Luke 22:35-38 (ESV)

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.”

It’s not about the swords.

Jesus says, “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.” He’s warning them that the last time was a cakewalk compared to what’s coming. Forewarned is forearmed.

Instead, they start obsessing on accumulating moneybags, knapsacks and swords – especially swords. And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” Sigh.

They can’t see the forest for the trees. In a few hours someone will actually use one of those swords and Jesus will have to undo the damage. For now, He just says, “It is enough.” If His earlier statement had been meant to be taken literally, they’d need eleven swords.

Note also that the prophesy, “And he was numbered with the transgressors.” is from Isaiah 53:12. It’s worthwhile to read the whole verse, or better yet the whole passage (Isaiah 52:7-53:12).

Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
            and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
            and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
            and makes intercession for the transgressors.  – Isaiah 53:12 (ESV)

It’s powerfully messianic.

This passage sounds like it’s about the physical needs of a modern missionary.But what they need most – what they ask for most – is prayer.

Lift up their financial needs (moneybag), their physical needs (knapsack), and their safety (sword). If you aren’t aware of all your church’s missionaries or don’t have their contact information, make a point of getting that.

They’d love to hear from you.

Email is good.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies