Both/And

GETTING STARTED

Sometimes we just don’t get it. We think that following Jesus is either about works or about trusting him, but never both. We get sick, so we go to the doctor but don’t pray. We have to give a talk to our small group, so we pray but don’t put in the hard work of studying the lesson.

Today we read an account of Jesus reminding his disciples of the importance of both preparing and praying, while getting them ready for challenges to come.

  • What challenges are you facing that require you to both pray and be prepared?

READ THE WORD: LUKE 22:35-38 (ESV)

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.”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. In Luke 9, Jesus sent out the disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick, instructing them to take nothing with them, and they were welcomed into the households they visited. How does Jesus’ command in verse 36 contrast with how he previously sent out the disciples? What changed? What is coming that they need to prepare for?
  2. In verse 37, Jesus quoted Isaiah 53:12. Why do you think he was pointing out Scripture being fulfilled in him?
  3. How would you have responded in this situation?
  4. What situation(s) are currently in your life where you are struggling with not only trusting God, but also knowing what you should do?

RESPOND TO GOD

In this passage, Jesus was introducing a paradigm of hostility. Followers of Jesus would begin to experience identification with Jesus as “transgressor.” And that identification would bring with it hostility, so Jesus wanted his followers to be prepared. The beauty of the gospel is that it frees us to work and prepare as the Spirit of God works in us and prepares us for what lies ahead. God has provided in the past and is in charge of our future, and he will prepare us for it. James 4:15 instructs us to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” We submit our plans to the Lord, use the gifts and abilities he’s given us, and then we trust him to bring about his will.

  • Pray that God would give you discernment to know how to find the balance of trusting him while you prepare for what’s ahead, even if it may be difficult.