What did jesus say about war?

What Did Jesus Say About War?

The topic of war and Jesus’ teachings on it is a complex and often debated subject. Many people claim that Jesus was a pacifist, while others argue that he allowed for self-defense and even sanctioned war in certain circumstances. In this article, we will delve into the biblical accounts of Jesus’ teachings on war and examine what he said about this contentious issue.

Direct Answers from the Bible

To begin with, let’s look at some of the direct quotes from Jesus about war. In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus teaches:

"You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Here, Jesus is rejecting the principle of retaliation and urging his followers to respond to violence with non-violence. This teaching is often referred to as the "turn the other cheek" principle.

In Matthew 26:52, Jesus says:

"But put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword."

This quote is often seen as a rejection of violence and a call to non-violent resistance. Jesus is urging his followers to resist the temptation to use violence and instead to trust in God’s protection.

Contextualizing Jesus’ Teachings

While these quotes may seem to suggest that Jesus was a pacifist, it’s important to consider the broader context in which he was teaching. Jesus was not naive about the world he lived in, and he was aware of the dangers and injustices that people faced. In John 18:36, Jesus says:

"My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

Here, Jesus is emphasizing that his kingdom is not of this world and that his followers should not engage in worldly battles. This teaching is often seen as a rejection of the idea that Jesus’ followers should be involved in politics or war.

The Olivet Discourse

One of the most significant passages in the New Testament when it comes to Jesus’ teachings on war is the Olivet Discourse, found in Matthew 24:4-28 and Luke 21:5-24. In this passage, Jesus is speaking about the end times and warning his followers about the coming destruction of Jerusalem. He says:

"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains."

Here, Jesus is warning his followers about the coming wars and violence, but he is not encouraging them to engage in war. Instead, he is urging them to remain calm and to focus on the coming of the kingdom of God.

Jesus’ Teachings on Self-Defense

While Jesus rejected the idea of retaliation and violence, he did teach about self-defense. In Matthew 5:39, Jesus says:

"But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Here, Jesus is not teaching that we should never defend ourselves. Instead, he is urging his followers to respond to violence with non-violence and to trust in God’s protection.

Table: Jesus’ Teachings on War

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jesus’ teachings on war are complex and multifaceted. While he rejected the idea of retaliation and violence, he did teach about self-defense and the importance of trusting in God’s protection. Jesus’ teachings on war are often misunderstood, and it’s important to consider the broader context in which he was speaking. By examining the scriptures and considering the teachings of Jesus, we can gain a deeper understanding of what he said about war.