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Luke 22:36 – What is Meant by “Swords?”
Jesus tells His apostles to buy swords. Is this verse about self-defense? Is Jesus making the apostles appear to be zealots to fulfill v.37? Is the meaning metaphorical for preparing them to suffer and the sword stands for something spiritual? I believe Jesus does mean literal swords, although we have to be careful how we apply that (i.e., turn the other cheek, love your enemies). Obviously Jesus did not have a scriptural or spiritual problem with them having swords since they were already carrying two. While there is a connection to the prophecy from Isaiah 53 that we must make since Jesus does, it can’t be that Jesus wanted them to leave right then and come back so that they could give the soldiers justification to count them among thieves. There is nothing in the context about it being metaphorical since they were told to provide provisions for themselves that were literal: moneybag and traveling bag. Here is my understanding: Verse 36 – Jesus is telling them their future will be different than the past “missionary” journeys. Therefore they will need to physically provide for themselves because the miraculous daily provision would cease; much like the manna ceased when Israel entered Canaan. Verse 37 is a quote from Isaiah 53 concerning Jesus’ crucifixion. The connection to v.36 is He is telling them once again He is going to die and suffer and therefore He is leaving them. He is not telling them to buy swords to protect Him, nor so that they can get arrested with Him or get Him arrested. Verse 38 – When the apostles say they have two swords they are implying that is enough. Jesus sees they don’t understand yet again He is leaving them. Two cannot be enough for twelve people sent out in pairs with Jesus not with them. Therefore He says out of exasperation “Enough of that!” (HCSB). This doesn’t answer what the swords are for but: 1) it keeps the swords literal; 2) it answers how it is connected to the prophecy; 3) it fits the overall context of how the apostles kept missing Jesus’ meaning concerning His death.
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