Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

(Jesus said) "Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak
and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be
fulfilled in Me: 'And he was numbered with the
transgressors.'..." (Luke 22:36-37).

Read Luke 22:35-38.

The meal is complete and Jesus prepares to leave the guest
room. But first He wants to make His disciples aware that
their world will change drastically this day. It will become a
much more violent and dangerous place.

Up to now Jesus has been quite popular. Everywhere He
went with His disciples throughout Galilee they found friends
who welcomed them into their homes and fed them. And it
was that popularity that was frustrating Jewish leaders,
making it impossible for them to lay their hands on Jesus.
 But today that will end.

When Jesus is crucified, many Jews will misjudge the evidence.
They will falsely assume the cross proves the carpenter from
Nazareth is a fake and a fraud.

The coming situation will become desperate. The disciples will
need a cloak because they will no longer be welcomed into
peoples' houses. But the danger of physical violence is so
great they would be wise to sell their cloaks for swords, and
shiver through the night. For Jesus' sake they will soon face
opposition, arrest, mistreatment and martyrdom.

When the disciples report they have two swords, Jesus tells
them it is enough. He doesn't intend to make them a defensive
fighting force; instead, He wants to make them aware of the
deadly hostility the Gospel message will bring. When these
apostles tell Jews and Gentiles that a man crucified as a criminal
is their Savior-they will face great persecution.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, our brother and sister Christians throughout the
world face great opposition and danger, even death. Shield and
defend all those who are being attacked for their faith, and give
them courage and faith to boldly stand and declare Your Name.
And move their persecutors to repentance and faith. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)