For the things concerning me have an end

And right in the middle of this curious conversation, Jesus said: "For the things concerning me have an end."

What does this mean?

The conversation, again, involved Jesus telling his disciples they should sell some garments to buy swords. This is different counsel than when he sent them out before, telling them to not take any provisions. But now, before he was to be crucified, it seems he wanted them to look out for themselves a little by buying a few swords, and also to take along some money. Why the change?

And then: "For the things concerning me have an end."

Does this mean that the things prophesied about his earthly ministry in the Old Testament have a finite end at the time of his death and resurrection? If so, how does it shed light on the need to buy swords? Certainly Jesus' own actions a few verses later, when he healed his attacker's ear and told his disciples to put away their swords, do not support this view.

After all, "the things concerning me have an end" gives us no warrant to say that it only refers to the things at the end of the first advent. Many things concerning Christ are applicable throughout the church age.

I think it means we need to take a few things along -- in other words, to be prepared to live in this vale of tears in a reasonable, practical manner -- throughout the church age ... until all that has been prophesied about the Christ has been fulfilled.

But Jesus also underlines to not go overboard. Don't make the things you take along become the be-all and end-all of your journey -- as if you've forgotten you're on a journey, and have ended up parked in one place just accruing things.

Two swords on hand? Ah well, that's enough. And he moved on ...

Logos2Go

Luke 22.35-38 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. 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. And he came out, and went, as he was wont ...

Luke 22.50-51 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

1 Timothy 6.7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.