How do we know when Jesus is speaking figuratively and not literally? Apparently, when he uses violent imagery.

That’s certainly the case on at least two occasions.

First one? “Fire from heaven.”

In Luke 12:49, Jesus says, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already ablaze!” He then goes on to use further violent imagery, that he hasn’t come to bring peace on earth but rather division, splitting households and families.

It’s interesting language—especially because a few chapters earlier James and John were eager to take these words quite literally. Jesus and his disciples entered a Samaritan village, but the people did not welcome them. So they left, shaking the dust off their feet (see Luke 10:10-11). Yet that dust-shaking wasn’t good enough for James and John. “Lord,” they said to Jesus, “do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But Jesus, in this respect at least, is not like Elijah from of old (2 Kgs 1), and he rebuked them for this (Luke 9:53-55).

In other words: no, the “fire from heaven” language Jesus uses is not to be taken literally.

Second example? “Buy a sword.”

In Luke 22:36, he tells his disciples that “the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one.” This, he says, is so that the Scripture is fulfilled that says he will be counted among the lawless. The disciples take him literally, and they assure him that they have two swords among them already (I’m betting on Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot). Jesus replies—with no commentary on his tone of voice—“It is enough.”

Gérard Douffet,Taking of Christ with the Malchus Episode

But just a few verses later it becomes clear that Jesus was speaking figuratively about swords and their use. Judas leads a crowd to arrest Jesus, and his disciples ask, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Without waiting for an answer, one of them—John’s Gospel says it was Peter—strikes a servant of the high priest and slices off his ear. Jesus’ response? “No more of this”—and he heals the man (Luke 22:47-51). Matthew’s Gospel adds the famous saying of Jesus: “For all who take up the sword will die by the sword” (Matt 26:52).

In other words: no, the “buy a sword” language Jesus uses is not to be taken literally.

Twice, then, Jesus has used imagery of violence. And twice his disciples have taken him literally when they should have taken him figuratively.

Of course, figurative language is still describing something real. It’s used for a reason. Jesus’ message does divide families, still today. His words of love which do indeed bring peace can create division among households when those words are rejected. And his call for his disciples to buy a sword both demonstrates the seriousness of the situation before them and foretells the manner of his death—that he would be crucified as a common criminal, alongside convicted brigands.

Jesus’ violent imagery was to be taken seriously. But it was not to be taken literally.

I wonder, does that apply elsewhere?

His words about “plucking out your eye” and “cutting off your hand” if they cause you to sin (Matt 5:29-30)? Yes, our sins of harm against others are serious, so take them seriously. But no, don’t literally gouge out your eye or hack off your hand.

His words about the fires of hell for those who commit the most serious of these sins of harm, especially the rich against the poor and the powerful against the powerless (Matt 5:22; 18:9; 23:33; Luke 16:19-31)? Yes, the consequences of our sins are serious. But no, people are not literally going to burn for their sins.

What about beyond the Gospels? What about, say, the book of Revelation? There’s plenty of violent imagery there, including violence against the enemies of God by the returning Jesus coming from the heavens (Rev 19-20). I believe the same holds true here: while God’s judgment is serious, it’s not going to be a blood bath culminating in a lake of burning sulfur.

Regardless of how far we take this principle, it’s worth pondering: when Jesus uses the imagery of violence, he’s not meaning his disciples to take him literally.

Take Jesus seriously when he talks about fire and swords, oh yes. But don’t take him literally.