Jesus said: buy a sword

[glass]

Can someone explain why did Jesus want them to buy swords?

Luke 22:36
"He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."

Why was he encouraging His disciples to defend themselves through violence? In Matthew 5:38-39 he was against harming others.

Matthew 5:38-39
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for 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."

[Papirus]

Why was he encouraging His disciples to defend themselves through violence?

Don't be surprised, it goes well with:

Matthew 10:34
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."

Luke 12:49-53
"49 I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed!
51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.
53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."

Luke 14:25-27
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:
26"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple."

[Pollux]

There is more encouraging of defending through violence and weapon use:

Luke 11:21
"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;"

Exodus 22:2
"If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed;"

[SteveS55]

Pehaps it is metaphor?  Why aren't things stated plainly in the New Testament?  Is there something about paradox that teaches us?

[disq]

Pehaps it is metaphor?  Why aren't things stated plainly in the New Testament?  Is there something about paradox that teaches us?

Many Christians believe that the sword is a metaphor for ideological conflict and that Jesus was not encouraging violence. But there obviously is a problem with things not stated plainly in the New Testament. Some people may say that Jesus' resurrection, which is central to Christian faith, is also just a metaphor.