The Time at Hand

Sermon 57 in Series

Luke 12:49-59

[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.”

[54] He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. [55] And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. [56] You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

[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.”

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Over the last couple weeks, how has God deepened your understanding of stewardship? How has this impacted the way you use your time?
2.  What does Jesus anticipate in this passage? What is his attitude towards the cross?
3.  How does this passage surprise the reader, especially at Christmas time? In what ways does Jesus bring both peace and division?
4.  How do Jesus’ comments on division help us put family tensions into perspective? How do they encourage us to stay faithful to Christ as we face those tensions?
5.  What is the problem with the crowds that Jesus identifies? How does this anticipate Israel’s corporate rejection of Christ?
6.  How does this passage call the reader to urgency and response? How does it make us grateful for the atonement and reconciliation with God?

References: Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 1:15; Mark 10:38; Psalm 42:7; 88:7; Luke 9:51; Matthew 10:34; Luke 1:79; 2:14; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:34-35; Matthew 10:37-38; John 1:11-13; Isaiah 55:6.