The Wrong End Of The Sword Series

Matthew 26:47-54 (NIV2011)

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.”

49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.

51 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.

52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

Luke 22:49-51 (NIV2011)

49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”

50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

John 18:10-11 (NIV2011)

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

INTRO

This morning, we will take a different approach to this series.

Today, I want to take a look at those moments when we deal with hurt.

And it’s not an easy subject to try to navigate; but, it’s needed.

From my experience as a pastor, when hurt is not dealt with correctly, it often causes bad things to happen:

* Friendships are damaged severely…if not permanently

* Church or ministry decisions made for the wrong reasons

* Personal decisions made without wisdom or thought….but out of emotion

* One’s life is governed by avoiding hurt instead of functioning the way God wants

As long as we are on this earth, we will, at times, find ourselves at one of the ends of the sword

So, let’s take a look at three people in this story…

I. The SERVANT — Malchus

Malchus’ hurt was more than the obvious…

A. HIs hurt was a Matter of Trust

The greater our expectations of a person, the more painful the hurt is

Look what David said:

Psalm 41:9 (NIV2011)

Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.

Some of the biggest sources of pain we will face will come from people whom we NEVER would have expected to hurt us:

Peter was quite close to Jesus

Peter had a calling on his life

B. His hurt was a Matter of Timing

* There was no way Malchus saw this coming…no way to prepare for it

A lot of times, the most painful moments in life are the most unpredictable

* Sometimes, a period of hurt comes right before a period of victory

The resurrection was not far off!

Remember, when pain comes, Jesus was a healing and a resurrection in store

II. The SWORDSMAN — Peter

I honestly think Peter’s intentions were good here…but his actions were a nightmare.

I want to speak to those of us who have been on the “other end of the sword”

We tend to hurt people when:

A. We fail to pray {see Matthew 26:36-46}

Prayerlessness will have a negative effect on our relationships

Prayer brings our hearts closer to the heart of Jesus…we see people like He does. When that is missing, people get hurt.

B. We fail to obey

Luke 22:49-51 (NIV2011)

49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?”

50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

They asked if they should strike with their swords; but, they did not get an answer

When we choose to act before getting direction from Jesus, people get hurt. Often it is the people who are totally innocent

C. We choose to stray

Matthew 26:56 (NIV2011)

…Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

If things are not right vertically, then they will not be right horizontally

Where are you this morning in your relationship with Jesus Christ? Do you need a Savior?

III. The SAVIOR — Jesus

A. His Will

Matthew 26:53-54 (NIV2011)

53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?