Luke 22:36 – “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.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus gives His disciples new instructions as He prepares them for the challenges they will face after His arrest, crucifixion, and ascension. Earlier in His ministry, when Jesus sent the disciples out to preach (Luke 9:1-6, Luke 10:1-12), He told them not to take money, supplies, or extra provisions. They were to rely on God’s provision through the hospitality of others. But now, Jesus is warning them that things are about to change.
Jesus tells them to take their purse (money bag) and a bag with supplies, symbolizing the need for practical preparation. His mention of buying a sword is symbolic of the dangers they will face. The disciples will no longer be welcomed everywhere they go. Instead, they will encounter opposition, hostility, and persecution. The reference to the sword is not meant to encourage violence (as Jesus later makes clear when He rebukes Peter for using a sword in the Garden of Gethsemane, Luke 22:49-51). Rather, it emphasizes the seriousness of the situation—they need to be spiritually and practically prepared for what lies ahead.
Historical Context
At this point in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is approaching the final hours before His arrest and crucifixion. The disciples are still struggling to understand the full extent of what is about to happen. They have followed Jesus through His ministry and seen His miracles, but they haven’t fully grasped that He will soon be taken from them, and their mission will continue without His physical presence.
In the ancient world, travelers often carried a purse with money and a bag with provisions, especially when they were traveling long distances. These items were essential for survival, as travelers couldn’t always depend on the hospitality of others. The mention of a sword would have been understood as a symbol of protection or self-defense, which was common in a dangerous world where thieves and bandits were a threat.
However, Jesus’ ministry had been marked by peace, healing, and the message of love. So when He mentioned the sword, He was not calling His disciples to fight physical battles but to prepare for spiritual and practical challenges. The shift from reliance on hospitality to taking provisions reflects the change in circumstances as they prepare for life after His crucifixion.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches an important lesson about the balance between faith and preparation. When Jesus first sent out the disciples, they were to rely completely on God’s provision. But now, Jesus is telling them to take practical steps to prepare for the challenges ahead. This doesn’t mean that they are no longer trusting God. Instead, it shows that faith and preparation go hand in hand. God’s provision can come through both miraculous means and through practical wisdom.
The mention of the sword highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. The disciples are about to enter a world that will oppose their message and mission. While the sword is a practical symbol of danger, the real battle they will face is spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus is preparing them to be ready, not with physical violence but with spiritual strength, wisdom, and courage.
This verse also points to the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus will no longer be safe or easy. The disciples must be prepared to face opposition, rejection, and persecution. But even in the midst of these challenges, Jesus’ message remains clear: they are to be wise, courageous, and faithful witnesses of the gospel.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s use of contrast in this passage is significant. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus reminded the disciples of how they lacked nothing when they were sent out without provisions (Luke 22:35). Now, He tells them to take supplies and be prepared for hardship. This contrast highlights the shift in the disciples’ mission and the changing circumstances they will face after Jesus’ departure.
The phrase “sell your cloak and buy a sword” is a striking and dramatic statement. The cloak was an essential piece of clothing that provided warmth and protection from the elements. Selling it to buy a sword emphasizes the seriousness of the situation—they need to be ready for what is coming. However, the fact that Jesus later rebukes the use of a sword (Luke 22:49-51) shows that this statement should be understood symbolically rather than literally.
Luke’s narrative structure places this verse within the context of Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples. It sets the stage for the events of Jesus’ arrest and highlights the tension between the disciples’ expectations and the reality of the challenges they will face.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 9:1-6 – Jesus sends out the Twelve with instructions not to take any extra provisions, teaching them to rely on God’s provision.
- Luke 10:1-12 – Jesus sends out the seventy-two, giving similar instructions to trust in God’s provision.
- Ephesians 6:12-17 – Paul describes the spiritual battle believers face and the need to put on the full armor of God, including the “sword of the Spirit.”
- 2 Timothy 3:12 – “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” a reminder of the challenges believers will face.
- Matthew 10:16 – Jesus tells His disciples to be “as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves,” balancing wisdom and faithfulness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that following Jesus requires both faith and practical wisdom. Believers are called to trust God’s provision, but they are also responsible for taking practical steps to prepare for the challenges they will face. This could mean preparing spiritually through prayer and study of God’s Word or preparing practically by being wise and discerning in daily life.
This verse also serves as a warning that living out the Christian faith will not always be easy. There will be times of opposition, rejection, and even persecution. But believers can take comfort in knowing that Jesus has prepared them for these challenges and that He is with them every step of the way.
Additionally, the mention of the sword should prompt believers to think about the spiritual nature of the battles they face. The real enemy is not flesh and blood but the forces of evil that seek to oppose God’s work. Christians are called to arm themselves with the “sword of the Spirit,” which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17), and to fight spiritual battles through faith, prayer, and obedience.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in this verse through Jesus’ care and concern for His disciples. He knows the difficulties they will face, and He takes the time to prepare them for what lies ahead. This demonstrates God’s protective nature—He doesn’t leave His followers unprepared or unequipped.
God’s love is also evident in His provision. Just as He provided for the disciples during their earlier mission, He will continue to provide for them in the future, even as they face new challenges. His love is constant, and His faithfulness endures through every season of life.
Furthermore, God’s love is shown in His desire for His people to be wise and prepared. He doesn’t ask them to face challenges blindly but equips them with the tools and wisdom they need to succeed.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as the one who guides, prepares, and protects His disciples. His instructions demonstrate His role as the Good Shepherd, who cares for His flock and ensures they are ready for the challenges they will face.
This verse also connects to Jesus’ mission of equipping His followers to continue His work after His departure. Through His teachings, His example, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus provides His disciples with everything they need to carry out their mission.
Additionally, the mention of the sword points to the spiritual nature of the battle ahead. Jesus’ death and resurrection will defeat the ultimate enemy—sin and death—but His followers will continue to face opposition as they spread the gospel. The spiritual battle they face is part of the larger story of redemption that Jesus has already secured.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you balance trusting God’s provision with taking practical steps to prepare for challenges in your life?
- What does the “sword” symbolize for you in your spiritual walk? How can you be better equipped for spiritual battles?
- In what ways have you experienced opposition or challenges because of your faith? How did you respond?
- How does remembering God’s past provision help you face new challenges with confidence?
- What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith and prepare for the challenges you may face as a follower of Jesus?
This verse challenges Christians to live with faith, wisdom, and readiness, trusting in God’s provision while being prepared to face whatever challenges come their way. It encourages believers to rely on God’s strength, put on the full armor of God, and walk confidently in the mission He has given them.