In this passage, we see the following in Jesus’ ministry:
- Jesus is addressing the twelve on the eve of his crucifixion.
- They are in Jerusalem.
Denial foretold
Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38
Matthew 26
31 ¶ Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
33 ¶ Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
34 ¶ Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
35 ¶ Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” ¶ And so said all the disciples.
Mark 14
27 ¶ Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.’
28 ¶ “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
29 ¶ Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.”
30 ¶ Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”
31 ¶ But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” ¶ And they all said likewise.
Luke 22
31 ¶ And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
33 ¶ But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.”
34 ¶ Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”
John 13
36 ¶ Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” ¶ Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”
37 ¶ Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”
38 ¶ Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.
This is a very sobering passage of scripture, all taking place the night leading up to the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark point out that Jesus’ words regarding denial were directed toward all the disciples, but Luke and John just mention Peter’s anticipated denial. Jesus quotes the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 13:7, see notes) to indicate that even the denial of the Messiah by his own followers was a fact of Old Testament prophecy. However, Peter is very adamant that, though all the other disciples may deny Jesus, he absolutely, positively would not – to the death. Jesus assures Peter that even he will deny him. However, in Luke 22:32 Jesus expresses confidence in Peter after the denial when he says, “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” The word “converted” there in the KJV (“and when thou art converted”) is a translation of the Greek word “epistrepho,” which means “to return to a point or area where one has been before.” In other words, while Peter will deny Jesus, he will return to his place among the disciples where he will strengthen and feed them.
It should be noted that ultimately all Jesus’ disciples would deny him. As it happens, Peter’s denial is more prominently displayed in the Gospel accounts, but actually, no one stood with Jesus at his trial. Mark 14:50 (see notes) says, “Then they all forsook Him and fled.”
What about the swords?
Luke 22:35-38
Luke 22
36 ¶ Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.
37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.”
38 ¶ So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” ¶ And He said to them, “It is enough.”
Jesus refers to the sending of the seventy disciples to preach the Kingdom message back in Luke 10 (see notes). The money bag, knapsack, and sandals here are obvious references to Luke 10:4, “Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.” It would appear that Jesus is teaching a lesson about the change discipleship was about to undergo, but they took him literally. I think the lesson intended by Jesus to be understood by his disciples was one of contrast: The seventy returned with their mission complete without notable resistance; from this time forward, the resistance will be intense right down to the crucifixion. Peter obviously missed the object lesson here and strapped on one of those swords which he used at the capture of Jesus in John 18:10 (see notes), “Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.” Isaiah 53 (see notes) prophesies the crucifixion of the Messiah. Jesus quotes from Isaiah 53:12 in verse 37, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” Jesus is clearly preparing his disciples for his capture and crucifixion.
With that being said, it is still, admittedly, difficult to account for every aspect of this conversation between Jesus and his disciples, especially the “It is enough” of verse 38. Some have suggested that these words were intended by Jesus to put a stop to a conversation which the disciples did not seem to be properly comprehending. Others have suggested that the phrase was intended to indicate that two swords are sufficient. “Sufficient for what?” you might ask. It is felt by some that the “numbered with the transgressors” of Isaiah 53:12 was fulfilled in that two swords were on hand in the garden at the capture of Jesus, thus making them transgressors. Conjecture is simply all we have on this one.