22:35–36 The prediction of Peter’s denial indicates that danger is in the air, that the disciples are about to face a severe test, which Jesus knows very well. He reminds the Twelve of the previous mission, in which he sent them out without a moneybag, knapsack, or sandals (cf. Luke 10:4). He asks whether they were provided for on that journey, whether God was faithful to provide everything they needed. They respond affirmatively; they needed nothing, for everything they required was provided. The new situation, however, is radically different. Now opponents and adversaries are everywhere; now the power of darkness has descended upon the world, and the disciples are in a great conflict (cf. Matt. 10:34). Now they should bring a moneybag and a knapsack, for they will need provisions for the conflict. If they do not have a sword, they should sell their cloak and purchase one. What Jesus says here should not be interpreted literally; he uses illustrations of preparation in everyday life to communicate spiritual readiness (cf. Luke 2:35).273

22:37–38 The fact that evil is coming might suggest that things have spun off course, that Satan is triumphing, that God’s purposes for the coming of the kingdom are being frustrated. But nothing could be further from the truth. Actually, Scripture is being fulfilled in what is taking place, and God’s purposes are being realized even in the midst of these evil events. One of the central themes of Luke’s Gospel is the fulfillment of God’s plan, which will not fail. Jesus points specifically to Isaiah 53:12, in which the servant of the Lord is to be counted among the transgressors in his death. This is another indication that Luke holds a theology of the atonement, for it is probable that the larger context is in mind. Jesus is counted among transgressors by those who put him to death, but the next line communicates God’s perspective: “He bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors” (Isa. 53:12). We just saw that Jesus has interceded for Peter (Luke 22:32), and here we see why Jesus is placed with sinners. He is bearing the sin of many as a guilt offering (Isa. 53:10), and his death is the basis of his intercession. Thus Jesus is emphatic here about the fulfillment of Scripture.

The disciples, as is commonly the case, misconstrue what Jesus says. They hold up two swords, as if he is calling them to be prepared for a literal battle. But the account in Luke 22:49–51, in which Jesus rebukes the disciple who uses a sword, demonstrates that he does not have physical conflict in mind. Neither should we read the two swords to indicate the two kingdoms (the authority of the church and of the state), for we lack any contextual evidence for this reading or other subtle readings of this kind. Instead, the two swords stand for the spiritual conflict the disciples will face. Jesus’ last words are quite difficult here. He could be saying “It is enough,” that only two swords are necessary. But since Jesus rebukes them later for engaging in physical violence, he is most likely saying “Enough of this!”—suggesting that the disciples have misconstrued his intention.274