"Knock it Off!"

EPISODE 120

Fight a Spiritual Battle

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Have you ever told your kids to "knock it off?" It seems that's a commonly used tool in my parenting toolbox whenever our daughter isn't acting appropriately. But in the hours leading to his crucifixion, like a father, Jesus tells his disciples to "knock it off" too.

Two Swords

"He said to them, "But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. ..." And they said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords." And he said to them, "It is enough."" (Luke 22:36-38).

He tells his disciples that it's time to pack their bags and arm themselves. But he's not preparing them for a physical battle. Like with so many of his teachings, the disciples misunderstand. Looking around and presenting two swords to Jesus, he tells them, essentially, to "knock it off" — they've missed the point.

While we have the benefit of hindsight to see what Jesus is really talking about, do we still misunderstand his message today? Jesus isn't leading a physical kingdom, where we arm ourselves for hand-to-hand combat with the world. The nature of our battle is spiritual (John 18:36; Eph. 6:12)!

One Ear

"And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear" (Luke 22:49-50).

A short while later, Judas approaches with a crowd to arrest Jesus. With his prior (misunderstood) words of battle still ringing in their ears, the disciples take up arms to defend their King. And before Jesus can stop them, Peter "knocks off" the ear of the high priest's servant (John 18:10).

It's amazing how far off track we get when we jump to conclusions. But Peter probably felt justified in physically defending Jesus, especially considering David's words about not harming the Lord's anointed (1 Sam. 24:6). But what if we're fighting the wrong battle today? What if we've missed the point?

No More

"But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him" (Luke 22:51).

Again, Jesus tells them to "knock it off!" — and miraculously heals the man's ear. Jesus showed his concern for man's restoration over their destruction. And it's the same care that led him to call on God from the cross to "forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

But what about you? Are you more interested in tearing others down rather than building them up? Are you taking up arms against your enemies rather than offering them spiritual healing? If so, maybe you need to hear those pointed words of Jesus' correction today: "Knock it off!"