Jumpstarter 8 of 10

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Question 8

In the Peasants’ Revolt, Luther urged princes to “smite, slay, and stab” and said this was “the time of the sword, not the day of grace”; what does that reveal about Luther’s functional view of God’s grace when social order is threatened, and how do we decide whether we truly believe the kingdom way when it becomes “impractical”?

Another way to ask: During the Peasants’ Revolt, Luther told rulers to kill, saying it was “the time of the sword, not the day of grace.” What does that show about how he treated grace when order was threatened, and how do we know if we truly believe Jesus’ way when it seems impractical?

Direct Answer Bercot portrays Luther as functionally setting aside grace when social order and his Reformation project were threatened, turning instead to violent coercion. He suggests the “impractical” moment is the real test of whether we trust God’s power and accept the kingdom road of powerlessness.

Support from Transcript:

During the 1525 revolt, Luther feared the rebellion could “alienate the nobility” and discredit the Reformation.
He urges violent suppression: “let everyone who can smite, slay, and stab,” and says, “It is the time of the sword, not the day of grace.”
He tells princes they must punish with bloodshed or be “guilty of all the murder,” portraying killing as required duty.
He even praises dying while slaughtering peasants: “a true martyr… Strange times… a prince can win heaven with bloodshed.”
Bercot comments that if Luther truly believed God empowered the Reformation, he wouldn’t fear it being derailed; “when matters become impractical… we find out who really are the true sons of the kingdom.”

Discussion Follow-ups What situations make us feel we “must” use worldly power? How do we tell whether we’re trusting God or protecting a cause, reputation, or institution?

Jumpstarter 8 of 10