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Lectionary for Aug. 30, 2026
14th Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8;
Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28
I know that I’m out of step with most Lutherans in my belief that it’s impossible for Christians to legitimately practice violence because of their role in the state or any government. Just as the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos and the rest repeatedly critiqued the violence performed by humans in governments of their day, I think Jesus critiques and precludes the ability of those who follow him to fulfill violence of governmental functions—no matter which political party. Feel free to skip over this one if it’s too frustrating to engage, but let me make a biblical case for Christian pacifism from this week’s lectionary readings. This is, for me, a “here I stand” issue.
First, I turn to Romans. Love cannot put on masks (12:9). “I’m only hurting you because I love you” is the language of abusers. Instead, those whom Jesus has purchased by his blood from the forces of sin and death are to persevere in tribulation and be devoted to prayer and practicing hospitality to all.
“But Cory, what happens if someone attacks you?” Look, it’s not easy. But it is simple. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (14). Never repay evil for evil to anyone (17). As far as you can, be at peace with all people (18). Never take your own revenge but leave room for God’s wrath (19). Instead, if your enemy lacks something, give him what he lacks (20, quoting Proverbs 25:21-22). Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good (21). I can’t call violence that injures humans, even perpetrators, “good.” It might be deserved, for sure. It might even be “fair.” But it isn’t good.
And some will say, “What about David? He killed some people for God!” And I will say that all kings and those who build up military forces are curses, not just Saul (1 Samuel 8:7-18).
“But he was a man after God’s own heart!” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22), the reply goes. But David wasn’t a man after God’s own heart when he raped and murdered (2 Samuel 11-12). He wasn’t a man after God’s own heart when he arrogantly trusted in his own military strength, causing the deaths of tens of thousands of his people (2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21). He wasn’t a man after God’s own heart when he denied justice to his daughter after his son raped her (2 Samuel 13). In fact, God specifically forbade David from building God’s house because of his wanton violence as king (1 Chronicles 22:8 and 28:3).
David was only a man after God’s own heart when he humbly received criticism of his sins and repented of his violence and negligence. Lifting up David as a model for anything other than his repeated repentance and willingness to listen to prophetic critique is reading against Scripture.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Never repay evil for evil to anyone. As far as you can, be at peace with all people. Never take your own revenge but leave room for God’s wrath.
If we don’t follow David, who do we follow? Jesus, of course! And what does Jesus have to say on the subject of violence? In the Gospel passage for this week, Jesus and Peter have different visions for the telos of Jesus’ ministry.
Jesus knew that he would be mocked and abused by Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and then killed by Romans. Peter’s Christology had no room for a suffering messiah. Wanting to fight fire with fire, Peter rebuked Jesus. But fighting fire with fire leaves everyone burned. Knowing this, Jesus called Peter’s vision satanic (as in, opposed to Christ).
Instead, Jesus spoke to his disciples, saying that anyone who wanted to follow him must take up their own cross (Matthew 16:24). This wasn’t a metaphor for Jesus’ disciples. All but John were murdered, many on Roman crosses. If we try to save or preserve our lives, we will lose them. But if we are willing to lose our lives for Jesus’ sake, we will find that Jesus has already saved us. God will eventually repay everyone for what they have done—or not done (27). Justice is coming, to be sure. But humans meting out “redemptive violence” isn’t it. There are no so-called “sheep dogs” in Jesus’ or Paul’s visions for the church. Violence is not a fruit of the spirit. Peace, long-suffering and self-control are (Galatians 5:22-23).
In Jesus’ kingdom, the ends do not justify the means. The means are the way the kingdom of heaven is lived out on earth. It’s not my most Lutheran thought, but I think there is only one kingdom that matters. And the king of that kingdom is not David but Jesus.
