Scripture to Read: Luke 12:49–53
Jesus’ teachings were sometimes easy to understand and at other times harder to understand. As God led Luke to write, Jesus said in Luke 12:49–53, “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 51 Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; 52 for from now on five members in one household will be 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 daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Jesus spoke of the “fire.” Fire was viewed as a time of judgment among the Jews. So, the Jews may have seen Jesus’ coming as a time of judgment for them. The “fire” could also refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was not poured out on all believers until after Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. It makes sense that Jesus said He had to undergo His baptism first. The “fire” could also refer to the spread of the gospel, which again, could not happen until Christ fulfilled His purpose. Jesus also spoke of division for the sake of following Him. I saw this firsthand years ago when a “completed Jew” (what they call themselves after surrendering to Christ as Messiah) shared with me how his parents had a funeral for him when he became a follower of Christ.
Challenge & Application
How has the fire of the Holy Spirit in you changed you and the fire of the gospel spread through you?
How have you seen families divided through those who have surrendered to Christ and those who have not?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!