Anchor My Faith

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Author: Stephen Weller
721 words, 4 minutes read time

Scripture Must Be Fulfilled

Scripture: Lk 22:35-38

With the previous lesson we finished the section devoted to what is known as the High Priestly Prayer. With this lesson we will cover the last section included in the Thursday account, as described by Jerry Peyton.

^{Lk 22:35} [Then Jesus] said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”

The reference of being sent out with no moneybags takes us back to Luke 9:3, 10:4; Matthew 10:9 – 10; and Mark 6:8 where Jesus sent out disciples, both the twelve and the 72, to gain some ministry experience. Before being sent out they were given instruction (See lessons of Section 80) about what to take, how to live and what to do. Jesus asks his disciples to think back to that event and tell him if their needs were met. They replied that their needs were met and that they lacked nothing.

^{Lk 22:36} 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. ³⁷ 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.” ³⁸ And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

Following his question and their response, Jesus now gives them instruction to purchase a sword. There are two points of view on the meaning of sword in verse 36. One view is that Jesus is speaking of real swords and the other view is that sword is a metaphor for the disciples to be armed spiritually to fight spiritual foes.

Those that hold the view that the swords are a metaphor would point to Ephesians 6:10 – 17 where the whole armor of God is described, including the sword of the Spirit. Looking at verse 38, the disciples said they had two swords and Jesus said that those would be enough, so the emphasis doesn’t seem to be on physical swords. Jesus comment to their response of “It is enough” is seen as a rebuke, saying essentially, “Enough talk about swords.” When the party comes to arrest Jesus, he prohibits the disciples from using their swords (verses 49 – 51).

Those who hold the view that the swords are literal swords for the purpose of self-defense and protection from robbers. They also claim that since the moneybag and knapsack and cloak are real items, then the sword must also be a real item. The comment of “It is enough” means that the two available swords is enough. Their prohibit of use later is to allow the arrest of Jesus and his suffering so that Scripture could be fulfilled. The fact that the disciples had two swords among them indicates that Jesus did not prohibit them from having them for protection as they traveled.

Both views have points of merit, but we are not sure what the true meaning is. It is clear to me that Jesus did not expect them to each have a sword to protect Jesus from being arrested. He avoided arrest several times in the past and could easily do it again. Now his time had come, and he had to go to the cross to finish his work in purchasing our salvation.

Jesus explains to his disciples that he must go to the cross and be identified with transgressors of the law to fulfill Scripture concerning him. For this reason, he must be arrested and tried and falsely accused so as to die for our sin.

Conclusion

The narrative produced by Jerry Peyton indicates that we have come to the end of Thursday and it is before dawn on Friday. According to my research and study, it is my opinion that Wednesday has just ended, and it is now before dawn on Thursday. My reasons for this were developed in the lessons of gev199. I want to make it very clear that this is my opinion and not a point of argument. This opinion has solved some lifelong concerns I have had about passion week.