August 18, 2026 · Mark Bishop
The Case for the Provider
“And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no money bag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 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. 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.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.””
Luke 22:35-38 →
## Pockets
Jesus sent out His followers to be a witness of His coming without carrying anything they could depend on. It's easy to depend on everything but God, mostly when it comes to giving up your life. He knew they would be dying for the Gospel, and what better way to prepare them than to let them depend totally on God so when it did come time for their life to be on the line, they knew God would be there. The moneybag is, of course, a bag or purse carrying money and sandals are self-explanatory as well. The word "knapsack", sometimes translated as just "bag", has an interesting definition attached to the Greek word. The meaning could be a bag carried by travelers, which would make sense due to their traveling; however, in the context of the verse following when referencing the cloak, it could also mean a beggars bag which was used to collect food or money. Jesus reminds them that they took no money with them, no comfort to walk in, nor a way to even collect items if someone saw you in need. Without any of that, Jesus puts the question on the disciples for them to respond so we can take their word for it and not just His words. They respond that they lacked nothing. God provided the money, comfort, and food. If God could provide all the essentials to living, then there would be nothing left to worry about- even their own lives.
## In God We Trust
While that event took place, He compares it to an event that has yet to take place. He warns them that a time is coming when you'll need something. He is preparing them, and us, for the events to come. If we can trust God and see how He has guided us in the past, then we can trust Him in the future. The sword isn't for killing or fighting off a threat to the Gospel, but to inform them times are going to get difficult. Lives will be on the line and death is going to take place. And when will these times take place? When the "he was numbered with the transgressors" Scripture is fulfilled. This verse can be read as, "When Jesus is considered among the lawless ones." Jesus became associated with the sinners, according to the Pharisees, and we see how lives were risked for the sake of the Gospel when promoting Jesus as Messiah. This time not only took place when Judas came to betray Him with a kiss, but when He showed Himself as the risen Lord. That time is going on now and will continue to get worse.
## Self-Check
He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. He has provided for you in some way. Let us rest in the assurance He will be present in the future as well.
## The Temptation Shield