|
Post by Luke 223538 on Apr 15, 2009 11:48:34 GMT -5
Here in these verses, Jesus says some wild things. First, he tells his disciples to start carrying a purse, money, and sandals (previously, he had told them not to bring these things with them) Second, Jesus tells them that if they did not have a sword to sell their cloak and buy one.
What in the world does this mean for us today? Should we stockpile money? Or like the rich young ruler sell all that we have and give it to the poor (at least this is what Jesus told the ruler to do...)? If the answer lies somewhere in the middle of those two extremes, how do we know this is God's will for us? Also, what do we do with the command to buy a sword? If someone tries to kill me for my faith, should I pull out my .380 and neutralize them first? (I know that sounds really gruesome, but seriously, is that what Jesus is teaching here?)
Grace, tim milner
|
|
|
Post by Mike Miller on Apr 16, 2009 10:58:12 GMT -5
Well, of course you've asked about a passage that has puzzled smarter people than me for centuries, but I'll do what I can.
First, with respect to the knapsack and moneybag, Jesus is about to send them out, and He is telling them to be prepared. This has nothing to do with stockpiling, but taking along what you need. Of course, some see it as more metaphorical (specifically because of the sword, see below), meaning that they were to be prepared spiritually. I tend to go with the former--that they were simply to start getting ready, because unlike before, there would be hostility toward them. They simply needed to take along their provisions. There isn't really any reason not to take this as literal.
Now, as for the sword, there are basically two interpretations. First, some see this as a command for the disciples to be prepared to defend themselves. Since they had swords with them already, Jesus apparently had not prohibited the carrying of weapons. In addition, the most logical understanding of the knapsack and moneybag is literal, so it would make sense for the sword to be literal as well.
The second interpretation, however, is metaphorical. Jesus is telling them to get ready for spiritual battle. This makes particular sense in light of verses 49-51. If it were a literal sword, why the strong rebuke. Furthermore, the statement in verse 38 seems to be a rebuke. In other words, "Enough of this talk about swords!" We know that the disciples frequently misunderstood Jesus when He was teaching them deep spiritual truths (see Mark 8:14-21, for example).
I tend to see this a Jesus saying, "People aren't' going to provide for you like they did before, so take along necessary provisions next time. And get ready for battle. You are going to face spiritual warfare." Then, when the disciples said, "We have some weapons," Jesus rebuked them, saying, "Enough of that!"
So, what is our application today? I don't think this speaks to the stockpiling or giving to the poor. This is for those who are going out on missionary assignment as the first disciples were. They were to take along provisions and be ready for the fight of their lives (spiritually speaking with regard to the fight).
That's my 2 cents. I'd love to hear from others.
|
|