Luke 22:38 – “The disciples said, ‘See, Lord, here are two swords.’ ‘That’s enough!’ he replied.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the disciples respond to Jesus’ earlier statement about needing to buy a sword (Luke 22:36) by showing Him two swords they already have. Jesus then replies, “That’s enough!” There is some debate about how to interpret Jesus’ response, but it’s important to understand that Jesus is not encouraging violence or rebellion. His response suggests either a rebuke or a symbolic acknowledgment that the disciples are still misunderstanding the nature of their mission.
The disciples took Jesus’ words about buying a sword literally, but Jesus was speaking symbolically. He was warning them of the spiritual and physical challenges they were about to face after His arrest. The two swords were not meant to be used in battle, as Jesus would later demonstrate when He rebuked Peter for using one of them to strike the high priest’s servant (Luke 22:49-51). Instead, Jesus was highlighting the need for spiritual preparedness and the seriousness of the opposition they would encounter.
Historical Context
During the time of Jesus, swords were commonly carried for protection while traveling, especially in rural areas where thieves and bandits were a threat. The disciples’ response of showing two swords reflects their practical understanding of the world they lived in. They likely thought Jesus was instructing them to prepare for a physical conflict, perhaps even expecting Him to lead a rebellion against the Roman authorities.
However, Jesus’ ministry had consistently emphasized peace, not violence. Although the disciples had seen Him confront religious leaders and perform powerful miracles, they were still confused about the nature of His mission. Many Jews in that time expected the Messiah to be a political and military leader who would overthrow Roman rule. The disciples may have thought that Jesus was finally preparing for a physical battle, but they were mistaken.
Jesus’ rebuke—whether it is interpreted as “that’s enough” to end the conversation or as “enough of this misunderstanding”—shows that He was not instructing them to fight with physical weapons. Instead, He was preparing them for spiritual challenges and the need to remain faithful through trials.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the difference between human understanding and God’s plan. The disciples misunderstood Jesus’ words because they were thinking in worldly terms, expecting a physical conflict. But Jesus’ mission was spiritual—He came to defeat sin and death, not through violence but through His sacrificial death on the cross.
The mention of the swords emphasizes the disciples’ struggle to understand the nature of Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus’ rebuke is a reminder that His followers are called to fight spiritual battles, not physical ones. The real enemy is not other people but the forces of evil that seek to oppose God’s work (Ephesians 6:12).
This verse also highlights the importance of spiritual readiness. While the disciples were focused on physical preparation, Jesus was pointing to the deeper need for spiritual preparedness. Just as they would soon face hostility and persecution, believers today are called to be ready for spiritual challenges by relying on prayer, Scripture, and faith.
Literary Analysis
Luke uses dialogue in this verse to illustrate the contrast between the disciples’ misunderstanding and Jesus’ true message. The disciples’ response—“See, Lord, here are two swords”—is almost comical in its literal interpretation. Two swords would be insufficient for a physical battle, which further underscores their confusion.
Jesus’ reply, “That’s enough,” can be understood in different ways. Some scholars believe it is a rebuke, meaning “enough of this talk about swords,” while others see it as an acknowledgment that the disciples’ misunderstanding will be corrected later. Either way, the statement marks the end of the conversation and shifts the narrative toward the events of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion.
The use of the swords as a symbol highlights the tension between human expectations and divine purpose. The disciples’ focus on physical weapons contrasts with Jesus’ mission to bring spiritual salvation. This tension is resolved when Jesus rebukes Peter for using a sword during His arrest, demonstrating that His kingdom is not advanced through violence.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 22:36 – Jesus tells the disciples to take a purse, bag, and sword, symbolizing the need for preparation and awareness of coming challenges.
- Matthew 26:52 – Jesus tells Peter, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword,” rejecting the use of violence.
- John 18:10-11 – Peter strikes the high priest’s servant with a sword, and Jesus immediately stops him, emphasizing that violence is not the way.
- Ephesians 6:12-17 – Paul describes the spiritual battle believers face and the need to put on the armor of God, including the “sword of the Spirit,” which is the Word of God.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 – “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world,” emphasizing the spiritual nature of the Christian battle.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that the battles they face are spiritual, not physical. While it’s natural to want to respond to opposition or challenges with human effort or physical action, Jesus calls His followers to trust in God’s power and use spiritual weapons such as prayer, Scripture, and faith.
This verse also teaches believers to be aware of their own misunderstandings about God’s plans. Like the disciples, they may sometimes interpret God’s instructions through a worldly lens, expecting immediate or practical solutions. But God’s ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and believers are called to trust in His wisdom, even when they don’t fully understand His plan.
Additionally, this verse highlights the importance of obedience. The disciples initially misunderstood Jesus’ instructions, but after His resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, they became bold witnesses who relied on spiritual strength rather than physical weapons. Their transformation shows that God is patient and willing to guide His followers as they grow in understanding and faith.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in this verse through Jesus’ patience with His disciples. Even though they misunderstood His instructions, He didn’t abandon them or lose patience with them. Instead, He continued to teach and guide them, knowing that they would eventually understand His mission.
God’s love is also evident in the way He prepares His followers for the challenges they will face. Jesus didn’t leave the disciples unprepared—He warned them of the coming difficulties and instructed them on how to be ready. This reflects God’s protective nature and His desire for His people to be spiritually equipped.
Furthermore, God’s love is demonstrated in His commitment to nonviolence and peace. Jesus could have allowed His disciples to fight for Him, but He chose to fulfill His mission through love, sacrifice, and obedience to the Father. This shows that God’s love is redemptive and focused on reconciliation, not conflict.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as the one who redefines what it means to be prepared for battle. His mission was not to overthrow earthly powers through violence but to defeat sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross. His response to the disciples’ misunderstanding highlights His role as the Prince of Peace, who came to establish a kingdom built on love and righteousness.
This verse also connects to Jesus’ role as the teacher and guide for His followers. Even when the disciples didn’t understand His instructions, He patiently led them toward the truth. After His resurrection, they would fully grasp the spiritual nature of His mission and carry out His work as bold witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Additionally, Jesus’ rejection of violence during His arrest (Luke 22:49-51) reinforces the message of this verse. His kingdom is advanced not through physical force but through the power of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you ensure that you are interpreting God’s instructions through a spiritual lens rather than a worldly one?
- What “swords” do you rely on in your daily life that might need to be replaced with spiritual tools such as prayer and Scripture?
- How does Jesus’ response to the disciples’ misunderstanding encourage you when you face confusion or doubt in your faith journey?
- What practical steps can you take to be spiritually prepared for the challenges and opposition you may face as a follower of Christ?
- How can you reflect Jesus’ example of responding to conflict with love, patience, and obedience to God’s will?
This verse is a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual preparation, trust in God’s plan, and reliance on His strength rather than human effort. It calls believers to follow Jesus’ example of humility, peace, and obedience as they navigate the challenges of life and faith.