Luke 22:35-38

He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?”

They said, “Nothing.”

Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword. For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me has an end.”

They said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.”

He said to them, “That is enough.”

It’s pretty obvious that “turning the other cheek” can be take too far. We see here that Jesus was advocating the use of weapons for self defense. He was also advocating a savings account for times of need.

Notice that Jesus Himself highlighted the change from what He had said earlier. He also mentioned what was different. Jesus was no longer to be there with them and was to be considered as a criminal.

It may be hard for some people reading this to believe, but as I speak, there are those who live to kill Christians and believe that they are doing a good thing for mankind. In a very real sense, the criminalization of Jesus and His followers continues to this very day. If I am understanding this right, it makes sense, then, that Christians need protection too.

There are two kinds of protection mentioned here. One is savings in money, and the other is a means of self defense. I believe it may also be safe to say that insurance may be a good idea.

Some people believe, that when Jesus told them to “turn the other cheek” that He was talking to a Messianic Israel. In other words, this command only works correctly when Jesus is actually physically ruling on earth. I have considered this and I don’t yet know if that is correct. It is clear, however, that Jesus did advocate the use of weapons and money when the time was right.

Notice that there is no need to stockpile weapons. All that was required was a simple, sufficient defense for ourselves. Am I advocating getting a gun? Yes. Although these instructions may have been specific to the disciples at this time, they were Jesus’ instructions given right before His death and He did give reasons that are logical and fit the situation of many Christians today.