Jesus on being practical

Luke's account of the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion is filled with memorable moments: Peter's denial, Judas' betrayal, Jesus before Pilate, and so on. But often glossed over is a curious little conversation in the midst of these events:

Jesus told his disciples, in effect: maybe it's good that you buy a few swords.

Jesus said, "When I sent you out earlier you didn't have to worry about material needs, but now take money and other needs. Sell a garment to buy swords." When His disciples responded, "we've got two swords here with us." Jesus answered, "that's enough."

What is this all about?

A few verses later, a disciple used one of those swords to cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest; this was when they came to take Him away. But Jesus healed the ear and said, "No more of this!"

So certainly Jesus didn't need the swords He told his disciples to take along.

What is this all about?

The best I can figure is that Jesus recognized the practicalities of life when His physical presence will no longer be with them. The disciples will need to concern themselves about provisions, even to look out for their safety, by non-miraculous means. By means that the world in general would think are not extraordinary.

Jesus was being practical.

But it wasn't a well-conceived, well-strategized practicality. It's not as if He said, "Look, make sure you file your taxes quarterly to maximize what you keep for yourselves ... look for all the loopholes." Or something to that effect.

No. It was almost as if He mentioned the practical considerations half-heartedly: Take along some swords ... oh you've got two? ... that's enough..."

(I'm just trying to get a sense of the human-ness of the man Jesus Christ).

We often assume that the New Testament is all about miracles. But there is a real day-to-day, real-life feel about them that make what they report that much more believable.

C.S. Lewis said something to the effect that the gospels are too clumsy -- they sound too real -- to be well-crafted myths.

Even Jesus the Man, who knew what was going to happen, said ... well, take along a sword or two, and bring some cash. But He said it in such a way that the practical ought never to take precedence over how the will of God will be played out in any event.

But bring along some cash.

Logos2Go

Luke 22.35-38 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. It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment." The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords." "That is enough," he replied.

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.