Sermon 163

📖 Sermon 163 – He That Hath No Sword

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 22:35–38

Introduction

On the eve of His betrayal, Jesus reminds the disciples how He had previously sent them out without purse, bag, or sword, and they lacked nothing. Now the situation will change. Opposition will increase, and they must be prepared for hardship and conflict, yet still trust in His providence.

I. The Former Mission Recalled

A. “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes…”
Christ reminds them of earlier days of simple dependence.

B. “Lacked ye anything?”
A searching question about God’s faithfulness.

C. “They said, Nothing.”
A clear testimony that He had supplied all their needs.

II. The Coming Change in Circumstances

A. “But now…”
A new phase in their calling.

B. “He that hath a purse, let him take it”
Practical foresight in days of danger.

C. “Likewise his scrip”
Provision for the journey ahead.

D. The Lord does not forbid prudence and preparation

III. The Saying About the Sword

A. “He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
Strong language emphasizing coming conflict and hostility.

B. Not a call to carnal violence
The same Lord will soon forbid Peter to use the sword in the garden.

C. A vivid picture of the struggle the church will face
They must be ready for opposition, yet still walk in the way of the cross.

IV. Scripture Must Be Fulfilled

A. “For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in Me”
Christ’s path is governed by the will of God revealed in Scripture.

B. “He was reckoned among the transgressors”
He will be treated as a criminal, though He is the Holy One.

C. “For the things concerning Me have an end”
A divinely appointed goal in His suffering and death.

V. The Disciples’ Misunderstanding

A. “Lord, behold, here are two swords.”
They take His words in a merely literal sense.

B. “He said unto them, It is enough.”
He ends the discussion, showing that they have not yet grasped the spiritual character of His kingdom.

Conclusion

This passage teaches that Christ’s disciples are called to trust His past faithfulness, prepare wisely for future trials, and remember that all unfolds according to God’s written plan. Our security lies not in the sword, but in the Savior who was numbered with transgressors to redeem His people.