Monday, March 25

Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me." Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (Luke 22: 34-36)

Throughout his gospel Luke depicts Jesus teaching that the way to the kingdom of heaven is through love. He repeatedly teaches the disciples to reject the ways of the world.

When Jesus reminds the disciples of how he sent them out as his agents to declare that the kingdom of God is at hand, he says they went without purse, bag or sandals. They lacked for nothing. God provided for all their needs. So what is this noise about selling your cloak to buy a sword? And why two swords? What kind of battle against either the spiritual or temporal powers did the disciples think they could wage? With two swords? Not much fighting power there.

The disciples have been arguing among themselves about who will be the betrayer and which of them is the greatest. Their behavior is childish. They miss the point. Jesus is trying to tell them about his looming death. And what’s their response? “Hey, we’ve got two swords here.” Jesus says, “That’s enough.”

Some interpreters use this verse to justify violence and war against “God’s enemies.” Rather, Jesus rebukes Peter when he cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus says, “No more of this!” He then shows love and heals the man.

Dear Lord, In these days of uncertainty and division in our country and in our world, please give us ears to hear your teaching. Close our hearts to fear. Teach us to trust in you and to follow your way especially in times of crisis. Amen

Vicki Parker