The Fifth Sunday in Lent (CL)

Luke 22:24-38

²⁴ A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. ²⁵ And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. ²⁶ But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. ²⁷ For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

²⁸ “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, ²⁹ and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, ³⁰ that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

³¹ “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, ³² but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” ³³ Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” ³⁴ Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

³⁵ And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” ³⁶ He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. ³⁷ For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” ³⁸ And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

The sword you need to by may not be made out of steal or metal. The sword we need is the sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God. But Jesus is preparing Peter and the Twelve for the trials he is about to suffer. Jesus is going to the cross to suffer and die.

There are many times when we desire to be the greatest or best. There are even times when we compete over who knows more about Jesus. We compete about who has a better theology, or understands the Word in truth. There are even those among us who are willing to establish their own Kingdom.

The Old Testament must be fulfilled. It seems like such a simple passage, but He will be numbered with the transgressors. This is not just meaning that he will have one thief on either side. It means that he will take your transgressions upon himself. He will bear your grief and shame. It is now time for the final battle to be waged and the victory will be won. Jesus dies for the forgiveness of your sins. He claims you not with moneybags or swords, he claims you with his precious blood.