HOST: Ron House
SPONSOR: Start2Finish
And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”
As He reminds them, Jesus had earlier sent his apostles out without any supplies so that they might learn to depend on God’s care and provision through the generosity of fellow-disciples. But now the circumstances have changed. Jesus is going away, but they are to remain in this world. With His death, life for the apostles is going to become much more difficult. Jesus’ instruction to the apostles here, in simple terms, is to prepare themselves for the difficult and dangerous times ahead. Much has been made of Jesus’ instruction for them to arm themselves with swords. What are we to think of this command? Certainly, Jesus is not suggesting that they become militant in their defense of Him or His teachings (see Matthew 26:51-53; John 18:36). It was not uncommon for men of that day to carry swords, not only for protection against robbers and thieves that they might encounter as they travelled from one place to another, but also as a general tool to be used for a variety of purposes. Jesus’ instruction is simply that they should supply and prepare themselves for the difficulties and dangers that would surely come upon them after His departure.
What can we learn from this text about our Christian lives today?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
