Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” – Matthew 27:50-53

The book of John tells us that it was Peter that chopped somebody’s ear off while defending Jesus, and from what we know about him, that makes sense.

So many of us as humans with natural emotions and reactions applaud this act, given that his heart was to protect and defend his Lord, which is admirable at its core.

But Jesus immediately healed the man’s ear and told Peter to put his sword away or he would die by it.

Let’s compare this to the modern day. How many times in a fight over Jesus, do we cut each other‘s ears off? Much more so, a fight over anything else? Social media has given people a platform to act a lot tougher and stronger than they actually are, and we see the swords and knives come out regularly whenever there’s anything to debate.

The Super Bowl Jesus commercials have brought out a lot of interesting discussion, with some saying it’s a political agenda meant to dilute the beliefs of the church and others saying that it’s a beautiful testament to who Jesus is. The church has universally never agreed on everything in its entirety, so that’s to be expected, but the vehemence of some of the arguments has been almost scary to watch.

Put down your swords, Christians. “A new command I give you: Love one another.” (John 13:34) That means end the fighting. Love one another, and not just “one another” as in other Christians, but “one another” as in your fellow man.

As He has loved us, let us love one another. ❤️