The Story Behind the Swords
The question of who Jesus told to buy a sword isn't a simple one, and understanding the context is crucial. This command appears in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 22, during the Last Supper, just before Jesus is arrested and crucified. It's a moment packed with tension and a significant shift in the narrative.
The Passage in Luke
Here's the relevant passage from Luke 22:35-38 (NIV translation, for clarity):
"When Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples, as was his habit, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.
And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed,
saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling on the ground.
And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, for they were overcome with sorrow.
And he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him.
But Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
And when those who were around him saw what would happen, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with our swords?”
And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him.
Then Jesus said to the chief priests and captains of the temple and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
You'll notice that the passage above describes the disciples asking Jesus if they should strike with swords, and Jesus responding with "No more of this!" This is a crucial part of the event. However, the verse that directly addresses the purchase of swords is found a little earlier in the same chapter, in Luke 22:36.
Luke 22:36: The Command
Here's Luke 22:36 (NIV):
“He said to them, ‘But now let the one who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag; and let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy a sword.
So, to answer directly, Jesus told his disciples to buy a sword. Specifically, he said, "let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy a sword."
Who Were "His Disciples"?
When Jesus says "them," he is referring to his closest followers, his twelve apostles, and likely the other disciples present during the Last Supper. These were the men who had been with him, learning from him, and witnessing his miracles.
Why the Command for Swords?
This command is often a source of confusion and debate. Many people find it contradictory to Jesus' teachings of peace, non-violence, and loving one's enemies. To understand Jesus' intent, we need to consider the immediate context and the broader themes of his ministry.
- The Imminent Danger: Jesus was acutely aware that his arrest and crucifixion were imminent. He had been teaching about his impending suffering. The disciples, on the other hand, were likely still grappling with the reality of what was to come and perhaps expecting a more earthly, triumphant Messiah.
- A Shift in Circumstance: Jesus had previously instructed his disciples to travel without provisions or weapons, relying on God's provision (Matthew 10:9-10). However, he was now indicating a change in their circumstances. The time of ministry and public teaching was ending, and a period of danger and persecution was beginning.
- Symbolic Interpretation: Some scholars interpret the command for swords as symbolic. It could represent the need for the disciples to be prepared for spiritual warfare or the difficult times ahead, rather than literally arming themselves for combat. The swords might symbolize a readiness to defend themselves or their faith, not necessarily to initiate violence.
- A Test of Understanding: It's also possible that Jesus was testing the disciples' understanding of his kingdom. When the disciples later asked if they should strike with swords, their interpretation was physical and aggressive, leading Jesus to correct them. This highlights their misunderstanding of how his kingdom operates.
- Contrast with Jesus' Own Actions: It's crucial to note Jesus' response to the disciples when one of them, Peter, did indeed draw a sword and strike the servant of the high priest. Jesus rebuked him sharply, saying, "No more of this!" and healed the man's ear. This demonstrates that Jesus himself did not endorse the use of violence in that situation.
The Disciples' Reaction
The disciples' response to this command is telling. In Luke 22:38, they say:
“Lord, behold, here are two swords.”
This response suggests that they had only two swords among them. This further underscores the idea that they were not a well-armed group and perhaps took Jesus' instruction quite literally, but with limited means.
Conclusion: A Complex Command
The command for the disciples to buy a sword is a complex passage that requires careful consideration. While Jesus did instruct his followers to acquire swords, his subsequent actions and words during his arrest clearly indicate that he did not advocate for violence or aggression. The command likely served as a preparation for the difficult times ahead, a symbolic representation of the challenges they would face, and perhaps a test of their understanding of his teachings and the nature of his kingdom. It's a poignant reminder that even in moments of impending suffering, Jesus' ultimate message was one of love, healing, and adherence to God's will.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many swords did the disciples have after the command?
When the disciples responded to Jesus' command to buy swords, they stated, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." This indicates that they had only two swords among them, even after the instruction to acquire them.
Why did Jesus tell his disciples to buy swords when he taught non-violence?
This is a point of theological discussion. It's widely believed that Jesus' command was not an endorsement of aggressive violence. Instead, it is often interpreted as a preparation for the imminent danger and persecution they would face, a symbol of readiness for spiritual warfare, or a test of their understanding of his kingdom, especially in contrast to his later rebuke of Peter for using a sword.
When did Jesus tell his disciples to buy a sword?
Jesus told his disciples to buy a sword during the Last Supper, just before his arrest and crucifixion, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 22.
What was Jesus' overall message about swords and violence?
While Jesus told his disciples to acquire swords in anticipation of difficult times, his actions and teachings consistently emphasized love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek. He rebuked Peter for striking the high priest's servant with a sword, healing the man's ear, demonstrating that he did not condone the use of violence in that context.
