This is part 9 of a 10-part series. View the entire series here.
“Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given Me?” – John 18:10-11 NLT
Battles We Were Never Asked to Fight
The Bible inspires us with illustrations of fighting for Christ––putting on the armor of God, fighting the good fight, being more than conquerors through Jesus. But are we fighting the battles God has called us to fight?
As Judas identifies Jesus to the temple guards, Peter steps in boldly to defend his teacher. His blade swings down and mars the enemy. But Jesus doesn’t admire Peter’s faith. He denounces it—then reaches out and heals the bloodied servant.
What Peter failed to understand is that our war is not against people (Ephesians 6:12). It is a spiritual battle––one against unseen forces that seek to derail God’s redemption plan.
Wisdom and Gentleness
In one of His final interactions with them before His death, Jesus is demonstrating gentleness to His disciples. Instead of retaliating against the Jewish leaders’ plot to put Him to death, the Lord leans in and builds a bridge. A moment of empathy and compassion in His most daunting hour.
He is not shying away in conflict avoidance. The Messiah has not retreated into apathy. Far from it. Despite what He could do (as seen through the soldiers falling over at His declaration of the word ‘I AM’), He chooses to be gentle. To submit to the will of the Father in meekness––strength under control. This was a calculated decision—the crossroads of wisdom and strength––that led to a spirit of gentleness (Matthew 10:16).
Growing in Gentleness
The centerpiece of Jesus’ ability to show gentleness is hinted at in His response to Peter: “Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given Me?”
Jesus knew the Father was watching over Him, and that the Father would strengthen Him for the task ahead. Nothing could remove Jesus from the Father’s hand. It was this confidence in God’s sovereignty that allowed Him to choose gentleness over retaliation.
When we submit to the Father’s will and deeply believe that nothing could pluck us from His hand (John 10:28-30), we don’t have to stoop down to self-defense or angry responses. Whether we sit across from loved ones or stand against our opposers, we can choose to show Christ-like gentleness––and in doing so, we can bring healing to those who are hurting.
