The Sword and the Ear: Learning to Listen Before We Strike - Part One

In this double bind we face today. 

Argument against argument, ideology against ideology — 

social media is its own Garden of Gethsemane, 

where swords are drawn daily, 

and no one is healed.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter does what so many of us do when faced with opposition—he reacts. He draws his sword, takes a swing, and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. But Jesus, in a moment that defies all human instinct, tells him to stop:

“Put your sword back in its place. For all who take up the sword will perish by the sword.”

Then, instead of allowing the wound to fester, He reaches out and heals.

This is more than just an act of mercy. It is a lesson in listening. Peter, like many of us, acted before understanding. His instinct was to fight rather than to perceive what was really happening. And in doing so, he struck the very thing that allows us to hear.

How often do we do the same? Whether in the comment section, on social media, or in everyday conversations, we are quick to unsheathe our swords—our words, our arguments, our need to be right. And in the process, we sever the ears of those we are called to love.

But Jesus calls us to something greater. He shows us that true strength is not found in striking first, but in healing. That tikkun olam, the repair of the world, begins not just with making others whole but with restoring our own ability to hear.

Are we listening? Or are we just waiting for our turn to speak? Maybe it’s time to put the sword away.

“Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.”

And then, the unimaginable—Jesus heals the very man sent to arrest Him. He restores not only an enemy’s ear but the possibility of hearing anew. In this moment, He offers a glimpse of a reality beyond our broken cycles of retaliation and control. But that’s not the whole story…

The Night Before—Jesus and the Sword (Thank you Jay, here is a bit more, you would agree with)

Like Jay says — At the Last Supper, Jesus says something that has long puzzled readers:

“But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22:36)

For many, this passage seems like a contradiction. Wasn’t Jesus the one who taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9)? Didn’t He say to turn the other cheek? Some have argued that this moment proves Jesus was not entirely peaceful.

Some, especially in Muslim polemics, claim that Jesus here is endorsing violence—perhaps even justifying some kind of militant resistance. After all, didn’t He overturn the tables in the temple? Didn’t He tell a parable about a king who orders his enemies slain before him (Luke 19:27)?

Yet, when we take a closer look at the context, the meaning of Jesus’ words becomes clear.

What Did Jesus Really Mean? 

The Sword Was a Tool, Not a Weapon. 

The Greek word makhaira (μάχαιρα) does not necessarily mean a large military sword. More commonly, it referred to a small dagger, something used for everyday work. It was a practical tool, much like a Swiss Army knife today as Jay mentioned. Paul, a tentmaker, would have used a makhaira to cut canvas; it was also common for cleaning fish, preparing food, and other daily tasks.

If Jesus had been calling for an armed uprising, two small knives would not be enough. And yet, when the disciples produce two swords, Jesus replies:

“That’s enough!” (Luke 22:38)

Clearly, Jesus was not forming an army. But if not, what was He saying?

Peter’s Mistake—Jesus Rebukes Violence

Like stated, the very next night, when the soldiers come to arrest Jesus, Peter uses his sword. He does exactly what we might expect—he fights back.

If Jesus had truly meant for His disciples to fight, why would He stop them?

Because He was not that kind of king who orders his enemies death.

The kingdom He came to bring was not like the kingdoms of this world, built on war and power. He was ushering in something completely different.

This is why, when Jesus stands before Pilate, He says:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest.” (John 18:36)

The revolution Jesus was bringing had nothing to do with swords and everything to do with sacrifice and such is devotion to Him.

A Kingdom Not of This World

This is where Jesus defies all expectations.

Every worldly revolution depends on force—overthrowing one power with another.

But Jesus came not to kill, but to be killed.

Not to conquer through might, but to conquer through suffering and love.

This is the great mystery that even His disciples struggled to grasp. Me too.

The cross was not a failure—it was the very means of victory.

Are We Still Cutting Off Ears?

“Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.”

And then, the unimaginable—Jesus heals the very man sent to arrest Him.

He restores not only an enemy’s ear but the possibility of hearing anew.

This is the double bind we face today. Argument against argument, ideology against ideology—social media is its own Garden of Gethsemane, where swords are drawn daily, and no one is healed.

But Jesus shows another way.

Tikkun olam—the repair of the world—begins not with striking but with hearing.

It begins when we put down our weapons—whether of steel or of words—and choose to listen instead of react.

It begins when we recognize that Jesus did not just come to be another leader among men, but to usher in an entirely different kingdom—one that does not advance by the sword, but by the cross.

The question remains: Will we follow His way, or will we live by the sword?

But there is another kind of sword—one that Jesus Himself wielded, not to harm but to heal. The Word of God. As Paul later describes, “The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17), is the true weapon of Christ’s followers. And Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that this sword is not for battle in the way of men, but for piercing the heart, discerning thoughts, and transforming souls:

“For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Jesus never intended His disciples to take up physical swords, but He did call them to carry the sharpest blade of all—the truth of His Word. And unlike the weapons of this world, which sever and destroy, the Word of God cuts to heal. It lays bare our need for Him, convicts, restores, and calls us into a kingdom not built on might, but on mercy.

So the question remains: Are we wielding the right sword? Are we using the Word of God to bring life, or have we—like Peter—misunderstood, drawing our weapons in the wrong battle?

Perhaps it’s time, once again, to put away the sword—and pick up the Word not our theologies and apologetics.

Just as Peter’s hasty actions led to unintended harm, so too can modern Christian leaders, in their zeal, inflict damage when they act without true understanding.

This reflection brings us to a pressing issue in today’s faith communities…