Introduction
We are to be ready and faithful for His return. The disciples do not understand that He will be crucified. Jesus is preparing them for His departure and for their mission. This mission will not be easy, it will be dangerous.
Jesus transitions from the second coming to His first coming.
V49 – I came to send fire on the earth.
This involves us. Literally cast or throw on the earth. He is doing this. “I” came to send fire. “Fire” – He hasn’t lit it yet. It will soon be lit. It’s His will. There are a lot of views on this. This fire sometimes means judgment. 1 Corinth 3:10.
“According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 3:10-11 NKJV
Jesus isn’t speaking of literal fire. If Jesus desires it, it is good. Fire can be seen as a negative.
V50 “But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!
Baptism is a purification and so is fire. Fire is a concept of cleansing. The fire is to be cast in the whole earth. His baptism is entirely His own. This is not the sign (water baptism). It has not happened but it isn’t done yet. The word accomplished is the same word He used on the cross. “teleō” it is finished or it is accomplished. He wants the baptism finished but He wants the fire started. His death by crucifixion is getting closer. This is not a weak fear of man or fear of death but rather the wrath of God that will be poured out upon Him. Romans 6:3
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” Romans 6:3 NKJV
“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”vJohn 17:19 NKJV
Christs suffering and death was suffered voluntary. In His humanity it was difficult. Distressing but never sinned.
Let us comprehend how much He loved us to go through all of that for us. Let us rest in Him and go to Him in faith.
John the baptist said baptize you with the Holy Spirit AND fire. The Gospel brings life also brings judgement.
Matthew 3:11 (NKJV) “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
2 Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV) To the one [we are] the aroma of death [leading] to death, and to the other the aroma of life [leading] to life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?
The kingdom that Christ brings does not bring peace but rather division. He did come to bring peace but not the peace they thought. Not peace on earth but peace with God through repentance and faith.
On the cross Jesus took our judgement. We have been crucified with Christ. If you believe the gospel.
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.”