Today's Reading:

Luke 12
Luke 13:1-30

There is grace in Luke when Jesus said He had come to “bring fire” (12:49) of judgment and purification. This was an invitation to make peace with God before the fire falls and separation becomes final. Jesus said He had to have a “baptism” first. He was already baptized by John the Baptist in Luke 31:21-23. He did not mean a water baptism; it was a metaphor for being “immersed in suffering.” Jesus was not here for immediate peace but to separate the wicked from the righteous, even if that includes separating family members. The judgment He brings is made possible by His own willingness to take the penalty that belongs to others.

He told the crowd that they were good at reading the weather to predict rain or heat, but not the current times. It is wise to reach a settlement before judgment comes, so reconcile yourself to God now, while you have the time. Some will receive Him, and some will reject Him, but the division will be real and painful. There is a clear choice being offered. The wise will make a settlement along the way.

Grace comes in the warning. Jesus was still speaking, still on the road, and giving a chance for repentance and reconciliation before the final judgment comes. The fire will come, and it will be real. The door remains open for those who act while they still can.

What does it mean that the door of reconciliation stays open only as long as Jesus is still speaking?

Jesus warned His disciples to be on their guard about the ‘yeast of the Pharisees; the hypocrisy will spread. Nothing can be hidden from God, nothing done in the dark, in secret, or whispered. This was a warning to not live a double life. But there was encouragement to know that eventually the truth will come out. Jesus called the disciples “my friends” and let them know humans can hurt them, but that they were valued by God, so do not let the fear of those who can hurt you control you. Standing with Jesus matters. Do not hide your faith!

Luke 12:10 is a struggle for some scholars. The “unforgivable sin” speaking against Jesus could be forgiven, but not what would be forgiven against the Holy Spirit. This was about rejecting the Spirit’s work, which, in essence, was calling God’s work evil. The key takeaway is that if you are worried that you may have blasphemed, then you are probably okay. This sin was really about not turning to God at all.

A man who was there but not truly listening asked Jesus to settle an inheritance issue. These issues were normally taken to the rabbi for clarification, especially in the ancient eastern time when the oldest son would receive double the portion of inheritance. Jesus answered the man with a parable on greed. The rich man planned for everything except his death. The real problem was not that he was rich, but that the money became the focus of his heart. Notice the selfishness in the “I” and “my” throughout. The man never mentioned God or others. Do not hoard your wealth but learn to be generous. Jesus went on to say do not worry; you do not need to store up wealth. He will provide for your “daily needs.” He also said to “consider,” not “look or listen”; we are to slow down, pay attention, and consider nature and how God provides for the animals. Solomon was the poster child of Israelite wealth and glory in the Old Testament with his royal robes and gold (1 Kings 10). Yet, a small wildflower even outshines Solomon. You are more valuable than a plant so think what God will give to you. Do not stress over His care; it will be there for you. What you value the most and spend your energy on, that is your treasure. So, what is your treasure? Is it money, material things, status, security, relationships, or is it God’s Kingdom? Where is your heart, and what do you think about the most? Your heart is more than just emotions; if it is treasured in God’s Kingdom, then you need to invest in the Kingdom by giving, serving, and praying. The heart follows the actions. 

We are called to be ready for His return. The long robes that servants wore were tied up between their legs for the purpose of running. The lamps were burned to stay prepared all night. A wedding feast would run late into the night; therefore, a servant was to stay prepared for his master to come home. Those who were ready were “blessed” and rewarded for faithfulness. We are to be in constant spiritual readiness. Peter asked if that was for the disciples or for everyone. Jesus responded that it was for both. We must do good and be faithful even when the master is not around. There was fierce judgment in that the master would chop the servant into pieces (not literal). This was a violent punishment, not just a wag of the finger. Those who have been given authority and responsibility are held to a higher level of accountability.

Jesus was told of the Galileans who were killed by Pilate while offering sacrifices. The Galileans' blood mixed in with the sacrifice blood, and that would have been a shocking desecration. Jesus said that the victims’ sins were no worse than other sins, just because of the way they died. The type of death does not prove the level of guilt in a person. Everyone needs repentance. Jesus explained it with the Parable of the Barron Fig Tree. While God is patient with Israel, it is not an endless patience. Being fruitless will eventually meet judgment, so gain while you have the chance; repent.

Again, Jesus was healing on the Sabbath day of rest. The leaders were upset that He actually healed on that particular day. Satan had kept the woman for 18 years; why could she not be set free of her demons while He was there? The Sabbath day is an appropriate day to be set free; if you can care for your animals, then people should matter more. Jesus immediately asked them what the kingdom of God was like. Again, we see the small mustard seed that grows large enough for birds to rest in its branches. Just like the mustard seed had unexpected growth, yeast in bread affects the whole. Jesus brought the character to God’s Kingdom with healing, and the leaders were affecting the whole with their hypocrisy. Jesus went on to say, “make every effort” and really strive to get through the door. Notice He repeated, “I do not know you or where you come from (13:25, 13:27) in rejection, and their begging did not help. Being close to Jesus, such as in church, is not the same as actually having a relationship with Him. When the door shuts, it is finality. You will see the patriarchs (forefathers of the Old Testament, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), but you will be left outside of the kingdom in grief, frustration, and regret. People from every corner of the world will have the chance to come to the kingdom. Those who seem to have priority will be last. Your entrance to the Kingdom cannot be assumed; remember, the door is narrow.

Today's Discussion question:

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