On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, many memorable words were said, that we speak of often. There is a short discussion Jesus had with his apostles, recorded in Luke 22:35-38, is less familiar to many.
“And He said to them, ‘When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?’ So they said, ‘Nothing.’ Then He said to them, ‘But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” For the things concerning Me have an end.’ So they said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ And He said to them, ‘It is enough’” (Luke 22:35-38).
The previous occasion mention here by the Lord is the limited commission He gave to His apostles to go the lost sheep of the house of Israel, to preach to them “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (cf. Matthew 10:5-15). As the apostles affirmed, they were well cared for as they witnessed and preached to a largely accepting audience. At that point in his ministry Jesus and His ministry was very popular, though even then He predicted a time when they would be persecuted for being His apostles (cf. Matthew 10:16-26).
On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, however, everything was changing. Consider the following words of our Lord:
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“For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’” Jesus here referred to the prophecy of Isaiah concerning His death, (Isaiah 53:12). Sentiment concerning Jesus had shifted. He would suffer at the hands of those who had even recently praised Him, (cf. Luke 19:37-38).
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“For the things concerning Me have an end.” Jesus was about to leave them. When He did, His work would be over, but their work would just be beginning. Jesus wanted them to be prepared and supplied for that work.
So, Jesus told them to get a money bag (they would need their own money, and could not depend upon others to sustain them in their work). He told them to get a knapsack. (Our version of a suitcase. Again, they couldn’t depend upon hospitality. Their clothes and the parchments, etc., needed for their ministry would have to be self-supplied). And, Jesus told them sacrifice, if necessary, to get a sword. This is an interesting statement, which needs a bit of explanation.
While a sword could certainly be used as a tool of sorts, it is important not to try to “explain away” Jesus’ words. A sword was a weapon. In their ministry, the apostles would face moments of danger. As two swords were already in their company, it wasn’t an unthinkable concept for them to arm themselves. Here, Jesus shows that it was not contrary to His ethics for them to have such means to protect themselves.
It is important to remember that Jesus promised them they would be persecuted for their faith. Today, we inherit that probability. “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). We are never told to take up swords and fight against religious persecution, but to endure it. However, self-defense is allowed by our Lord. The matter is well explained by Colly Caldwell, in his commentary on Luke.
“Taking a sword (machairan), seems to some to be a contradiction to other instructions of Jesus (see Matthew 26:52; Luke 22:49-51; etc.). Violence, even in self-defense, is not the image expected of the apostles. While Jesus’ message called upon them to accept persecution as He did, they would also be faced with robbers and villains of other kinds who could be resisted.”
C.G. Caldwell, Commentary on Luke
It is obvious that the apostles did not fully understand the import of Jesus words. They already had two swords! Jesus ended the conversation. They would learn soon enough just how their tenuous their lives would become as a result of their faith.
Tradition states that every apostle died a martyr’s death, excepting John. We read of Stephen’s stoning, and James’ death by sword in scripture (Acts 7:57-58, 12:2). Disciples scattered from Jerusalem as the persecution grew, (Acts 8:1). Things truly changed when Jesus died.
We remain in an age where self-sufficiency is needed in the proclamation of truth. We can’t think that the world in general will be accepting of the gospel of Christ. Our message is polarizing. It brings conflict, because it is the message of the Bringer of Light into darkness, (cf. Luke 12:49-53). They persecuted Him, and they oppose His servants as well. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them…” (Matthew 10:24-26a).
Preach the word! Do the work! Count the cost!
