Introduction
Part of His first coming was to cast fire. The fire He speaks of hasn’t started yet (prior to the cross). He wished it to be started when He said this. When He ascended He poured out the Spirit on the church it was “tongues of fire.” As promised He would baptize by the Spirit and fire. It will bring division. It will also bring peace but not the peace we would expect. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a purifying fire to those who believe but consuming fire to those who don’t. It brings division.
1 – Division of Christ crucified V51 – 53.
We think of Jesus message as message of peace. So this would be difficult for the disciples to hear and is even difficult for us today. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Luke 1:79 To guide our feet into the way of peace. Romans 10:15 – the gospel of peace. They expected the messiah to bring peace. Acts 10:36 – peace through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:14 He Himself is our peace.
He brings peace to some and not to others. They are expecting earthly peace through the messiah. They were expecting an earthly kingdom. They didn’t expect the Jews to reject the messiah. But instead a fire must be kindled. He must go to the cross. They misjudged the timing. Jesus here is speaking about the nature of the peace. Peace with God. —
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”Romans 5:1 NASB1995
For those who oppose Him they are at enmity with God(at war).
Genesis 3:15 (NKJV) And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27 NASB1995
The gospel divides. If it even effects the family it will effect everything. Jesus is preparing them for this. The whole nation of their brethren (not everyone) but as a whole will reject Jesus. They will become outcasts. V52 “from now on” meaning it was already starting. The cost of following Christ means to lose everything.
2 – Discernment of gospel times V54-57
Jesus rebukes them. They are without excuse. They pretend they will respond if they give them a sign. They are hypocrites. They are willfully ignorant. V57 Jesus says judge for yourselves don’t listen to the religious leaders.
3 – diligence to deal with your debt before it’s too late – V58-59
Every single human being has a sin debt. He knows all and He is the one offended. Every sinner who is not in Christ will owe his debt. It’s too late when you die. This debt can only be settled in Christ. Don’t put off Jesus till later. Come to Jesus today.
Luke 12:49-59 (NKJV) 49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 “But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 51 “Do [you] suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 “For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 “Father will be divided 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 her mother-in-law.” 54 Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. 55 “And when [you see] the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. 56 “Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how [is it] you do not discern this time? 57 “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? 58 “When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 “I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”