Luke 22:35-38
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today’s passage repeats the last three verses of our last passage. Read Luke 22:35-38 remembering that the time of Jesus’ arrest is near.
In Luke, Chapter Nine, we saw Jesus prepare these same twelve disciples to go out in pairs and preach Good News to the towns and villages of Israel. That was the first time that they would be striking out on their own, and Jesus knew that they would be received with hospitality more often than not. He instructed them to take only the bare necessities and to depend on the generosity and kindness of the people in the towns they visited.
But with the end of Jesus’ mission in sight, the world has shifted, and Jesus knows that the disciples will need to be prepared for a different kind of reception. Once he is arrested, he will be “counted among the rebels” and viewed as an insurrectionist, and his followers will be assumed guilty by association.
The disciples are entering an in-between time. Jesus will not be physically present with them, and until the day of Pentecost they will not have the benefit of his Spirit living within them.
Jesus’ present-day followers have never been without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but we all experience times when Jesus seems distant or remote. Stop to remember such a time in your life. Sit with the feelings that arise as you remember and share these openly with Jesus.
Read Luke 22:35-38 again noting any questions that arise as you read.
There is much debate about Jesus’ words concerning swords in this passage, but it is obvious that he isn’t suggesting a new way of violence. Two swords would be woefully inadequate against the regiment of Roman soldiers who are about to arrest Jesus, and Luke, Matthew and John all tell us that when the soldiers arrive, Jesus condemns Peter’s violent response (Matthew 26:50-57, John 18:10-11).
Some scholars have suggested that Jesus is simply describing the coming darkness in the world when fear will drive people to trade their most important possessions for a weapon with which to defend themselves. What we know for sure is that Jesus never advocated for or instructed his followers to exercise violence.
The way of Jesus involves resting in the authority of Jesus and placing our faith firmly in his love for us. Only when we are fully anchored in him can we choose the way of shalom.
For the final moments of this time of meditation, get still and notice any inner conflict or emotions that you are feeling. Once again, share these questions and feelings with Jesus, and then get quiet and listen to him for a while.
What might Jesus be inviting you to reconsider or do today?
Will you?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
