Force, violence, and the kingdom

The ascetical/mystical interpretation of a "hard saying"

Among the more difficult sayings of Jesus, there is one that connects some unspecified form of violence or forcefulness to the kingdom of God. The saying comes to us in two versions: Matthew 11:12 and Luke 16:16. It is a disconcerting text for some readers, and this for two possible reasons. First, for a certain type, any mention of violence in relation to the kingdom is a disturbing thought, if not abhorrent. A second and less discomfiting reason the saying might confuse readers is that its meaning is obscure, especially in the version of Matthew. Taking the two texts together, it’s not entirely clear who is applying violent force, what the nature of the forcefulness is, or even what or who is being subjected to it. I will lay my cards on the table here at the outset: I favor an ascetical and, therefore, a “mystical” (my definition of “mysticism” is not dissociated from spiritual discipline) interpretation of the saying. This is not because I feel certain that this is the right interpretation, but only that it isn’t lacking in merit and accords with other ascetical/mystical teachings of Christ. Here are the two different versions of Jesus’ words, in Greek and as my brother has translated them (with bracketed inclusions of my own):