The Gospel for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost this year consists of two brief but distinct teachings of our Lord in Luke 12. Both teachings refer to the worldly difficulties facing would-be disciples. The first teaching, Luke 12:49-53, is a warning for the inner group of disciples. They prefer to view Him as the Prince of Peace. In a sense, He is, but His peace is not always obvious in this world. In Luke 12:51, Jesus says, "Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division" (ESV). His followers must not expect uniform agreement about following Him even in their own families.
The second teaching, Luke 12:54-56, is a warning for the whole crowd of listeners. People have some general ideas about what to expect from atmospheric conditions, but they are poor interpreters of the signs of the times. They don't recognize what God is doing in the world. They are not sensitive or aware concerning spiritual matters of judgment and redemption. They do not recognize what God is doing through Jesus the Christ.
Certainly, Christians believe that Scripture always applies to the human condition, but these two warnings of our Lord are especially applicable to ongoing religious and worldly circumstances. We like to talk about peace, but a commitment to Jesus does not necessarily bring external peace to natural or ecclesial households. Likewise, we can often interpret signs in society or nature accurately. We may lament social, economic, or climate problems, but most people, even church-goers, avoid much serious thought on the spiritual matters of divine judgment and redemption.
We should all heed Christ's warnings. They have good purposes. In them, Jesus seeks to make us more morally and spiritually aware. He calls all people to repentance, He encourages us to have faith, and He exhorts us to persevere during trying times. By His grace, may we hear and respond!
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