April 27 – Reading Luke 12:49-59

Read and believe in Jesus.

“Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, but rather division.”  Luke 12:51

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The Gospel according to Luke 

Review – Jesus talked about being prepared with their lamps burning, ready for His return in power and glory. He told His disciples to be faithful in working for His Kingdom until He comes.

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Vss. 12:49-53.

Here, Jesus opens with two surprising statements:

“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled.”

and,

“Do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”

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Jesus has set His face “like flint” towards the cross, although He is dreading it. (He’s already told his disciples about this twice.)

He’s seen and preached against the hypocrisy of the Jewish leadership and the temporal greed and self-concern of the crowd.  He probably wants to shake the people and tell them to “wake up!” Judgment is coming!”

He warns of conflict, not peace, when someone in a household hears and trusts in Him. Divisions will arise between believers and non-believers. Lines will be drawn. Persecution and perhaps denouncing will happen.

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Vss. 54-56.

“When you see a cloud rising in the west, you know a shower is coming.”

“When you see the south wind blowing, you know it will be hot.

Jesus tells them to WAKE UP!  They know the signs of approaching weather, but they can’t discern the spiritual signs of the times.  Judgment is coming, can’t they see that?

(Perhaps Jesus would say this to us today, too. ‘Can’t you see the day of My return approaching?  Look around you, read My scriptures. Get ready!  Be prepared!’)

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Vss. 57-59.

Perhaps Jesus is thinking about the man who earlier called out for Him to settle an inheritance dispute between him and his brother.

Why don’t you judge between yourselves what is right? Seek reconciliation even if it means self-sacrifice.  Settle before you get to court, or the magistrate may sentence you to something you will not like.

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(In this whole section, Jesus seems to be saying, “C’mon, you guys!  Get serious! Recognize the times. Get right, and live right. Judgment is coming.”

Appropriate for today too.)