What do the two swords in Luke 22:39 represent?

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WHAT DO THE SWORDS IN LUKE 22:38 REPRESENT?

Renette Vermeulen

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[Acknowledgement to the person who compiled and published this image]

“Sell your cloak [if you cannot afford] to buy a sword,” Jesus commanded His disciples just before He went to pray in Gethsemane. “Are you the [political] king of the Jews?” Pontius Pilate demanded the very next day. “My Kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus declared. “If My Kingdom were of this world, My servants would [physically] fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My Kingdom is not from here. [It is a Spiritual Kingdom, and has no earthly origin, source, or political aspirations,]” (Jn. 18:36.)

Þ So, what was Jesus really saying in Luke 22:36, when He commanded His disciples to “sell your cloak to buy a sword?”

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QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY THE CONTEXTUAL TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD:

Þ What can the two swords between the disciples “being enough,” possibly mean?

Þ Is Luke 22:38 a commandment to ‘extend christianity’ through war and bloodshed?

Þ Is it a commandment to defend ourselves physically when in danger?

Þ Why did Jesus tell Peter that same night, “Put away your sword. He who lives by the sword will die by the sword?”

Þ Why did Jesus tell Pilate the next day that His disciples will not physically fight to protect Him from crucifixion?

Þ Are the two swords an analogy of “selling” everything to get “the Sword of the Spirit;” God’s Word?

Þ Are the two swords a symbol of Jesus’ Truth that will separate even those in one household?”

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO UNDERSTAND SCRIPTURE IF IT IS NOT STUDIED IN GENUINE CONTEXTUAL TRUTH

The Bible was given to us in two Testaments or Covenants for a good reason. Our understanding of the Bible depends on this fact. All churches blend these two separate covenants to bind believers to a physical building as “the [so-called] house of god,” (see GOD’S TRUTH in Acts 7:44-50; 17:24-15!) ► By concocting Jesus’ True Word to suit their dogmas, church clergies extort time, money, and church service from believers to enrich and glorify themselves. This was Paul’s fight “with those from the circumcision,” who accepted Jesus’ New Covenant, but kept to the ousted, ceremonial or ritual temple laws of the old covenant as well, (Heb. 8:5-13!) ► Paul insisted in Ephesians 5:1-6, “Stand fast in the liberty by which CHRIST has made us free, and do NOT be entangled again with an [old covenant] yoke of bondage… If you [conform to ousted, ceremonial temple laws,] Christ will profit you nothing... You who attempt to be justified by [Messianic Judaism and other dogmatic church ritualism] HAVE FALLEN FROM [THE NEW TESTAMENT COVENANT] GRACE [IN CHRIST JESUS…]”

► The Old Testament covenant only pertained (past tense) to God’s Covenant with the Hebrew nation; all Gentiles or non-Hebrew nations were excluded. Thus, the Man Jesus Christ ministered to the Hebrews under the Old Testament covenant before the cross and Pentecost, (Jn. 1:1-14.) During that time, the old temple sacrifices only “covered” the sin of the Israelites as symbols of the Perfect Sacrifice, the Lamb of God, Who was to come, (Jn. 1:29; Col. 2:9-10.) That is why the Old Hebrews were subject to indwelling demons during Jesus’ ministry before the cross. They could not experience His blood-cleansing atonement and Holy-Spirit indwelling, to be spiritually born again “FROM darkness INTO God’s [Kingdom of] Light.” The “Spirit was not yet given” until after the cross at Pentecost, (Jn. 7:37-39; 1 Cor. 3:16-17!)

► But since the cross everyone from all the tribes, tongues, and nations, (Israel as well,) who personally and sincerely believes in, fully accepts, and follows Christ, can be completely “washed” by His blood atonement in their place, (Jn. 3:16-21! Eph. 7,8-14! Col. 2:9-15! Rev. 1:5-8!) At Pentecost the Holy Spirit, (for the first time in all of history until the end of this world,) entirely and constantly indwells all Jesus’ truly blood-cleansed believers as His spiritual, fully “anointed,” holy temple on earth, (Jn. 19:28-30! 1 Cor. 3:16-17! Rom. 8:9! 1 Jn. 2:20, 27!) ► That is why, under God’s global N.T. Covenant in Christ, ONLY PERSONALLY BELIEVING, TRUE FOLLOWER-DISCIPLES FROM ALL NATIONS, (BELIEVING JEWS TOO,) are “His chosen people, [spiritual] royal priesthood, holy nation, and God’s own special people,” (1 Pet. 2:9-10!)

JESUS’ FIRST COMMISSION TO ‘THE SEVENTY’ BEFORE THE CROSS AND PENTECOST

In Luke 10:1-20 KJV, as a demonstration of what was to come for all true believers from all nations AFTER the cross and Pentecost, Jesus commissioned seventy disciples to minister to the Hebrew nation. He did not send them out as hyper-anointed supermen, but “as lambs among wolves” to preach His “peace” or Gospel - and His miracles “followed” them, (Mark 16:15-20.) They told all those who would choose to accept Him, “The Kingdom of God has COME NEAR to you,” as the Kingdom of God could still not be “within them” until after the cross and Pentecost, (Luke 17:20-21 ONLY IN KJV!)

► The Seventy were to carry NO provisions; relying solely on God’s care. They were not to greet anyone on their way, as their commission was so urgent. Those who refused to accept Jesus’ ‘peace’ refused God Himself. As a result, The Seventy had to “wipe their dust [spiritual filth] off their feet against them [as a testimony that they chose to remain in darkness, bondage, and under the curse without Christ, (Gal. 3:10-14!) Thus, it would be more tolerable for Sodom, [Tyre and Sidon,] in That Day [when everyone must give an account at Jesus’ return to earth or at death.]” Those who reject His truth will receive a “greater condemnation” than the citizens of those perverted cities received, (Lu. 10:8-16.)

► When The Seventy returned they rejoiced, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name.”

► But the Lord warned, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I gave you the authority to trample [on demons,] and over ALL the power of the enemy, and nothing will by any means harm you, (Lu. 10:17-20; Col. 2:9-15!) But do not rejoice that demons are subject to you; rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven,” (Rev. 20:15; 13:8; 1 Pt. 1:20.)

JESUS’ SECOND COMMISSION TO ‘THE TWELVE’ SHORTLY BEFORE THE CROSS AND PENTECOST

In Matthew 10:5-10, Jesus commissioned “The Twelve,” saying, “Do NOT go [to] the Gentiles.” Before the cross and Pentecost, His mission remained focused on the Old Testament Hebrews, (Jn. 1:1-14.) “Preach that the Kingdom of God is AT HAND, [as the cross and Pentecost were closer now.] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give!” ► Just as The Seventy in the first mission, they were forbidden to take any supplies [to totally rely on God’s provision.] They also had to “shake the dust from their feet” against those who refused to accept Jesus’ Reality and Truth. A “stricter judgement” would also overcome those blasphemers. Mat. 10: 16-23, They were also sent “as sheep among wolves.” Thus [they had to be] as wise, [not malicious,] as serpents and as harmless [or sincere] as doves.” ►► “BUT BEWARE OF MEN,” the Lord warned. “For [times are becoming worse...] You will be hated by all for My Name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved… “Verses 24-26: “A disciple is not above His teacher… If they called the Master ‘Beelzebub,’ how much more will they call [His disciples?] Do not fear them. There is nothing covered that will not be revealed...” ►► In fact, Jesus was sketching the dangerous scene that awaited them after the cross and Pentecost; teaching and preparing them for the third, worldwide commission that was drawing close.

THE THIRD COMMISSION PERTAINS TO ALL DISCIPLES GLOBALLY, (Matthew 28:18-20.)

In Luke 22:35, just before Jesus went to pray in Gethsemane where the Judaist Sanhedrin or temple masters arrested Him, He asked The Eleven,” [Judas already fell away,] ► “When I sent you without [provisions,] did you lack anything?”

¨ Luke 22:35, the second sentence: “They answered, ‘Nothing.’”

¨ Luke 22: 36: Then the Lord commanded, “[But now, after the cross and Pentecost,] he who has a money bag let him take it, and likewise a knapsack, and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment [cloak] to buy a sword...”

¨ Verse 37: ►► WHAT JESUS SAID NEXT IS THE CRUCIAL CONTEXT ALL CLERGIES MISS: “For I say to you that this which is written (in Isaiah 53:12,) must still [literally] be accomplished in Me [at the cross:] ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors,’ [which was fulfilled in Mark 15:27-28!] For the things concerning Me [on earth] have an end, [when I die, am resurrected, and ascend into heaven,]” (Mt. 28:19-20.) ►► This is what the Lord highlighted in this passage about their third mission: “Because the world hated Me it will also hate you, [My true disciples,]” (Jn. 15:18-27.)

¨ At Jesus’ ascension into heaven, He would send His disciples to carry on with His earthly ministry; evangelizing to the end of the world Israel AND the rest of the whole world with His New Testament Covenant Truth, (Mt. 28:19-20!)

¨ ► Most importantly, this last and final mission would be extremely dangerous. Henceforward, all His GENUINE DISCIPLES MUST BE PREPARED TO BE “TOTALLY SUBMITTED TO GOD TO WITHSTAND” IMMENSE PERSECUTION FOR OBEYING THE LORD, (Jam. 4:7-10!) ►► The context of John 13:16 confirms perfectly what Jesus said: “A servant is not greater than his master; NOR IS HE WHO IS SENT GREATER THAN HE WHO SENT HIM.” 1 Peter 2:20-251 agree, “It is credit [to suffer for doing good...] for to this you were called; as Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow His steps…”

¨ ► Verse 38: [The Twelve clearly understood that everything God said in this context WAS LITERAL NOT ONLY SPIRITUAL, as clergies allege.] So, they said, “Lord, look, here are [only] two swords [and we are eleven men.]

¨ Verse 38, second sentence: “The Lord answered, ‘That is enough.]’”

THE MEANING OF THE TWO SWORDS IS STRAIGHTFORWARD IN THE TRUE CONTEXT OF GOD’S WORD

At Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the above commissions of The Seventy and then The Twelve disciples construct the context of His commission to all preachers after the cross, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20. The Lord knew He would shortly be taken by brute force, tortured beyond what humans can bear, and murdered most cruelly without any mercy, (Isa. 53:2-12; 52:14!) He had to endure all that in the place of genuinely believing humanity to completely fulfill all the Old Testament Laws, (Matthew 5:17-20,) as well as the O.T. prophesies concerning the Christ, (Jn. 19:28-30! 3:16-21!)

► Therefore in Luke 22:25-28, the Lord again stressed the truth that His New Testament Covenant preachers must be watchful under all circumstances, while NOT relying independently on themselves or everything else. Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder labors in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman guards in vain.” Yet, they still have to take responsibility for themselves and whoever and whatever God entrusted to them. ► The first commandment He gave to humanity in Eden, (both male and female: Genesis 1:27-28,) was to “tend and keep the garden.” To this day they still have to be vigilant to guard themselves against disobedience to God, while they “subdue [or take care and guard] the earth and everything on it,” (Gen. 1:27-28; 2:15-17; Mt. 25:14-30!) So, “If [people] will not work neither should they eat,” (2 Ths. 3:10; Mt. 25:14-30!) ►► What’s more, when the Lord was praying in blood-sweat while awaiting His fate in Gethsemane, He found the disciples asleep. He said, “What [are you doing?] I said you must WATCH WITH ME! WATCH AND PRAY, [do your physical part and God will help you and do what is beyond your reach and control], lest you enter into temptation [and unnecessary danger...] (Mt. 26:38-46.)

¨ OF COURSE THE “SWORD OF THE SPIRIT” IS THE TRUE WORD OF GOD. But in this passage, Jesus was speaking about New Covenant evangelization through literal discipleship and servanthood in a dangerous world. So, His disciples must trust God while also being ready to defend themselves physically as He leads. ► Before the cross, they were familiar with their territory and carrying swords. Now, they must remain alert to the fact that the scene would greatly intensify.

¨ Still, at the next day at His trial, Pontius Pilate asked Jesus if He were coveting the throne of Caesar as the physical king of the Hebrews. But Christ Jesus stated that His Kingdom is spiritual, otherwise His disciples would physically fight so that He would NOT be handed to the Hebrew Sanhedrin to murder Him, (Jn. 18:36.) ►► In this statement the Lord did not change His mind about “selling your cloak to buy a sword.” HE IRREVOCABLY DECLARED THAT HIS UNSEEN KINGDOM [IN THE born again ‘hearts’ or human spirits of true believers after the cross,] (John 1:12-13; 3:3-7,) MUST NOT BE EXTENDED BY FORCE LIKE THE UNGODLY CHURCH CLERGIES (Acts 17:24-25!) did during their inhumane christian crusades and barbarous inquisitions.

► However, none of this affected the literal truth about Jesus’ commandment at the second commission of The Twelve disciples. If their lives are threatened unnecessarily, they should remember that His previous two commissions were indeed preparing His New Covenant disciples for their PHYSICAL, dangerous, worldwide mission after the cross.

THE MEANING OF TWO SWORDS BEING “ENOUGH,” (Luke 22:38.)

The Israeli missions of The Seventy and The Twelve symbolize THE FIRST SWORD before the cross. By first sending them out without any provisions or physical protection, the Holy Spirit taught them to wholly rely on His care as “they lacked nothing.” THAT SETTLED THE CERTAINTY THAT GOD’S PROVISION IS ALWAYS ”ENOUGH.”

Þ But once they were schooled in complete reliance on God, they had to evangelize globally. At His ascension, The Lord Jesus Christ commissioned, “All authority was given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore [in the leading and power of My indwelling Holy Spirit: 1 John 2:20,27;] preaching [My real Gospel Truth to all men globally] to make DISCIPLES [not church members;] baptizing [My disciples according to My own illustration: Matthew 3:16-17,] in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS I HAVE COMMENDED YOU, [not church dogmas,] and see, I Am with you always, even to the end of the world,” (Mt. 28:18-20.)

Þ On Jesus’ final mission that stretches to the end of time, THE SECOND SWORD symbolizes their responsibility to take care of their physical needs as far as humanly possible, WHILE RELYING TOTALLY ON THE FIRST SWORD: God’s supernatural provision, leading, and protection, (Rom. 12:1-2.) This is not because they doubt the Lord in any way, but because they are spreading His “SPIRIT AND LIFE” in the violence-filled world that crucified their Christ, and which is always willing to do the same to them on a multilevel — spirit, soul/mind, and body,” (Jn. 6:63.) PAUL CERTIFIED, “We did not eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but worked day and night not to be a burden to anyone… as an EXAMPLE to [the other disciples…]” (2 Ths. 3:8-10; 1 Tim. 5:8.) So, while evangelizing “in peril of barbarians, Jews, Gentiles, and false brethren…]” it is likely that he carried both those swords, (1 Ths. 2:9; 2 Cor. 11:23-26.)

►► There is no clue in anywhere in these passages that suggests we must interpret Jesus’ commandment symbolically about “selling your cloak to buy a sword.” Jesus was speaking of a physical sword. ► Yet, as with all other things, this literal sword must always operate in combination with the first spiritual sword. Besides, the second sword only pertains to human capabilities in certain situations and NOT to situations that warrant suffering in God’s will. So, the second sword, (vigilance and necessary human resources,) IS ALSO “ENOUGH.” What’s more, there is a time for everything under the sun.

WHEN NOT TO UNSHEATHE THE SECOND SWORD OR HUMAN RESOURCES

It is also impossible to dismiss the explanation of “the two swords that are enough” as a symbol of Jesus’ Truth, which will separate those in one household — the “two edged sword,” (Mt. 10:35-39; Heb. 4:12.) It is clear that in Luke 22:35-38, Jesus spoke of provision and protection on God’s supernatural and physical levels for His disciples to advance His spiritual Kingdom in the hearts and minds of all true believers across the whole earth, (Mt. 28:18-20; Rom. 12:1-2.)

► In Luke 22:49, when the soldiers of the high priest came to violently arrest Jesus, (although totally outnumbered,) His disciples were nonetheless ready to defend Him and asked, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” But before Jesus could answer, Peter drew his sword and cut off Malchus’ ear. ►► The Lord calmly intervened by saying, “Put your sword back into it’s sheath.” He did not command Peter to expose of his sword. Instead, He healed the man and explained, “Shall I not drink he cup which My Father has given Me? (Jn. 18:10-11.) All who live by the sword [or rely on self-defence without the leading of the Holy Spirit,] will perish by the sword [as they act outside the will of God.] Do you think that… My Father cannot provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels to protect Me? [There were 6,000 soldiers in a Roman legion; that is 72,000 angels.] But how could the Scriptures be fulfilled if this does not happen now?” (Mt. 26:51-54.)

There is indeed a time to physically defend ourselves in God’s leading, should circumstances demand such action. This does not pertain only to literal danger. Jesus commanded, “Watch [or do what you must do in Holy-Spirit discernment,] and pray [while totally depending on Him,] that you do not enter into temptation [or spiritual, emotional, and physical danger that can be avoided by God’s grace…]” (Mt. 26:41.) Even so, we must literally lock our doors and guard our spiritual, emotional, and physical ‘gates,’ although we pray for God’s protection. ‘Watching’ is not unbelief. It is being attentive and doing what God called us to do on a multilevel, (Rom. 12:1-2.)

►► Actually, the two swords truly operate on all levels of life. God does His part to keep us safe in every situation, but we must also be “sober and vigilant, for our adversary the devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour,” (1 Pt. 5:8.) The first commandment God gave humanity in the garden in Eden was to “work and protect” the garden, (Gen. 1:27-28; 2:15.) We can interpret “the garden” as everything God entrusted to us from the spiritual, mental, and physical worlds. Nonetheless we must always strive to do it all to the best of our ability while immovably following our Lord through the difficulties of life. Only” n Him, we [breathe,] live, move, and have our being,” (Acts 17:28.) No matter how self-sufficient man becomes, we will always be totally dependant on the provision and protection of our Lord.

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