Jesus…Swords and Clubs
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Mark 14:43-52 NASB
43 Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” 45 After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 They laid hands on Him and seized Him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? 49 Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures.” 50 And they all left Him and fled.
51 A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him. 52 But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked.
OUTLINE + QUESTIONS
14:43-46
This section is marked by the use of swords and clubs. Swords are used to compel or control a situation or behavior. What are some modern-day swords we use to manipulate, control, or compel behavior? How does scripture speak to that kind of relating?
14:47
Peter uses a sword as well, fighting fire with fire. How do you tend to fight fire with fire in conflict? What does the Bible say about that? See Romans 12:17, 21 and 1 Peter 3:9.
14:48-49
Jesus is amazed by their use of swords and clubs. What explanation does Jesus give for their use of swords to compel behavior? How does the sword of the Spirit give us hope and strength in an equitable unfair world? (Hebrews 4:12)
14:50-52
How does this section help us to understand how to live life without swords? Why is this section here? How well do you see yourself? How accurate do you see yourself, and how do you validate that view? What does the Bible say about examining yourself? (2 Corinthians 13:5, James 1:22-24, 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 and Matthew 7:3-5). Who helps you see yourself well?