Today's passage shows a shift in how Jesus was sending out His disciples. Jesus had previously sent out disciples with next to nothing. Now, He is instructing them to take along some provisions. The environment around Jesus, and as a result those who followed Him, was becoming more hostile. That hostility would be something that would quickly come to a head, as we will read in future days.

For today, though, let's see the provision Jesus is giving His disciples through prophetic insight. Let us also see that Jesus is doing all this to fulfill scripture--fulfill what God the Father had identified for Him to do centuries before.

May the word of God cause us to be sober minded about what the Father called the Son to do, and what the Son calls us to do.

[Luke 22.35-38]

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.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ When Jesus sent disciples before, what common provisions were they instructed not to take? [v. 35, see also Luke 9.1-6]

+ What does Jesus change as He is preparing them to be sent again? [v. 36]

+ Why was there a change? [v. 37]

+ What did the prophecy indicate would happen to Jesus? [v. 37; see also Isaiah 53.12]

+ Since Jesus was quoting from Isaiah 53, what was likely the full breadth of what was on His mind? Did the disciples grasp this? [Isaiah 53]

+ What was the disciples' response to Jesus' instruction, and what was His response to them? [v. 38]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How is God calling you to provision for yourself in this season of your life? How is He calling you to provision the ministry of others this season?

+ By applying Isaiah 53 to Himself, we know Jesus foreknew the hardship in store for Him, and remained faithful anyway. What hardship is God calling you to endure for His glory? How can you be more Christ-like in your obedience?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?