The Two Swords

It was the Last Supper and Judas had left the room, to betray Jesus.

Many months prior, Jesus had sent seventy-two of his disciples and his chosen twelve Apostles, out to the towns and villages. He told them not to carry a bag, money or sandals but where they were welcomed, stay, eat and drink. On their return,  they rejoiced that through Jesus’ power, they were welcomed and miraculously removed unclean spirits and healed the sick.

Towards the concluding moments of the Last Supper, the now eleven Apostles received a starkly contrasting message from Jesus. He said,  “When I sent you out with no moneybag, or traveller’s bag, or sandals, you didn’t lack anything, did you? They replied, ‘Nothing’. [He said], But now, the one who has a money-bag must take it, and likewise a traveller’s bag too. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one”.

Jesus, apparently more preoccupied about the Apostles future rather than his own imminent torture and death, was instructing them to prepare for a different reception in towns and villages. One where, metaphorically speaking, ‘swords’ were needed.

Jesus was warning his Apostles that the time was soon approaching when He would no longer be with them in human form;  He would be crucified and die, but only to be resurrected and return to God the Father in Heaven. When that time arrived the continued spread of his Gospel throughout the world would be in their hands and they would be persecuted, just as he was. (Luke 22:35-38)