Luke 22:31-38
Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” As is often the case, Luke’s account of Peter’s denial is much more different than Matthew and Mark. First, he has Peter speaking only once, not twice as in Matthew and Mark. Second, Luke has this section where Jesus says that Satan wanted to come after Peter, but that Jesus prayed against that and further prayed that Peter would strengthen his brothers – all of which happened (vv. 31-32). Third, Jesus continues after Peter’s denial with this section on money bags, knapsacks, sandals, and swords.
My Study Bible helped me with two items today. First, Jesus’ reply in verse 38: They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.” The Study Bible pointed out that Jesus was probably not speaking literally when He suggested that the disciples sell their garments and buy a sword, but that troublesome times were coming for His disciples and that they should be ready. Then when they mentioned the two swords, His reply, “It is enough.” was probably spoken “tongue in cheek”, not literally.
Second, as to Jesus’ “money bags” comment in verse 36 (“But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along…” ), the Study Bible said that in the past Jesus and His disciples had been dependent on peoples’ (strangers?) generosity, but now they needed to be prepared to pay their own way. In Acts 18:1-3, 20:33-34 we see that Paul lived those words out, paying his own way as a tentmaker. Frankly, personally, I feel like “tentmaking” with a mission focus is the better way to go out as a missionary. Naturally I’m sure many would disagree with my position therein!
Slava Bohu!
Fred, I agree with you about tentmaker missionaries in general. For example, I would love to have medical training to go serve and bless. Or like the Petersons. Using my teaching skills. But there are some who are needed in full time ministry, just not thinking of an example?