Luke 22:31 - 39

 Luke 22:31 - 39

The Last Supper may have been one of the most socially awkward events in Jesus' Ministry. It was messy and there was plenty of drama. It ends with two of the most unusual statements of Jesus. First, Satan has demanded and has been given permission to sift Peter like wheat. This is reminiscent of Satan's attacks on Job. If we plan to stand up and to be a leader Satan will desire to destroy us. The enemy will want to wreck our lives and testimony by cruel hardship and testing. What is more, God will grant him permission to try. Peter failed but he did not become an apostate which was Satan's goal. Had Satan succeeded in his goal of Peter's ultimate and complete ruin the effect on the other disciples would have been incalculable. But the failure of Peter was not complete. Rather than destroy him God used this sifting of Peter for good. After Peter's denial, repentance, and renewal we see him a better leader with less of the arrogance that seems to have marked his life. By grace our past failures are forgiven and they are gone. But we mustn't forget the lessons that are learned in our failure.

The concluding comment at the Last Supper is odd and frequently misunderstood.   Verse 35-38 concludes with “Lord look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “it is enough”.  Verses 35-37 is more of a parable than direct teaching.  But the disciples, because of their earthly kingdom aspirations, failed to grasp what Jesus was saying. There comes a day when we must go out on our own.  For example we move from the comfort of our parents' care for us to being responsible for our own self-care. Jesus is telling the disciples that they are about to experience a fundamental change and they will have to accept responsibility for much of their self-care. Jesus is not literally calling for every disciple to go get armed for military conflict.  The emphasis in this parable is the contrast between the outer cloak and the sword. The outer cloak was the comfort on a cool night, it was the domestic warmth of home. The sword was life in the field, cold and uncomfortable, with the awareness that any moment might be the moment of struggle. If we may paraphrase and contemporize this passage Jesus said: “Being a disciple is not about comfort but conflict. So go and sell your Sleep Number bed and comforter and go get an AR-15 and get ready for battle”. Too many Christians are more interested in their domestic comfort than sacrifice is needed for Kingdom Life.

“Lord, grant that I will always be ready for the conflict that is needed to advance the Kingdom. AMEN”