Greetings Brother,
Greetings brother
It is an interesting few verses, many have debated what they actually mean, this therefore caused me to look at the Tynedale commentary. I think it answers the situation well...
Luke 22:35-38 (NIV2011)
35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered.
36 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.
37 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.”
38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.
Tynedale Commentary of the above.
v35
Jesus begins his warning by contrasting what is to happen with happier times in earlier days. When he had sent them off to preach their resources had been meagre (10:4; cf 9:3), but their needs had been supplied. They agree that they had then lacked Nothing.
v36-37
But now (alla nyn) marks an emphatic contrast: perilous and difficult days lie ahead. There will be need for purse and bag, and even for a sword. The sword may have been meant literally (so Ellis, Lenski), but it is difficult to see this in view of Jesus’ general teaching and his refusal to let Peter use his sword (v51). Such considerations lead others to think the words are ironical (so Tinsley), but it is more likely that they are figurative. It is Jesus’ graphic way of bringing it home that the disciples face a situation of grave peril. ‘Because He was not thinking of their weapons, the disciples require that courage which regards a sword as more necessary than an upper garment and surrenders even its last possession, but cannot give up the struggle’ (Schlatter, cited in Geldenhuys). Jesus goes on to inform the disciples that the words of Isaiah 53:12 are about to be fulfilled. This is noteworthy as one of the few places in the New Testament in which that chapter is explicitly applied to Jesus. Jesus sees his death as one in which he will be one with sinners. This surely points to that death as substitutionary: Jesus will take the place of sinful people. Since he is in such a plight the disciples are also in danger. Rieu brings out something of the danger to both the disciples and Jesus with his rendering: ‘Indeed for me the course is run.’
v38
The disciples did not understand; they spoke in terms of this world’s arms and said they could muster only two swords.
Jesus’ response, It is enough, means not ‘Two will be sufficient’ but rather, ‘Enough of this kind of talk!’
He dismisses a subject in which the disciples were so hopelessly astray.
Tyndale Commentaries - Luke.
Blessings
When i see the words that he was counted with the transgressors, i ask, who was counting, so to speak?
you will notice in the next verse, [i didn't supply it] Jesus asks them, what... you come to me with staves and spears... what did you expect, a thief? He then reminded them that He was with them daily and they had plenty of opportunity before to take Him. (paraphrased somewhat by me)
Another place we read of Jesus being counted with the transgressors [in the New Testament - it is from the Old Testament] is about when He was being crucified, between two thieves.
If we look at the 'mentality'? of the men who were His enemies, those who should have been welcoming Him as Messiah, we see that they [like all of us, when carnal minded] look for any sort of 'evidence' against the Lord and in support of their own motives and actions and ambitions, so to speak.
Bear with me...
We read that God had rendered them in unbelief, they were the branch cut off, that they had hardened their hearts and minds against the Lord and they set out to bring false witness against Him. After Pentecost, they continued to fight against the Christ of God and His apostles and even all who went by His name. Their thinking was stinking.
Perhaps i make too much of it? but i see that the filling of Scripture spoken of Him in the Garden, with His disciples armed and cashed up etc, {as i pointed out previously} that to their minds it only went to prove that he was another imposter with a motley crew of followers, not about any proper and law abiding stuff [especially during Passover] and simply put, they were transgressors.... in the minds of those who counted Him, so... that the Scripture be fulfilled about Him.
So much, if not all, that we have about Jesus is a fulfillment and witness to the words of old spoken and recorded for the Jews and for us, too. It is no big or little thing i make of this but an observation that i find no problem with. However it does also help me in seeing that the purpose of the swords that Jesus said to buy was to be able to fill that Scripture about Him, perfectly, as with all other parts do, with no stone unturned, as proof of God's wisdom and architecture being perfect and perfected in His Son, to be perfected in those who believe. This might upset some who have thus far taken the sword and found solace in what the masses say regarding Jesus instructing His disciples to buy swords to mean to/in order to defend themselves.
He had already told them/reminded them in question, about how their every need was met by the Father.
It is enough, He said, when they said they had two swords. It is enough, He also said when in the garden, perhaps reminding them so, [a loving rebuke?], because it was all that was needed for a general consensus to be made by those, that way determined, that He was counted amongst transgressors. He healed the cut ear... something in itself as a testimony and sword to pierce His enemies conscience, if possible, ...as if to pick up the pieces and say, no, no. no... it is enough that you had the swords on you, you don't have to use them.. having them on you is sufficient [and as we read, that the Scripture be fulfilled} or, OK, that is all that was needed... {hence His no fuss approach to the ear being cut and restoring it... a sort of something that had to be done but without anyone getting hurt, so to speak}
I could be totally wrong about this and have put my neck on the block if anyone wants to use the Sword.. be kind to me and perhaps only give me a trim.... ahemm but leave the beard!
Not too sure how this will read to you but i thank the Lord He is able to grant you patience with my feeble way of communicating.
Bless you ....><>