What does Luke 22:49 mean?
The disciples' emotions and understandings are scattered. Jesus told them He is going to be killed (Luke 9:21–22, 44; 18:31–34) but full understanding "was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it" (Luke 9:45). During the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus mentioned several times that He is "going away" (John 13—17). The disciples don't know what this means but they take it seriously enough to be sad (Luke 22:45).It doesn't make sense to them. Jesus keeps talking about the coming of the kingdom of God. And just recently, He told the disciples, "Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one" (Luke 22:36). The Pharisees have wanted to destroy Jesus for a long time (Mark 3:6). Surely this is the time to act. The guards and high priest's servants are closing in on Jesus. Peter, James, and John are nearest. Jesus has mentioned that in their future travels, they will need a sword. Peter thinks the time has come to use it.
As this question goes out, the guards and servants have reached out and grabbed Jesus (Matthew 26:50). It's dark and crowded and their Master is being arrested on the orders of toxic religious leaders. The disciples feel they must act now.
Peter won't wait for a reply (Luke 22:50). He draws his sword and strikes. His sword finds Malchus, one of the servants of the high priests, and slices through his ear (John 18:10).
This isn't the plan. Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword. Then He heals Malchus' ear and surrenders to the mob (Luke 22:51; Matthew 26:52).
