Knowing The Word in Luke 12:57-59

Settle with Your Accuser

57 “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59 I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

Comments

Jesus encouraged his followers to make peace with God. People get their best settlement outside of court, instead of taking a hopeless case before a judge. This pericope (section of Luke) is not about purgatory—"paying every last penny”—but about realizing Jesus is your in-person advocate, your pro bono counsel! The people standing in his midst should be making peace with God now, not later.

Application

“I’ll wait to do it later.” Those are words we all have said, and words many have later regretted when acting sooner would have been much better for us and others. Where do you need to “get right” with God today and not wait any longer?

Prayer

Father, thank you that you are always accessible, ready to listen, and boundless in love and forgiveness. You are my rock and my stronghold. With you, I shall never be shaken.