Jesus commanded disciples to carry swords before his betrayal, indicating readiness for self-defense is a godly posture

Earlier Jesus sent disciples out without money, weapons, or extra clothing to teach reliance on God. But right before Gethsemane, Jesus reversed this: grab what you have, and if you do not have a sword, buy one. Mike argues this is not hyperbole — Jesus genuinely wanted them armed and ready to defend themselves. Peter then draws his sword in the garden and cuts off Malchus the servant's ear; Jesus stops him — not because self-defense is wrong but because this particular arrest was God's will for his martyrdom, not a scenario requiring defense.