Knowing The Word in Luke 12:49-53

Not Peace, but Division

49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, 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 her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Comments

Is Jesus really the Prince of Peace when he says he will cast fiery judgment on the earth? The fiery judgment to which he refers is the cross, which is his baptism that is “already kindled” by the Jewish authorities behind the scenes. God’s plan for salvation is through judgement—the judgement of his Son on the cross. The cross of Jesus and how they respond to it divides people. Jesus also told people to pick up their own crosses. When people do not rise to that challenge, others will become critical of them, leading to division, even within families.

Application

Perhaps you grew up in a Christian family and your faith is respected. However, today many are coming to faith in Jesus from non-Christian families who experience alienation and division upon sharing their new faith. What can you do to help someone like this?

Prayer

Father, open my eyes to other Christians who are persecuted for their faith that I may help them when and where I can. Give me a new curiosity that expands my safe and secure world of faith.