1. John 12:32. Can we “lift Jesus higher” than this?

I cringe every time I hear the song, “Lift Jesus Higher.” I know what they mean, and their thought is good. But the terminology came from this verse, and does not speak the truth about it. The lifting up of Jesus was on a cross, and no, there is no pinnacle higher than the cross for the Savior Who came to die.

2. Luke 22:36. Is this weapons teaching for us today?

Difficult question. Here are some points to ponder:

• They spent a full three years of dangerous ministry together with no (recorded) talk of weapons of any kind, for self-defense, for aggression, nothing!
• When two swords are shown to the Master, He weakly says, “It is enough.” Enough for 11 men to defend themselves and their families? Two swords?
• Never in the rest of the New Testament story is any man of God put in a position where physical weapons would make a difference. Miracles happen. Deliverances come. No sword is seen ever.
• When Jesus Himself could have been defended by a sword, in the Garden, he refuses the offer and heals the one who has been wounded by the sword.
• He tells His people to concentrate on spiritual warfare.
• This incident happened before Pentecost, when “all the rules changed.”
• There was a short period of time between their relationship with Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit when they would feel secure having a sword at their side. Jesus allows it until the boldness of the Spirit comes upon them.

However, consider the other side awhile.

• There are those among us of little faith. They do not believe God will protect them in every situation and they want to be ready. Is it not the same principle as buying health insurance, “just in case”?
• The case is always mentioned of the Christian’s family being at risk. It seems logical and loving for a man to have a gun hidden somewhere in his house. Especially if he does not have the faith to rebuke the intruder, or does not feel it is his time to die.
• Did not Jesus “protect Himself” from death several times before the ultimate sacrifice was given?

It seems to me that the fact that there are two arguable sides here, lets us know that the choice is with us. He will not force faith on a man, nor condemn a man who is a bit weak.

3. John 14:2. Is it “mansions” or “rooms”?

Better not to choose between the two, but to look at verse 23, where the very same Greek word is translated “abode” or “dwelling place.”