“It Is Enough”

Peter and Robert Rae having a little fun 
at a church "pageant." 

Scripture:

Luke 22:35   He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” ³⁶ He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. ³⁷ For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” ³⁸ They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.”

Observation:

The passover meal continues, but Jesus never stops teaching. He had earlier sent out the 70 and they had gone without purse, bag or sandals and yet, they were cared for — they were not lacking in anything. Now, however, he is preparing them for a new day of ministry in which they need to plan, and this includes the need for financial support. The items that Jesus mentions are just the norm with which people traveled. They were now to be prepared for a longer journey, living as citizens of God’s kingdom, and not the kingdom of this world. They were to bring a purse, bag, and a sword. The sword here does not represent a military response, but it was a normal item which travelers carried. The disciples may have gotten excited when Jesus mentioned the sword, for there were those who were still hoping for an uprising that would overthrow the earthly government. Therefore they eagerly show Jesus that they have two swords with them already, and in exasperation his response is something like, “Enough of your silly talk!”  

Application:

“Enough of your silly talk.” I wonder if Jesus ever says that about me? 

After all the years of following Jesus, and desiring to do his will in life, there are still moments when I, just like the disciples, don’t fully grasp what he is saying. There are several lessons to be learned here:

1. There are seasons when we are to be entirely reliant upon God to provide every need. That’s what happened when the 70 were sent out, and they experienced God’s provision in the midst of every circumstance. This was used to built their faith and dependence upon God. When they returned to report all that had happened, they were astounded and the result was prayer for workers. The point is that God needs more workers in the harvest fields, for they are ripe. Far too many workers wonder about how they will be sustained in ministry. There are times when God says to “go” and trust in him. 
2. There are also seasons when God says we are to make a plan for support. God knew about the upcoming difficulties and he said that the disciples were now supposed to have the “normal” items that would carry them through. This included a careful inventory and even buying and selling to make sure that everything was in place. This may be a call to bi-vocational ministry, in which the basic elements need to be provided. It may be raising of funds for a particular ministry. It also includes the careful management of the resources that are given to God’s people. Strict standards for transparent stewardship ought to be signs of discipleship. 
3. Sometimes we are simply not listening to what Jesus is really saying, and when that’s the case, we may find ourselves in trouble. Later that night Peter struck the ear of a soldier with a sword. Whoops — that wasn’t what Jesus meant, and immediately, Jesus healed the man. Suddenly, we discover the importance of really listening to the Lord. That’s why we need to set aside time every day to listen, and receive guidance from him. 

I’m guessing that there are many times a day when our Lord looks at his children and says, “enough of your silly talk.” Our silly talk does not want us to travel the humble path to the cross, but that’s where we need to be found. Quietly, patiently, and humbly, following our Lord in his ministry. 

Prayer:

Lord, open my ears to listen, and my eyes to see. Please, help me to live without the silly talk. Amen.