Why did Jesus tell His disciples to sell a cloak and buy a sword (Luke 22:36)?

In Luke 22:36, Jesus tells His disciples, “Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” Yet, not long after, He rebukes Peter for using a sword during His arrest (Luke 22:49–51). At first glance, this may seem contradictory. However, understanding the broader context of Luke 22 and the events surrounding Jesus’ arrest helps clarify what He meant.

At this point in the Gospel narrative, Jesus is preparing His disciples for a dramatic shift. Earlier in their ministry, He had sent them out without money, bags, or extra clothing, and they lacked nothing (Luke 22:35). But now, He warns them that the circumstances are changing. The time of public favor is ending, and they will soon face opposition, rejection, and persecution. His instruction to buy a sword was not a call to violence or rebellion, but a sober reminder that they were entering a dangerous and uncertain time.

When the disciples respond, “Look, Lord, here are two swords,” Jesus replies, “It is enough” (Luke 22:38). This response is often debated. It’s unlikely that Jesus meant two swords would be sufficient for defense. More plausibly, He was either ending the conversation or expressing disappointment that they misunderstood His point. Some interpret His words as a rebuke, suggesting the disciples were taking His statement too literally. Regardless, it’s clear that Jesus was not encouraging them to take up arms in a physical sense. He was preparing them mentally and spiritually for the trials ahead.

This becomes even more evident during Jesus’ arrest. When Peter draws his sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, Jesus immediately intervenes, healing the man and telling Peter to put the sword away (Luke 22:49–51; John 18:10–11). In Matthew’s account, Jesus adds, “For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). These words make it clear that Jesus did not intend for His followers to use violence to defend Him or to advance His kingdom. His mission was to willingly lay down His life, in fulfillment of Scripture (Matthew 26:53–54).

The apostle Paul later explains in Romans 13:1–4 that the sword is given by God to civil authorities to uphold justice—not to individuals for personal retaliation. Still, the Bible does acknowledge the right to self-defense in certain situations (Exodus 22:2–3), and Jesus’ words in Luke 22:36 may reflect the reality that His followers would need to be prepared for hardship, including physical danger, while continuing to trust in God’s protection and justice.

In the end, Jesus’ command to buy a sword was not about promoting violence but about preparing His disciples for the challenges they would soon face. It was a symbolic and practical warning that the road ahead would be difficult. As believers today, we are called to be wise, peaceful, and courageous. We are to rely on God’s provision and stand firm in the truth of the gospel, putting on the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10–17.