A Different Kind of Strength

Standing in direct contrast with the mighty men of violence is the most famous human who ever lived, Jesus Christ, a man of peace.  While on earth he did "no violence."  (Isaiah 53:9)  When his enemies came to arrest him in the garden of Gethsemane, his followers had some swords.  (Luke 22:38,47-51)  They could have formed a fighting mob to try to prevent him from being delivered up to the Jews. -John 18:36. 

In fact,the apostle Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus, but Jesus said to him:  "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:51, 52)  Yes, violence begets violence, as human history has repeatedly demonstrated.  Apart from the opportunity to defend himself with weapons, Jesus had another means of defense.  He next said to Peter:  "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels?" -Matthew  26:53.

Rather than resorting to violence or angelic protection, Jesus allowed himself to be seized by those who killed him. Why? One reason was that he knew that the time had not yet arrived for his heavenly  Father to end wrongdoing on earth. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, Jesus trusted in Jehovah.

This was not a position of weakness but one of great inner strength. Jesus demonstrated strong faith that Jehovah would put matters right in His Own time and way.  Because of his obedience, Jesus was exalted  to a position of fame second only to Jehovah himself.  The apostle Paul wrote concerning Jesus: "He humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake.  For this very reason also God exalted him to  a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above  every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly  acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." -Philippians 2:8-11. 

Next time: God's Promise to End Violence

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000