This has come up once before in another thread, but still seems to be a question on people's minds, so since it's been about 6 months I'll try again.
I would say that there are a couple of lines which might paint the big J as a soldier "I bring a sword, not peace" is, I think one line and when he comes riding in during Revelation his mouth is 'like a double edged sword' Don't ask me for the exact references, I'm not in a position to find them at the mo.
No Jesus was not a fighter, or a warrior and the whole sword thing - again that too is taken out of context or misinterpreted. Jesus was a peaceful, kind, and caring person. He not only was peaceful with people but also at peace with himself, and taught others to be peaceable with all men. There are scriptures on that. The scripture about the sword is in more than one place, but in reference to this statement above, then the best ones are in Luke 12:51-53 which talks about
not bringing peace but bringing division. It is also mentioned and more detailed in the account of Matthew 10:32-39, with verse 34 talking about
not peace, but a sword. I will summarize but you should read the whole thing for complete understanding.
Basically in Matthew, (Jesus speaking) and saying everyone that is in union with me, will be in union with my Father, for I will confess to Him your union, but should you disown me, then I will disown you. Then it goes on to say divisions can be against mother, brother sister, father and members of ones' household, but if it is for the sake of My Father's name then it's OK, because you have shown that He is more important than men, and if not and you can't do that, then you are not worthy of me. In other words choose. That's the division with the sword - not some conquistador going to battle.
The blade of the sword or the sword itself is not literal, but the division is literal. Metaphorically speaking, since a sword can cut or sever - in one's life it too can sever or divide the good from the bad. You can choose not to be separated or divided from family, friends, neighbors and the like and if you just can't give that up - even when you know they are doing wrong, then that divides you and GOD. However if your family, friends, and neighbors do something that you know God doesn't want and you walk away from it because you are strong enough and do not have to be a follower of men, then your division may be with them, but at least it won't be with God. Basic terms - if your best friend jumps off a bridge are you going to jump off too? No. Have sense, be strong, do what's right. Who cares whether you are liked by men. And once there is that division among you and men, they may persecute you for no reason, just because you've made changes and aren't very cool any more to hang out with. So – who cares.
And B-T-W
the reference to sword in Revelation is not the same sword talked about here.
I will address the so-called mean Barbaric God later.