A Divisive Ministry
TRANSLATION
(49) “I came to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! (50) But I have a baptism to undergo, and what a constraint I am under until it is accomplished! (51) Do you think that I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division, (52) for from now on there will be five in one family divided, three against two, and two against three. (53) Father will be divided against his son and the son against his father, mother against her daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
(54) He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it happens. (55) And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and so it happens. (56) You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you do not know how to interpret this present time?
(57) “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? (58) As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, try hard to settle with him on the way lest he drag you before the judge, the judge hand 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.”
OBSERVATIONS
In this passage Jesus warned his disciples and the crowds that followed him regarding two major concerns: the discord and division a commitment to being his disciple would inevitably bring, especially to families, and the need for discerning wisdom in order to grasp the significance of what is happening in the world around us. Repetitions included “baptism/baptized” (vs. 50), “division/divided” (three times in vss. 51, 52, & 53), “when you see…you say” (vss. 54 & 55), “interpret” (twice in vs. 56), “judge” (three times in vss. 57 & 58), and “officer” (twice in vs. 58).
OUTLINE
I. Becoming Jesus’ disciples will inevitably bring discord into the lives of his followers. (49-53)
II. Discerning wisdom is needed for disciples to grasp the significance of the present moment and how to live productively. (54-59)
IDEA STATEMENT
As Jesus’ disciples we must be prepared for the discord our commitment will inevitably produce and then be discerning in order to understand what is happening in the world around us.
APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 12 furnishes us with a description of the sons of Issachar, one of the tribes of Israel: “…men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chron. 12:32). Somehow, in ancient Israel, this rather obscure tribe had gained a reputation for discernment, the ability to see through all the complexities that faced the nation and emerge with a fitting plan of action. In this passage Jesus challenged his hearers, both the disciples and the crowds, to strive for a similar clarity of vision and thought. Jesus emphasized two areas where we, as disciples, need to see more clearly and with greater realism. First, we must realize how controversial our commitment to Christ can be especially among family, friends, and coworkers. It should never surprise us that others around us do not share our passion for Christ and may well be offended by our devotion to him and attempts to share the Gospel with those who need to hear it.
Additionally, we must constantly strive to understand what is happening in the world around us and live wisely in light of such insight. This is what Jesus called “interpreting the present time.” We are to avoid two extremes: complacency, that is, caring little for what is taking place and then, in contrast, consternation, that is, becoming overly preoccupied and terrified by what is happening. As disciples we are called to live balanced lives characterized by trusting in God’s sovereign control over the events of our world mixed with a healthy desire to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors who are confused and alarmed by what is taking place. As we walk with the Lord, confident that he is sovereign over the future, we should find ourselves being asked to explain the hope that is within us, the hope that sustains our lives amid the great uncertainties of our world (1 Pet. 3:15).