Luke 22:31-38 | Isaiah 53:11-12
What do you think of when you think of criminals? Guys in masks and striped shirts? A court of law? Handcuffs? A prison? Think about it for a minute: what are our prejudices concerning criminals?
In a few days, we’ll read about Jesus hanging on the cross between two thieves, a partial fulfillment of this passage and the one he identifies from the prophet Isaiah. But even here, Jesus is hanging out with arrogant and violent-bent men. Peter talks a big game. The disciples brandish their swords.
Jesus tells them to stop it.
It might be a bit confusing, but the sword thing is not a call to arms. If it was, Jesus would have been fine with the actions we’ll read tomorrow (cutting off the servant’s ear). This is about identity and the fulfillment of God’s desire - that all people would be provided the way forward.
If Jesus was just to be found among those known to be righteous (if there’s even any such group), it would be a further barrier for those who are not. For a God who loves all people, the culmination of the salvation story - Christ’s arrest, trial, passion & death - must be in the heart of criminality. Despised, rebels, the scapegoats of humanity. Christ is for all.
It might make us wonder how the Church became so polished.
Luke 22:31-38
“Simon, Simon, look! Satan has asserted the right to sift you all like wheat. However, I have prayed for you that your faith won’t fail. When you have returned, strengthen your brothers and sisters.”
Peter responded, “Lord, I’m ready to go with you, both to prison and to death!”
Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster won’t crow today before you have denied three times that you know me.”
Jesus said to them, “When I sent you out without a wallet, bag, or sandals, you didn’t lack anything, did you?”
They said, “Nothing.”
Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a wallet must take it, and likewise a bag. And those who don’t own a sword must sell their clothes and buy one. I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in relation to me: And he was counted among criminals. Indeed, what’s written about me is nearing completion.”
They said to him, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”
He replied, “Enough of that!”
Isaiah 53:11-12
After his deep anguish he will see light, and he will be satisfied.
Through his knowledge, the righteous one, my servant,
will make many righteous,
and will bear their guilt.
Therefore, I will give him a share with the great,
and he will divide the spoil with the strong,
in return for exposing his life to death
and being numbered with rebels,
though he carried the sin of many
and pleaded on behalf of those who rebelled.
Prayer
God,
You are a God of justice, the determiner of all that’s right.
In Christ, you have made way for righteousness by the example of the cross
and his identification and solidarity with all people.
Help us as we seek further his way,
Lead us in the specifics of our own lives and our striving for others’,
Call us to the justice he’s established for the sake of the world
Through your mercy, grace, and love.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.