A Time for Swords?
Luke 22:31-38
Why did Jesus tell Simon to buy a sword?
Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash
“Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!" Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me." He said to them, "When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "No, not a thing." He said to them, "But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, 'And he was counted among the lawless' and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled." They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." He replied, "It is enough." - Luke 22:31-38
When Jesus sent them out in pairs to spread the message of salvation, he told them not to bring anything but the clothes on their backs.
He was telling them, at the time, that they should not worry about defending themselves because they were together. But now, they will be scattered, so they will need to defend themselves.
That is one interpretation of this passage.
Another is that he is speaking figuratively, and he really doesn't want them to use the sword against anyone.
Sometimes I wonder how they understood him at all. The man spoke in riddles and puzzles.
To some, those who are closed-minded and set in their beliefs, failed to understand Jesus, thinking he was speaking in riddles.
But to those who were hungry for knowledge of God, the way Jesus spoke invoked participation in the discussion. Even here, with the instructions Jesus gives about carrying a purse and buying a sword, we can tell he was not being literal by his response to the declaration that they have two swords.
It is enough is a dismissive statement, unless taken literally.
The interesting thing is that Jesus' decision to speak in parables to all did not save him from persecution and death. Perhaps it delayed the judgment against him, but they found a way to get him in the end.
And this reading, today, is at the end of that ministry, when he is about to be taken into custody.
I wonder if Jesus knew his cryptic messages would turn off so many people in our day. We have become so accustomed to taking each other's posts and comments literally, that we have forgotten how to pause and think about what is being said.
No wonder it seems to be a time for swords now.
More to come...