“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.” (Luke 22:36-38 KJV).
In contrast to earlier instruction our Lord gave to the disciples when he sent them on a mission (Mark 6:7-10), here while on the brink of arrest by political and religious leaders, He instructed them to be prepared to take a money bag and to sell his clothes to him who has no sword to buy a sword. This is to fulfill the scriptures that He would be counted with the transgressors. Through the eyes of grace, this reflects the reality that our Lord Jesus Christ did not want a real violent fight. Though, He intentionally had the disciples bring two swords so He would look like a revolutionary, justifying His arrest to fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 53:12 that He is numbered with the transgressors.
The two swords He told the disciples to bring were not for fighting. It was to provide just enough evidence to appear they were associated with lawbreakers or a rebel group, justifying His arrest by the armed religious guards. When the disciples produced two swords, declaring "It is enough” He was not referring for a real defense against the coming soldiers, rather enough to convince the authorities that are sent to apprehend Him. The moment was orchestrated strictly to allow His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and subsequent resurrection for our redemption.
Yes, He went through humiliating death in our behalf so, we - the lost sheep, can be restored with our Shepherd, as Scriptures affirmed: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:24-25 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
No comments:
Post a Comment