s not! In fact, the gunman also died, just as Jesus said.

It was the death of the 26 innocent people that has stirred up the public to demand gun control.

True peacemakers are the only ones who overcome violence in the world, which is the example that Jesus set for us all.

Since