The answer is: Sword

Luke 22:25-38

In Luke 22:25-38, Jesus drops quite a bombshell for his disciples! As they prepare for the culminating events of his ministry, he tells them that if they don’t have a sword, they should sell their cloak to buy one. Seems a bit odd, right? After all, why would Jesus encourage them to stock up on weapons when he is all about peace and non-violence?

This part of the scripture phrasing is rich for interpretation. These “swords” symbolize more than just physical weapons. In a broader theological sense, they could represent the challenges and trials they might face as they go forth to spread the message of love and social justice. Symbolically, being armed means being equipped to deal with the harsh realities of a contested mission.

Interestingly, the act of selling cloaks in that time period would mean sacrificing something essential for their survival—showing the level of commitment needed to follow Jesus. In ancient culture, cloaks did more than provide warmth; they were indicators of status and meant for daily use.

Moreover, in the following verses, Jesus prefaces his words with reminders about the gravity of his path, while the mention of swords fuels reflections about spiritual readiness over physical confrontation. Ultimately, it’s a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment, underscoring that the message of compassion and strength lies at the heart of their mission!