Luke 12:49-53 Divisive Discipleship

Published: 25 January 2017

By Bryce Lowrance

http://harmonypb.org/grace-plus-nothing/2017/jan/25/luke-1249-53/

“I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” Luke 12:49-53

If Jesus intended for everyone to “just get along,” then I am not sure what this text means!

When the angels in chorus gloried “Peace on Earth,” they were not just hoping that all nations would get along. They were DECLARING that Peace Himself was earth. The chastisement necessary for the elect to live with a Holy God would take place in the man Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53).

With this understanding, we can see the true nature our discipleship should have. We are not to be violent or purposefully argumentative. However, when we steadfastly follow Jesus, division will happen.

We are not given permission in this text to cease the honor due to our parents, but Jesus is instructing us that His will is what should be our focus. When we walk in His steps, we should not be shocked when our own family acts as our worst enemy. The path of Jesus and the ways of the world are perpetual adversaries.

Jesus did not come to teach us to be passive disciples. He came to light a gospel fire under our feet. We are to stand in thankful obedience to Him no matter what the world or friends may say.
“Don’t fear what you face now my brother, For no foe will stand in that day. Clothed in a vesture of crimson, on His wings He will bear us away. With a shout and the voice of the archangel, The dead in Christ first shall ascend, And all those alive and remaining Shall rise up in the air to meet Him.” (Elder Tim McCool from the hymn “Your Redemption Draws Nigh")