The Gospel for this Tenth Sunday after Pentecost can be considered in two brief but distinct sections. Both sections 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 Christ 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). Christ's followers must not expect everyone to agree about following Him; even members of their own families may be opponents.
The second section, found in Luke 12:54-56, is a warning to the whole crowd of listeners. Sometimes, people may have some ideas about what to expect from the weather, but they tend to be poor interpreters of the signs of the times. Human beings tend to ignore what God is doing in the world. They are not sensitive to spiritual matters of judgment and redemption. They do not recognize what God is doing through Jesus Christ.
These two warnings of our Lord are especially applicable in our day and time. Human beings often talk about peace, but they do not always truly understand it. A commitment to Jesus does not necessarily bring peace to natural or ecclesial households. Likewise, many people might accurately see some problems in society or nature. However, most people, including many church-goers, avoid giving much serious attention to the spiritual matters of divine judgment and redemption.
We should all heed Christ's warnings because, in them, He 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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