LUKE 22:35–38
PREPARATION FOR THE COMING TRIAL
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – Luke 22:35–38
35 He said to them, “When I sent you forth without a money bag or a sack or sandals, were you in need of anything?” They replied, “Nothing.”
36 He said to them, “But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a sack, and one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.
37 For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, ‘He was counted among the wicked’; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment.”
38 Then they said, “Lord, look, there are two swords here.” He replied, “It is enough!”
Historical and Jewish Context
Earlier in His ministry, Jesus had sent the disciples out in radical trust, dependent on hospitality and God’s providence. As He now approaches His Passion, circumstances change. Hostility will increase, and the disciples will face danger, rejection, and misunderstanding. The mention of the sword must be read against the backdrop of Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant, “counted among the wicked.” Jesus prepares His disciples not for violence but for a harsher world in which prudence and readiness are required. His abrupt reply, “It is enough,” suggests a closing of the discussion rather than endorsement of armed defense.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Catholic interpretation consistently rejects reading this passage as approval of violence. Jesus fulfills Scripture as the innocent one treated like a criminal. The “sword” functions symbolically, indicating the coming conflict and the end of a time of relative ease. Christ remains the Prince of Peace, as shown moments later when He forbids violence and heals the wounded. The Church understands this passage as a call to spiritual readiness, realism, and trust in God amid persecution. Discipleship entails awareness of danger, but reliance remains on God’s providence rather than force.
Parallels in Scripture
Is 53:12 – The Servant numbered among the transgressors.
Mt 10:9–10 – Earlier mission without provisions.
Mt 26:51–52 – Jesus rejects the use of the sword.
Jn 18:36 – Christ’s Kingdom not of this world.
Eph 6:12–17 – Spiritual, not physical, weapons of the Christian life.
Key Terms
Money bag / sack – Signs of practical readiness in a hostile environment.
Sword – Symbol of coming conflict, not a mandate for violence.
Fulfilled – God’s salvific plan unfolding in Christ.
Counted among the wicked – Jesus’ identification with sinners and outcasts.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is proclaimed during Holy Week to prepare the faithful for contemplation of the Passion. It invites sober reflection on the cost of discipleship and the reality of opposition to the Gospel. The Church uses this text to emphasize spiritual vigilance, trust in God, and nonviolence rooted in Christ’s example.
Conclusion
Jesus prepares His disciples for a new phase marked by trial and misunderstanding. Though treated as a criminal, He remains obedient to the Father and faithful to His mission of peace. Readiness, not aggression, characterizes authentic discipleship.
Reflection
Am I spiritually prepared to follow Christ when faith brings difficulty rather than comfort?
Do I trust in God’s providence when circumstances change?
Jesus calls me to vigilance, courage, and peace rooted in faith, not fear.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, prepare my heart for times of trial and uncertainty. Teach me to rely on You rather than on my own strength. May I remain faithful, peaceful, and trusting as I walk the path of discipleship with You. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
Luke 22:35–38 records Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples as He prepares them for the imminent trial of His Passion. He recalls an earlier mission when they lacked nothing, sent out without purse, bag, or sandals, and were sustained by God’s providence. Now, Jesus signals a decisive change. The time of relative acceptance is ending; opposition and danger are approaching. The disciples must be ready to face hostility and hardship.
Jesus’ reference to carrying a purse, bag, and even a sword reflects the seriousness of the coming hour, not a call to violence. The context is clarified by His citation of Scripture: “He was counted among the lawless.” Jesus prepares His disciples to understand that His arrest and death will place them in a hostile world. When the disciples present two swords, Jesus responds, “It is enough,” signaling the end of the discussion rather than approval of armed resistance. The passage underscores vigilance and realism, not aggression.
Lk 22:35 — “He said to them, ‘When I sent you forth without a money bag or a sack or sandals, were you in need of anything?’ They replied, ‘Nothing.’”
This verse marks a reflective pause as Jesus recalls an earlier phase of the disciples’ mission. He invites them to remember their experience of radical trust. Sent out with no provisions, no financial security, and no extra protection, they had depended entirely on God’s providence—and it had not failed them.
The question Jesus asks is not rhetorical but formative. It draws the disciples into testimony: “Were you in need of anything?” Their answer, “Nothing,” affirms that God had faithfully provided through hospitality, generosity, and grace. The memory reinforces confidence in God’s care, even in vulnerability.
Luke places this recollection at a decisive moment. The disciples are about to enter a very different phase—one marked by hostility and danger. Before warning them of what is coming, Jesus grounds them in what has already been proven: God’s faithfulness. Past grace becomes the foundation for future endurance.
For disciples, this verse invites grateful remembrance. Recalling how God has provided in the past strengthens faith for uncertain futures. Trust is not abstract; it is built on lived experience of God’s care.
Historical and Jewish Context
Traveling teachers often relied on hospitality. Jesus’ earlier mission instructions emphasized trust in God rather than material preparation (cf. Lk 9:1–6; 10:1–12).
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that divine providence sustains those sent in mission, calling them to trust God while remaining attentive to changing circumstances (cf. CCC 305, 306). Memory of grace nourishes perseverance.
Key Terms
Sent you forth — missionary commissioning
Money bag / sack / sandals — symbols of material security
In need — dependence on providence
Nothing — testimony to God’s faithful care
Conclusion
Luke 22:35 reminds the disciples—and all believers—that God has already proven His faithfulness. Trust grounded in memory prepares the heart for trials ahead.
Reflection
Do I remember and give thanks for the times God has provided for me when I trusted Him fully?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your faithful care in every season of my life. Help me to remember Your providence and to trust You confidently, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Amen.
Lk 22:36 — “He said to them, ‘But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a sack, and one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.’”
This verse marks a sharp transition in Jesus’ instruction, signaling a new phase in the disciples’ mission. The words “But now” indicate a decisive change in circumstances. The time of initial acceptance and hospitality is ending. The disciples must prepare for opposition, danger, and rejection.
Jesus’ instruction is not a rejection of trust in God, but a sober recognition of reality. Prudence now accompanies faith. The mention of a money bag and sack suggests readiness and responsibility in a hostile environment. The earlier mission depended on welcome; what lies ahead will involve resistance.
The reference to a sword has often been misunderstood. Jesus is not commanding violence or promoting armed revolt. Rather, He uses strong language to stress the seriousness of the coming conflict. The disciples are entering a time of vulnerability and threat. The sword symbolizes preparedness and the end of protected innocence, not a call to aggression.
Luke places this teaching immediately before Jesus’ arrest to show contrast. Jesus Himself will refuse violence (Lk 22:51), confirming that His kingdom is not advanced by force. The disciples must be realistic about hardship, yet remain faithful to the way of peace.
For disciples, this verse teaches discernment. Trust in God does not exclude preparation. Faith matures when it recognizes changing circumstances without abandoning Gospel values.
Historical and Jewish Context
Travel in first-century Palestine could be dangerous, especially during festivals. Carrying provisions and personal protection was common when hospitality could not be assumed.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that legitimate self-defense and prudent preparation differ from violence and coercion (cf. CCC 2263–2265). Christ’s mission remains rooted in peace, even amid danger.
Key Terms
But now — decisive change in circumstances
Money bag / sack — practical readiness
Sword — symbol of coming conflict and vulnerability
Sell his cloak — urgency and seriousness of the hour
Conclusion
Luke 22:36 prepares the disciples for a harsher world. Jesus calls them to sober readiness, not aggression, as they enter the time of testing.
Reflection
Do I balance trust in God with prudent readiness when facing difficult or hostile situations?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, grant me wisdom and discernment in times of trial. Help me to remain faithful to Your way of peace while being prepared for the challenges that come with following You. Amen.
Lk 22:37 — “For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, ‘He was counted among the wicked’; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment.”
This verse reveals the deepest meaning behind Jesus’ previous instruction. He anchors everything that is about to happen not in strategy or circumstance, but in Scripture. What unfolds in the Passion is not a tragic accident; it is the fulfillment of God’s revealed plan. Jesus consciously situates His suffering within the word of God.
The quotation comes from Isaiah’s Suffering Servant (Is 53:12). By identifying Himself with the one “counted among the wicked,” Jesus accepts the place of the rejected, the criminal, and the condemned. Though innocent, He will be treated as guilty. Luke emphasizes that this identification is not imposed unwillingly; it is embraced in obedience.
Jesus’ final words in the verse—“what is written about me is coming to fulfillment”—express calm certainty. History is converging with prophecy. Human injustice, betrayal, and violence will paradoxically serve the realization of God’s saving purpose. Scripture is not merely being cited; it is being lived.
For disciples, this verse offers profound reassurance. When events seem dark or senseless, God’s word is still at work. Fulfillment often passes through misunderstanding and suffering before glory is revealed.
Historical and Jewish Context
Isaiah 53 was understood as describing a righteous servant who suffers on behalf of others. Being “counted among the wicked” implied execution as a criminal.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ freely accepted His Passion in fulfillment of Scripture, taking upon Himself the sin of humanity to bring salvation (cf. CCC 601, 608). The cross stands at the center of God’s redemptive plan.
Key Terms
Scripture must be fulfilled — divine necessity rooted in God’s word
Counted among the wicked — identification with sinners
Fulfillment — completion of God’s saving plan
In me — personal acceptance of the suffering role
Conclusion
Luke 22:37 reveals Jesus as the obedient Servant who embraces suffering in fidelity to Scripture. The Passion unfolds not outside God’s plan, but at its very heart.
Reflection
When I face suffering or misunderstanding, do I trust that God’s word is still being fulfilled in my life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Suffering Servant, help me to trust in God’s plan even when the path leads through pain. Unite my trials with Yours, and lead me into the fulfillment of Your saving love. Amen.
Lk 22:38 — “Then they said, ‘Lord, look, there are two swords.’ And he replied, ‘It is enough.’”
This verse closes the conversation with a tone of sober finality. The disciples respond to Jesus’ words in a literal and incomplete way. Hearing mention of a sword, they present what they have—two swords—believing this fulfills His instruction. Their reply reveals misunderstanding: they think in terms of physical defense, while Jesus has been speaking of fulfillment, suffering, and readiness for rejection.
Jesus’ response, “It is enough,” is not approval of armed resistance. Rather, it signals an end to the discussion. Luke presents this as a moment where further explanation would not help. The disciples are not yet able to grasp the deeper meaning. Events themselves will soon clarify what words cannot.
The irony is deliberate. Two swords are clearly insufficient for any real defense. Jesus’ kingdom will not be protected by weapons. Within moments, He will forbid violence and heal an enemy wounded by one of these swords (Lk 22:51). Thus, this verse quietly prepares the reader for the contrast between human instinct and divine purpose.
For disciples, this moment is instructive. Even sincere followers can misunderstand Jesus’ words when filtered through fear or worldly logic. Christ remains patient, allowing experience to become the teacher. Silence here becomes mercy.
Historical and Jewish Context
Carrying small swords or daggers was not unusual for travelers. However, armed resistance against authorities was both dangerous and ineffective.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The Church teaches that Christ definitively rejects violence as a means of advancing God’s kingdom (cf. CCC 2305). His mission is fulfilled through obedience and self-giving love, not force.
Key Terms
Two swords — literal misunderstanding
Lord — sincere but incomplete trust
It is enough — end of discussion, not endorsement
Enough — fulfillment through surrender, not violence
Conclusion
Luke 22:38 closes Jesus’ instruction with quiet restraint. The way of the kingdom will soon be revealed—not by swords, but by the cross.
Reflection
Do I sometimes misunderstand Christ’s call by responding with my own logic instead of trusting His deeper purpose?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, purify my understanding and my instincts. Teach me to trust Your way of peace, even when it challenges my natural responses. Lead me always in the path of Your self-giving love. Amen.
CONCLUSION
For believers today, Luke 22:35–38 teaches the necessity of spiritual preparedness. Discipleship is not lived in a constant season of ease. There are times when faith is welcomed and times when it is challenged or opposed. Jesus prepares His followers honestly, warning them that loyalty to Him may bring misunderstanding, loss, and danger.
At the same time, this passage affirms trust in God amid trial. Preparation does not replace dependence on God; it expresses wisdom shaped by faith. Jesus remains in control of events and faithful to Scripture. Disciples are called to readiness of heart—alert, prayerful, and grounded—so that when trials come, faith does not collapse but endures. Christian life is marked by courage rooted in trust, not fear.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You prepare us with truth for the trials we must face. Give us wisdom to be ready and faith to trust in You when difficulties arise. Guard our hearts from fear and misunderstanding. Strengthen us to remain faithful when the path is hard, confident that You walk with us through every trial and lead us safely according to the Father’s will. Amen.