HOLY PASSION

Luke 12:49-59 / Keywords 12:49

I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

 

Not Peace but Division

12:49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Interpreting the Times

54 He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?

57 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

1. Jesus is often seen as graceful and peace-loving, which he is. But Jesus also came to light a fire on the earth. Here, fire may refer to a spirit of righteous indignation, especially towards the corrupt religious and political leaders. They are those who are supposed to be the overseers of God's people, analogous to a father and mother. Times are changing when a new generation should boldly rise to challenge the hypocrisy, injustice, and negligence of those in power. Jesus’ death and resurrection and the spirit of God continues to ignite us today against all injustice to advance God’s kingdom.

 

2. Jesus also warns us to be aware of the times. We aren't meant to live in a church or Bible bubble, safe from the world and the culture that surrounds us all. We are called to be engaged with the world with humility and courage in meaningful ways. Leaders should take the time to understand the world with wisdom and compassion. Sometimes we are called to confront our own sin and how we have wounded others due to our own pride and agenda. Jesus warns that we do this before we are held accountable with no mercy.

 

Prayer Lord, may your resurrection be our strength and hope to confront our sin and engage with the powers of evil in the world with wisdom and courage.

One Word Light a fire in us