Jesus was the cause for family conflict

JESUS WAS THE CAUSE FOR FAMILY CONFLICT
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No,
I tell you, but division. From now on there will be
five in one family divided against each other,
three against two and two against three. They will
be divided, father against son and son against
father, mother against daughter and daughter
against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-
in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-
law. (Luke 12:51-53)
New Living Translation
Do you think I have come to bring peace to the
earth? No, I have come to divide people against
each other!

BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
Spiritual Strenuousness
Luke 12:49, 50
W. Clarkson
Our Lord's life deepenedand enlargedas it proceeded, like a greatand
fertilizing river. And as conflict became more frequent and severe, and as the
last scenesdrew on, his own feeling was quickened, his spirit was aflame with
a more ardent and intense emotion. We look at the subject of spiritual
strenuousness -
I. IN VIEW OF OUR LORD'S PERSONALEXPERIENCE. In these two
verses we find him passing through some moments of very intense feeling;he
was powerfully affectedby two considerations.
1. A compassionatedesire onbehalf of the world. He came to the world to
kindle a greatfire which should be a light to illumine, a heat to cleanse,a
flame to consume. Such would be the Divine truth of which he came to be the
Author, especiallyas it was made operative by the Divine Spirit whose coming
should be so intimately associatedwith and should immediately follow his life
work (see Luke 3:16; Acts 2:3). As he lookedupon the gross and saddarkness
which that light was so much neededto dissipate, upon the errors that heat
was so much required to purify, upon the corruption that flame was so
essentialto extinguish, his holy and loving spirit yearned with a profound and
vehement desire for the hour to come when these heavenly forces should be
prepared and be freed to do their sacredand blessedwork.
2. A human lounging to pass through the trial that awaitedhim. "But" - there
was not only an interval of time to elapse, there was a period of solemn

struggle to be gone through, before that fire would be kindled. There was a
baptism of sorrow and of conflict for himself to undergo, and how was he
"straitened" in spirit until that was accomplished!Here was the feeling of a
son of man, but it was the feeling of the noblest of the children of men. He did
not desire that it should be postponed; he longed for it to come that it might
be passedthrough, that the battle might be fought, that the anguish might be
borne. Truly this is none other than a holy human spirit with whom we have
to do; one like unto ourselves, in the depth of whose nature were these very
hopes and fears, these same longings and yearnings which, in the face of a
dread future, stir our own souls with strongestagitations. How solemn, how
great, how fearful, must that future have been which so profoundly and
powerfully affectedhis calm and reverent spirit!
II. IN VIEW OF OUR OWN SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES. We cannotdo
anything of very great accountunless we know something of that spiritual
strenuousness ofwhich our Lord knew so much.
1. We should show this in our concernfor the condition of the world. How
much are we affectedby the savagery, by the barbarism, by the idolatry, by
the vice, by the godlessness, by the selfishness,whichprevail on the right hand
and on the left? How eagerlyand earnestlydo we desire that the
enlightenment and the purification of Christian truth should be carried into
the midst of it? Does our desire rise to a holy, Christ-like ardor? Does it
manifest itself in becoming generosity, in appropriate service and sacrifice?
2. We may show this in our anxiety to pass through the trial-hour that awaits
us. Whether it be the hour of approaching service, orsorrow, or persecution,
or death, we may, like our Master, be straitened until it be come and gone. Let
us see that, like him, we

(1) await it in calm trustfulness of spirit; and
(2) prepare for it by faithful witness and close communion with God in the
hours that lead up to it. - C.
Biblical Illustrator
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth?
Luke 12:51-53
Strife engenderedby the gospel
F. D. Maurice, M. A.
We try to soften this terrible prophecy by our comments. As if we could
explain facts which are notorious to every readerof history, to every one who
has had experience of what is passing in his own time I As if we could
convince any reasonable persons thatthere have not been, that there are not,

these strifes in families; that the gospelof Christ has not provokedthem, and
does not provoke them still t Or as if our Lord, supposing He is the Prince of
Peace,as we sayHe is, wantedour help to vindicate Him from the charge of
being the Author of war t Surely we may trust Him with His own character.
All that is required of us is, that we should let His words come to us in the
fulness of their powerand their condemnation. Goodnessand gentleness do
stir up what is opposedto them in us; we know that they do. Our sectarian
animosities are kindled by the message ofGod's goodwillto men; we know
that they are. Can we not understand then, how, coming among a set of hostile
factions, which abhorred one another, but observed a conventionaldecencyin
their strife, Christ stirred up their rage to its very depths? Cannot we
understand how the fury of both burned for awhile againstHim — a hollow
truce being establishedbetweenthem by the presence of a common enemy?
Did it not revenge itself for that restraint afterwards? Did not every hearth
and householdbecome a battle-field in that war? This was the state of
Jerusalem, as its own historian describes it in the latter days. He cangive us
the narrative calmly, Jew though He was. When Jesus lookedforwardto it,
He was straitened with agony. He felt in every fibre of His own being what
was coming upon His land. There may have been moments when the evil spirit
thrust the thought full upon Him: "Would it not be better to shrink from Thy
task? If this is the effectof the peace whichThou proclaimest, why not let
them welter on without any announcementof God's kingdom?" Such
suggestionshave been continually made to His followers, whenthey have
spokenof peace, and when those to whom they have spokenhave made them
ready for the battle. If He was tempted in all points like them, He cannothave
been free from this kind of anguish, Nor will He have overcome the tempter
with any other weapons than those with which He has furnished them. He
must have said, for Himself and for them, "My work is with the Lord, and My
judgment with My God. In His owntime My Father will accomplishHis
purpose. The hollow alliances ofsects will end in more fierce and frantic war.
But through that warwilt come the discoveryof the peace which passeth
understanding, the peace which lasts in the midst of the world's tribulations;
that peace will be establishedthrough the whole creation."
(F. D. Maurice, M. A.)

Religious divisions
A. Gray.
I. Let us inquire, then, into THE SCRIPTUREDOCTRINE WITHREGARD
TO THE EFFECTS OR CONSEQUENCES OF THE MISSION OF CHRIST,
Christ's mission into our world has two sets of effects. There are its effects
upon the Christian believer, and its effects upon human society.
1. There are its effects upon the true believer of the gospel. These are manifold
and great.(1)Let us take, in the first place, the effectupon the believer in
respectof his relation to God. That effectis peace. Ourtext was never meant
to deny it. "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." But
such as are in Him have "peace from God the Father." He gives them that
peace. "Peace,"He has said, "I leave with you; My peace I give unto you: not
as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let
it be afraid."(2) Consider, in the secondplace, the effect upon the believer as
regards his own dispositions and feelings. Here also it is peace. "The fruit of
the Spirit is peace." "The kingdomof God is righteousness, andpeace, and
joy in the Holy Ghost." Christ came to take the bitterness and enmity out of
our hearts, and to reconcile us to God.(3)In the third place, attend to the
effectupon the believer with reference to his fellow-believers. Againthe effect
is peace. He is united to them in love.(4)Notice, lastly, the effectupon the
believer with reference to them that are without. True it is that Christ came to
draw a people for Himself out of the world. "Come out from among them, and
be ye separate,"is indeed His call to every sinner to whom the gospelis
preached. Let us go on to considerits effects upon human society.
2. The effects, or consequencesupon human societymay be divided into
ultimate and immediate.(1) Those that are ultimate. They are of the happiest
kind. The description in the passagefrom which our text is takendoes not suit
them at all. Scripture pourtrays them in most attractive terms. "The
mountains," we are told, "shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills,

by righteousness.""He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass;as
showers that waterthe earth. In His days shall the righteous flourish, and
abundance of peace, so long as the moon endureth" (Psalm 32:3, 6-7, 10-11,
17; Isaiah2:4; Isaiah11:6-10). The prediction of the angels shall be verified,
and on earth there shall be peace.(2)The immediate consequences. Whenwe
look into these, far different scenes presentthemselves. But we must
distinguish.(a) An immediate consequenceofthe missionof Jesus is the very
opposite of division. Wickedconfederacies are occasionedby it. "The kings of
the earth setthemselves, and the rulers take counseltogether, againstthe
Lord, and againstHis Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder,
and castawaytheir cords from us." Pharisees and Sadducees crytogether,
"Away with Him; crucify Him." Herod and Pontius Pilate join hands over His
grave.(b) But, secondly, and to come at last to the doctrine of the text, division
and strife among men are also immediate results of the mission of our Lord.
II. Having thus arrived at the subject which the text brings before us, and
having ascertainedwhatplace, among the effects ofChrist's mission, belongs
to that particular effectof it which we have now to consider, we go on to
advert to SOME SCRIPTUREEXAMPLES OF THE FEUDS AND BROILS
WHICH JESUS FORETOLD,The schisms and dissentions which our Lord
sends on the earth may be classified.
1. In families. An example is furnished in the family circle of Jesus Himself.
His brethren, we are told, did not believe in Him (John 7:1-10). His own
kinsmen took umbrage at His doctrine and claims. An instance of alienation in
its earlieststage occurs in the case ofthe man who was born blind (John 9.).
2. Christ makes strife among friends and companions. An instance occurred
in the case ofHimself and His disciples (John 6:60-66). Then, again, what a
breach did Christ make betweenSaul of Tarsus and the allies at Damascus,to
whom the former had letters from the authorities in Jerusalem. We are told

that they took counselto kill Him, watching the gates day and night (Acts
9:19-24).
3. Christ makes strife in the generalcommunity. There are many examples of
this. Paul's preaching at Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:42-50;Acts 18:12-17;Acts
19:23-34).
4. Christ sends division into the visible Church. Take the following practical
illustrations of the fact.(1)There is the controversywhich arose atthe time of
the feastof tabernacles, as recorded(John7:40-53).(2)We have the history of
the labours of Paul and Barnabas at Iconium (Acts 14:1-7).(3)Next, let us
attend the greatapostle to Corinth, and considerhis eventful sojourn there.
The recordis in Acts 18:1, 4-8, "After these things Paul departed from
Athens, and came to Corinth." "And he reasonedin the synagogue every
Sabbath, and persuadedthe Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and
Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paulwas pressedin the spirit, and
testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed
themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your
blood be upon your own heads;I am clean:from henceforth I will go unto the
Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered into a certainman's house,
named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the
synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believedon the
Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and
were baptized." What was it that fell out at Corinth on this occasion?There
was a disruption of the Church. Paul, as his manner ever was, beganby
addressing himself to those to whom belonged,, the adoption, and the glory,
and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the
promises." A disruption ensued, as we have said.(4) Let us attend the Apostle
of the Gentiles once more, and considerwhat befel during his ministry at
Ephesus:— "And it came to pass, that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul
having passedthrough the upper coasts, came to Ephesus." "And he went into
the synagogue,and spake boldly for the space ofthree months, disputing and

persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were
hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude,
he departed from them, and separatedthe disciples, disputing dally in the
schoolof one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space oftwo years; so that
all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and
Greeks (Acts 19:1, 8-12, 18-20).
III. Thus have we examined the successive schisms andfeuds that sacred
history shows to have arisen from the mission of our Lord. It is now time that
we shortly advert to THE PROPER CAUSES TO WHICH THESE ARE TO
BE TRACED. We have just said that Paul was not blameworthy in regard to
the divisions with which he had to do. Although, however, Pauldid not do
wrong, it by no means follows that wrong was not done. Strife and separation,
especiallyin the worship and service of God, are not good, and blame must lie
somewhere onaccountof them. Where, then, ought the blame to be laid? We
shall specify some causes whichreasonand Scripture point to, as lying at the
foundation of all religious strife, and you will then be better able to judge in
the distribution of the blame.
1. There is the existence ofsin. "From whence come wars and fightings among
you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?"
The first, the greatest, andthe worstdivision of all, was produced by sin. It
was sin that set Godand man at variance. Next came division betweenman
and his fellow, and this was the native effectof sin. The fatal schism between
Cain and his brother, had sin at the root of it. Sin must create discord. There
never will be peace in the world or in the Church, until it is castout.
2. There is Satan's rule in the world. Satan, my brethren, has his dark
kingdom amongstus. And is he the friend of peace? Delighting in strife tot its
own sake, he delights in it also as an instrument of gratifying his malice
againstChrist, and of injuring the kingdom of Christ. We say, then, that the

rule of the crafty god of this world is a cause, and a prime one, of the divisions
that take place.
3. There is the enmity of the wicked. Is it not true that the Church of God
everywhere is hated by the world? This hatred is not unfruitful. It has raised
persecutions ofevery form; and its emissaries have gone forth, alas!too
seldom in vain, to create envyings, strifes, heresies, schisms in the Church 1
IV. It remains to say somewhaton THE RELATION BETWEEN THE
DIVISIONS WHICH ARE FOUND TO BE IMMEDIATE
CONSEQUENCES OF CHRIST'S MISSION ON EARTH, AND THOSE
ULTIMATE RESULTS WHICH HAVE BEEN PROMISED. We have
already adverted to the nature of the latter, and given specimens of the
glowing language ofScripture concerning them. To the former they bear no
resemblance — they are not only different — they are contrary. But God, who
makes all things helpful to His designs, and the very mischiefs that flow from
sin, the world, and the devil, and are meant to thwart Him, conducive to the
executionof His plans, has establishedan important relation betweenthe two.
1. Presentdivisions will enhance the enjoyment of the final unity and peace.
The sweetness ofpleasure is increasedby the recollectionofpain that
precededit. The memory of disease heightens the relish of health.
2. Divisions now prepare the way for the peace and unity that are to come.
Divisions testify of the existence ofevils of which they are the natural fruits.
By their means the attention of the Church is turned to these evils and fixed
down upon them. And believers will err much if they seek to heal divisions in
any other way. Let them beware of patching up a premature peace. The
outward form of unity is a mockery, and the maintenance of it a hypocrisy
and a sin, when unity of heart and principle does not exist. It is only a

pernicious semblance of peace that canbe reached, so long as the roots of
discord and schismare not pulled up.
(A. Gray.)
Variance causedby the gospel
Among a low caste people at Ellenpur near Gondah in Northern India, there
has been a greatstruggle to draw the converts back into heathenism. The
following case, as describedby Mr. B. H. Badeley, an American missionary,
we give as an illustration. In the jungle lived a man and his wife who had
severalchildren, and a young girl eighteenyears of age. This uneducated
village girl was very brave in her endurance of persecutionfor Christ's sake.
She had learnedto love the Saviour by attending the services atthe house of
the native preacherand noticing the conduct of his wife. Severalmonths
before her baptism she told her relatives that it was her purpose to become a
Christian; but they would not hear of it, and threatened to kill her if she
dared to take sucha step. She continued, however, to attend the preaching,
and the Lord Jesus drew her towards Himself. One Sunday after the service,
her relatives came in a body to take her away. Her infuriated mother fell upon
her, and made severalattempts to harm her, but was prevented. The native
teachertold the people that if the girl wished to go with them they could take
her, but if she chose to stay among the Christian families she was at liberty to
do so. They then used every effort to make her willing to go, promising her
fine clothes, jewels,presents, and rich food, but in vain. They besoughther not
to disgrace them by becoming a Christian, but she only answeredthat she had
become a Christian in heart and could not change. At last, on their promising
not to do her any harm, the native preacher, fearing a disturbance, let her go.
Then they carried her to another village some miles away, shut her up,
threatened to kill her, endeavouredto change her purpose by incantations;
but all in vain: she remained firm. At last they decided to give her up, and
brought her to the native preacher, saying: "Here, take her; we cando
nothing with her." Shortly after this we had the pleasure of baptizing her.

COMMENTARIES
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(51-53)Suppose ye that I am come to give peace?—SeeNoteson Matthew
10:34-35. The chief variations are “division” for “sword,” and, in Luke 12:53,
the doubled statementof reciprocatedenmity in eachrelationship.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
12:41-53 All are to take to themselves whatChrist says in his word, and to
inquire concerning it. No one is left so ignorant as not to know many things to
be wrong which he does, and many things to be right which he neglects;
therefore all are without excuse in their sin. The bringing in the gospel
dispensationwould occasiondesolations. Notthat this would be the tendency
of Christ's religion, which is pure, peaceable,and loving; but the effectof its
being contrary to men's pride and lusts. There was to be a wide publication of
the gospel. Butbefore that took place, Christ had a baptism to be baptized
with, far different from that of water and the Holy Spirit. He must endure
sufferings and death. It agreednot with his plan to preach the gospelmore
widely, till this baptism was completed. We should be zealous in making
known the truth, for though divisions will be stirred up, and a man's own
household may be his foes, yet sinners will be converted, and God will be
glorified.
Barnes'Notes on the Bible
See the notes at Matthew 10:34-36.
Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBible Commentary

51. peace … ? Nay, &c.—the reverse of peace, in the first instance. (See on
[1652]Mt10:34-36.)The connectionof all this with the foregoing warnings
about hypocrisy, covetousness, andwatchfulness, is deeply solemn: "My
conflict hastenapace;Mine over, yours begins; and then, let the servants
tread in their Master's steps, uttering their testimony entire and fearless,
neither loving nor dreading the world, anticipating awful wrenches of the
dearestties in life, but looking forward, as I do, to the completion of their
testimony, when, reaching the haven after the tempest, they shall enter into
the joy of their Lord."
Matthew Poole's Commentary
Ver. 51-53. See Poole on"Matthew 10:34", SeePoole on"Matthew 10:35".
Our Saviour in these words doth but pursue the same argument which began
Luke 12:49, to show what would be the consequencesofthe doctrine of the
gospel. And hereby they might have understood a designin our Saviour to
convince them, that the business of the Messiahwhom they expectwas not to
exercise a temporal but a spiritual kingdom and power, not to restore to their
nation a civil peace, but to purchase their peace with God, and to bring them
to that joy and peace which is consequentto believing. For as to the external
state of things, it would be much more troubled than it was before;our Lord
foresaw how tenacious both the Jews and pagans, and in succeeding ages
Christians also, would be of their idolatries and superstitious rites and usages,
with whom their believing relations not complying, there would be greater
feuds and animosities arise than ever were before; the father would hate the
son, the son the father, &c. Before the gospelcame amongstthe heathens, they
were entirely the devil’s kingdom, which is not divided againstitself. But
when by Christ those who belongedto the electionof grace should be
separated, through the devil’s rage and men’s lusts, there would be continual
feuds and divisions.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth?.... To setup a temporal
kingdom, in greatpomp, and outward peace and tranquility? Christ came to
make peace with God for men, and to give the Gospelof peace, andspiritual

and eternalpeace to men; but not external peace, especiallythat, which is not
consistentwith the preservationof truth:
I tell you, nay; whateversuppositions you have made, or whatever notions you
have entertained, I solemnly affirm, and you may depend upon it, I am not
come into the world on any such account, as to establishoutward peace
among men;
but rather division; so he calls the Gospel, which in Matthew is styled a
"sword";and the Ethiopic version seems to have read both here, since it
renders it, "but a swordthat I may divide": the Gospelis the swordof the
Spirit, which divides asunder soul and Spirit, and separatesa man from his
former principles and practices;and sets men apart from one another, even
the nearestrelations, atthe greatestdistance;and is, through the sin of man,
the occasionofgreatcontention, discord, and division.
Geneva Study Bible
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather
division:
EXEGETICAL(ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)
Meyer's NT Commentary
Luke 12:51-53. See onMatthew 10:34 f., where the representationis partly
simplified, partly, on the model of Micah7:6, enriched.
ἀλλʼ ἤ] but only, originated from ἄλλο and ἤ, without, however, its being
required to write ἄλλʼ ἤ. See on this expressionin general, Krüger, de formula
ἄλλʼ ἤ et affinium particul. etc. natura et usu, Brunsvig. 1834;Klotz, ad
Devar. p. 31 ff. Comp. on 2 Corinthians 1:13. Otherwise Stallbaum, ad Plat.
Phaedr. p. 81 B.

ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν] Jesus alreadyrealizes His approaching death. Comp. Luke
22:69.
In Luke 12:53 are three hostile couples;the description therefore is different
from that at Luke 12:52, not a more detailed statementof the circumstances
mentioned in Luke 12:52 (Bleek).
Expositor's Greek Testament
Luke 12:51. διαμερισμόν:insteadof Mt.’s μάχαιραν, an abstractprosaic term
for a concrete pictorialone; exactlydescriptive of the fact, however, and
avoiding possible misapprehension as to Christ’s aim = Jesus not a patron of
war.
Cambridge Bible for Schools andColleges
51. Suppose ye] as they were far too much inclined to suppose, Luke 19:11that
I am come to give peace onearth] It is only in His ultimate kingdom that
Christ will be fully the Prince of Peace, as was understoodeven by Simeon,
Luke 2:34-35;see too John 9:39.
Nay; but rather division] “I came not to send peace but a sword,” Matthew
10:34. “Nearme, nearthe sword” (unwritten saying of Christ). “There was a
division among the people because ofhim,” John 7:43.
Bengel's Gnomen
Luke 12:51. Οὐχὶ) Nay; not peace of such a kind as that which congregates
togetherheterogeneous elements, the goodand bad alike.—διαμερισμὸν,
division) The swordhas the powerof ‘dividing,’ Hebrews 4:12. And the fire,
of which Luke 12:49 treats, separates heterogeneouselements, and
congregatestogetherhomogeneous ones.
Pulpit Commentary

Verse 51. - Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay;
but rather division. But the Masterquickly leaves himself and his own sad
forebodings. He puts by for a seasonhis own holy impatience and continues
his warnings. "I have been dwelling on the troublous times quickly coming on.
Do not deceive yourselves, my disciples;the greatchange about to be
inaugurated will only be carried out in war and by divisions in the individual
house as in the nation. I bring not peace, but a sword, remember." And then
follows a curious picture of a home torn asunder by the conflictof thought
which would spring up as the result of the cross and of the preaching of the
cross.
STUDYLIGHTRESOURCES
Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible
Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather
division: For there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided, three
againsttwo, and two againstthree. They shall be divided father againstson,
and sonagainstfather; mother againstdaughter, and daughter against
mother; mother-in-law againstdaughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against
mother-in-law.
There is here a divine prophecy by Jesus to the effectthat the gospelwill cut
across family lines. Men are not convertedby families, but as individuals; and
Jesus'prophecy here has been fulfilled in every community on earth where
the sacredmessagewas preached.

Inherent in the conflict betweenlight and darkness is the human divisions that
are brought into view. Christ did not wish his followers to rally to his cause
upon the basis of any false impressions they might have received. True, Jesus
was preaching love, joy, peace and goodwill, etc., but it should never be
thought that conflict and division are negatedby Christian principles. To
preach God's love is to encounter hatred; to preachtruth is to endure the
furious oppositionof error.
Copyright Statement
James Burton Coffman Commentaries reproduced by permission of Abilene
Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. All other rights reserved.
Bibliography
Coffman, James Burton. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". "Coffman
Commentaries on the Old and New Testament".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bcc/luke-12.html. Abilene
Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.
Return to Jump List return to 'Jump List'
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth?.... To setup a temporal
kingdom, in greatpomp, and outward peace and tranquility? Christ came to
make peace with God for men, and to give the Gospelof peace, andspiritual
and eternalpeace to men; but not external peace, especiallythat, which is not
consistentwith the preservationof truth:
I tell you, nay; whateversuppositions you have made, or whatever notions you
have entertained, I solemnly affirm, and you may depend upon it, I am not

come into the world on any such account, as to establishoutward peace
among men;
but rather division; so he calls the Gospel, which in Matthew is styled a
"sword";and the Ethiopic version seems to have read both here, since it
renders it, "but a swordthat I may divide": the Gospelis the swordof the
Spirit, which divides asunder soul and Spirit, and separatesa man from his
former principles and practices;and sets men apart from one another, even
the nearestrelations, atthe greatestdistance;and is, through the sin of man,
the occasionofgreatcontention, discord, and division.
Copyright Statement
The New John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible Modernisedand adapted
for the computer by Larry Pierce of Online Bible. All Rightes Reserved,
Larry Pierce, Winterbourne, Ontario.
A printed copy of this work can be ordered from: The Baptist Standard
Bearer, 1 Iron Oaks Dr, Paris, AR, 72855
Bibliography
Gill, John. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". "The New JohnGill Exposition of
the Entire Bible". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/luke-
12.html. 1999.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
peace … ? Nay, etc. — the reverse of peace, in the first instance. (See on
Matthew 10:34-36.)The connectionof all this with the foregoing warnings
about hypocrisy, covetousness, andwatchfulness, is deeply solemn: “My

conflict hastenapace;Mine over, yours begins; and then, let the servants
tread in their Master‘s steps, uttering their testimony entire and fearless,
neither loving nor dreading the world, anticipating awful wrenches of the
dearestties in life, but looking forward, as I do, to the completion of their
testimony, when, reaching the haven after the tempest, they shall enter into
the joy of their Lord.”
Copyright Statement
These files are a derivative of an electronic edition prepared from text
scannedby Woodside Bible Fellowship.
This expanded edition of the Jameison-Faussett-BrownCommentary is in the
public domain and may be freely used and distributed.
Bibliography
Jamieson, Robert, D.D.;Fausset,A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on
Luke 12:51". "CommentaryCritical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfb/luke-12.html. 1871-8.
Robertson's WordPictures in the New Testament
But rather division (αλλ η διαμερισμον — all' ē diamerismon). Peaceatany
price is not the purpose of Christ. It is a pity for family jars to come, but
loyalty to Christ counts more than all else. These ringing words (Luke 12:51-
53) occurin Matthew 10:34-36 in the address to the Twelve for the Galilean
tour. See discussionofdetails there. These family feuds are inevitable where
only part cleave to Christ. In Matthew we have κατα — kata with the genitive
whereas in Luke it is επι — epi with the dative (and accusative once).

Copyright Statement
The Robertson's WordPictures of the New Testament. Copyright �
Broadman Press 1932,33,Renewal1960. All rights reserved. Used by
permission of Broadman Press (Southern BaptistSunday SchoolBoard)
Bibliography
Robertson, A.T. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". "Robertson's WordPictures
of the New Testament".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/rwp/luke-12.html. Broadman
Press 1932,33. Renewal1960.
Wesley's ExplanatoryNotes
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather
division:
Suppose ye that I am come to send peace upon earth — That universal peace
will be the immediate effect of my coming? Not so, but quite the contrary.
Matthew 10:34.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that
is available on the Christian ClassicsEtherealLibrary Website.
Bibliography

Wesley, John. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". "JohnWesley's Explanatory
Notes on the Whole Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wen/luke-12.html. 1765.
The Fourfold Gospel
Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather
division:
Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay;
but rather division. Jesus came to conquer a peace by overcoming evil with
good;a conflict in which the goodmust always suffer.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that
is available on the Christian ClassicsEtherealLibrary Website. These files
were made available by Mr. Ernie Stefanik. First published online in 1996 at
The RestorationMovementPages.
Bibliography
J. W. McGarveyand Philip Y. Pendleton. "Commentaryon Luke 12:51".
"The Fourfold Gospel".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tfg/luke-12.html. Standard
Publishing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. 1914.
Abbott's Illustrated New Testament

The meaning is, that the kingdom of Christ was not to be at once and
peacefully established. Its coming was to give rise to a long and obstinate
struggle.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Bibliography
Abbott, John S. C. & Abbott, Jacob. "Commentaryon Luke 12:51".
"Abbott's Illustrated New Testament".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ain/luke-12.html. 1878.
Calvin's Commentary on the Bible
Luke 12:51.Do you suppose that I came to send peace onthe earth? What
Christ has now demanded from his disciples any one of them would reckonit
an easymatter to give, if the whole world, with one consent, embracedthe
doctrine of the Gospel. But as a considerable part of the world not only
opposes but fights keenlyagainstit, we cannot confess Christwithout
encountering the resistance andhatred of many. Christ therefore warns his
followers to prepare for battle, for they must necessarilyfight for the
testimony of truth. And here he meets two stumbling-blocks, which otherwise
would greatly have distressedweak minds. The prophets everywhere promise
that there will be peace and tranquillity under the reign of Christ. What then
were his disciples entitled to expectbut that, wherever they went, all would
instantly be at peace? Now as Christis called our peace, (Ephesians 2:14,)and
as the Gospelreconcilesus to God, it follows, that he also establishes a
brotherly harmony amongstus. The kindling of wars and contentions in the

world where the Gospelis preached, does not seemto agree with the
predictions of the prophets, and still less with the office of Christ, and with the
nature of the Gospel.
But that peace whichthe prophets describe in lofty terms, is associatedwith
faith, and has no existence but among the sincere worshippers of God, and in
the consciencesofthe godly. To unbelievers it does not come, though it is
offered to them; nay, they cannotendure to be reconciledto God: and the
consequence is, that the message ofpeace excites in them a greatertumult
than before. As Satan, who holds a kingly power over the reprobate, is furious
againstthe name of Christ, as soonas the doctrine of the Gospelis proclaimed
to them, their impiety, which formerly lay asleep, acquires freshvigor. Thus
Christ, who properly speaking, is the author of peace, becomesthe occasionof
disturbances in consequenceofthe wickednessofmen.
Let us hence learn how greatis the depravity of corrupt nature, which not
only soils a gift so inestimable, but changes it into a most destructive evil.
Meanwhile, if tumults arise at the commencementof the reign of Christ, let us
not be alarmed at it, as if it were strange or unusual: for he compares his
Gospelto a sword, and says that it is διαμερισμὸς, separation Some think that
this is intended to describe the punishment which was inflicted on the
despisers of the Gospel, by their rising in hostility againsteachother. But the
context shows, that Christ is here exhorting his disciples to perseverance,
though a goodpart of the world should be at variance with them, and though
their voice should be like a war-trumpet to call innumerable enemies to arms.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography

Calvin, John. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". "Calvin's Commentary on the
Bible". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cal/luke-12.html.
1840-57.
John Trapp Complete Commentary
51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but
rather division:
Ver. 51. See Matthew 10:34.
Copyright Statement
Text Courtesyof BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliography
Trapp, John. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". John Trapp Complete
Commentary. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/luke-
12.html. 1865-1868.
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible
Luke 12:51. Suppose ye, &c.— By subduing all the nations of the world into
one greatmonarchy, under the Jews? Itell you nay. There are so many

prophesies of the peacefulstate of the Messiah's kingdom, that it is hard to say
how Christ could completelyanswerthe characterofthe Messiah, if he should
never give peace on earth. But the error of the Jews layin supposing that he
was immediately to accomplishit; whereas the prophesies of the New
Testament, especiallyin the book of the Revelation, shew, andthose of the Old
Testamentmost plainly intimate, that this prosperous state of his kingdom
was not only to be precededby his own sufferings, but by a variety of
persecutions, trials, and sufferings, which should in different degrees attend
his followers, before the kingdoms of the earth became, by a general
conversion, the kingdoms of the Lord, and of his Christ. See Revelation11:15.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Coke, Thomas. "Commentaryon Luke 12:51". Thomas Coke Commentary
on the Holy Bible. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tcc/luke-
12.html. 1801-1803.
Johann Albrecht Bengel's Gnomonof the New Testament
Luke 12:51. οὐχὶ)Nay; not peace of such a kind as that which congregates
togetherheterogeneous elements, the goodand bad alike.— διαμερισμὸν,
division) The swordhas the powerof ‘dividing,’ Hebrews 4:12. And the fire,
of which Luke 12:49 treats, separates heterogeneouselements, and
congregatestogetherhomogeneous ones.

Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Bengel, JohannAlbrecht. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". Johann Albrecht
Bengel's Gnomonof the New Testament.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jab/luke-12.html. 1897.
Matthew Poole's EnglishAnnotations on the Holy Bible
Ver. 51-53. See Poole on"Matthew 10:34", SeePoole on"Matthew 10:35".
Our Saviour in these words doth but pursue the same argument which began
Luke 12:49, to show what would be the consequencesofthe doctrine of the
gospel. And hereby they might have understood a designin our Saviour to
convince them, that the business of the Messiahwhom they expectwas not to
exercise a temporal but a spiritual kingdom and power, not to restore to their
nation a civil peace, but to purchase their peace with God, and to bring them
to that joy and peace which is consequentto believing. For as to the external
state of things, it would be much more troubled than it was before;our Lord
foresaw how tenacious both the Jews and pagans, and in succeeding ages
Christians also, would be of their idolatries and superstitious rites and usages,
with whom their believing relations not complying, there would be greater
feuds and animosities arise than ever were before; the father would hate the
son, the son the father, &c. Before the gospelcame amongstthe heathens, they
were entirely the devil’s kingdom, which is not divided againstitself. But
when by Christ those who belongedto the electionof grace should be
separated, through the devil’s rage and men’s lusts, there would be continual
feuds and divisions.

Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Poole, Matthew, "Commentaryon Luke 12:51". Matthew Poole's English
Annotations on the Holy Bible.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mpc/luke-12.html. 1685.
Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament
Rather division; Christ came to send divisions in the same sense in which he
came to send fire and sword. His gospelwouldnot produce divisions, but
men’s opposition to it would. Luke 12:19;Matthew 10:34-36
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Edwards, Justin. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". "Family Bible New
Testament". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/fam/luke-
12.html. American TractSociety. 1851.

Cambridge Greek Testamentfor Schools andColleges
51. δοκεῖτε. As they were far too much inclined to suppose, Luke 19:11.
ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμηνδοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ. It is only in His ultimate kingdom
that Christ will be fully the Prince of Peace, as was understoodeven by
Simeon, Luke 2:34-35;see too John 9:39.
οὐχὶ … ἀλλ' ἢ διαμερισμόν. “There was a division among the people because
of him,” John 7:43. The phrase ἀλλ' ἢ is a contractionof ἄλλο ἢ (I am come to
send no other thing than division). It occurs but three times in the N.T., here,
2 Corinthians 1:13 and (perhaps) 1 Corinthians 3:5. Winer, p. 552 n. St Luke
uses διαμερισμὸνfor the μάχαιρανfound in St Matthew. “I came not to send
peace but a sword.” Matthew 10:34. “Nearme, near the sword” (unwritten
saying of Christ). The Hebrew ‫ברח‬ would admit either rendering (LXX[271]
often πόλεμον).
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
"Commentary on Luke 12:51". "Cambridge Greek Testamentfor Schools
and Colleges".https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cgt/luke-
12.html. 1896.

PeterPett's Commentary on the Bible
“Do you think that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, No, but
rather division.”
Having spokenof the fire that He is casting on the earth He now stresses what
its result will be, that rather than His coming and His suffering as the Messiah
uniting the people of Israeland leading them into a period of peace and
plenty, (while they simply stoodby and waited, which is what they were
expecting), it will rather disturb and divide them, causing harsh divisions
betweenthem, a situation brought out quite clearlyin the Book of Acts where
there is continual division causedby the preaching of the word. His truth is
open to all, but because it will only be receivedby the few (although often
called‘many’ e.g. Mark 10:45)and will be rejectedby the majority it will
cause dissensionand disagreement.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Pett, Peter. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". "PeterPett's Commentaryon the
Bible ". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/pet/luke-12.html.
2013.
The Expositor's Greek Testament

Luke 12:51. διαμερισμόν:insteadof Mt.’s μάχαιραν, an abstractprosaic term
for a concrete pictorialone; exactlydescriptive of the fact, however, and
avoiding possible misapprehension as to Christ’s aim = Jesus not a patron of
war.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Nicol, W. Robertson, M.A., L.L.D. "Commentary on Luke 12:51". The
Expositor's Greek Testament.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/egt/luke-12.html. 1897-1910.
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
I am come = I became present, as in Acts 21:18.
to give peace. This was the object of His coming (Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 9:7): but
the e f fect of His presence would bring war. He came not to judge (John
12:47)as to this object, but the effectof His coming was judgment (John 9:39).
PRECEPTAUSTIN RESOURCES

BRUCE HURT MD
Luke 12:51 "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you,
no, but rather division;
KJV Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you,
Nay; but rather division:
Luke 12:49; Zech 11:7,8,10,11,14;Mt 10:34-36;24:7-10
Luke 12 Resources- Multiple Sermons and Commentaries
Luke 12:49-59 The Divisive Jesus - Steven Cole
Luke 12:49-53 Jesus, the GreatDivider - John MacArthur
JESUS THE GREAT "DIVIDER"
OF ALL MANKIND!
Similar passagefound in Matthew
Matthew 10:34-36 “Do notthink that I came to bring peace on the earth; I
did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35“ForI came to SET A MAN
AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER,
AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;36and
A MAN’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.
Do you suppose that I came to grant peace onearth - The baptism Jesus had
just describedas explained was the Cross, which would separate not only a

believing thief on one side from an unbelieving thief on the other side, but
ultimately would be the greatdividing line betweenall mankind, in time and
throughout eternity! Earlier in Lk 12:41-48 Jesushad presenteda parable of
the faithful stewardwho awaitedChrist's return thus representing the saved,
and the unfaithful steward, who neglectedHis return, and was representative
of unbelievers. So just as Jesus describeda division of stewards, He now
speaks ofthe fact that His coming and His accomplishmenton the Cross
brought a division, a division againbetweenbelievers and unbelievers.
I tell you, no - Jesus quickly answers His own question, lestHis audience
misunderstand His mission. Remember Jesus is speaking to the Jewishcrowd
many of whom (if not most) were expecting a MessiahWho would bring peace
to Palestine, by liberating them from Roman domination. They failed to
understand that they themselves neededto first experience peace with God
(Ro 5:1, Jn 14:27), and for that to be possible the Messiahmust first die for
their sins. John records
He came to His own, and those who were His owndid not receive Him. But as
many as receivedHim, to them He gave the right to become children of God,
even to those who believe in His name, (John 1:11-12-note)
Peace (1515)(eirene from verb eiro = to join or bind togetherthat which has
been separated)literally pictures the binding or joining togetheragainof that
which had been separatedor divided and thus setting at one again, a meaning
convey by the common expressionof one “having it all together”. It follows
that peace is the opposite of division or dissension.
Stein - Elsewhere in Luke, Jesus’coming is described as bringing peace, but at
the same time it brought the rise of some and the fall of others (Lk 2:34), as
illustrated in the next two verses. The Mattheanparallel (Lk 10:34)reads “not

... peace, but a sword” and is no doubt closerto Jesus’words, though Luke’s
“division” conveys his sense well. (Ibid)
I tell you, no, but rather division - The division is clearlybetweenthose who
believe in Him for salvation and eternal life and those who reject Him and
refuse to believe in Him and receive the due penalty of eternal death. That is
the ultimate "chasm" onone or the other of which all mankind will stand
forever and ever. Amen.
Division (1267)(diamerismos fromdiá = denoting separation+ merízō = to
divide) describes a "division into partisan and contentious units" (BDAG).
Opposition, dissension, disunity and hostility. In the Septuagint it refers to
division of land (Ezek. 48:29). Notice that in Matthew the parallelword is
"sword" so clearlyin Luke 12:51 (the only NT use) "division" conveys the
sense ofa very unfriendly disposition or state of deep-seatedill-will.
We see that Jesus brings division as describedin John's Gospel
John 7:43 So a division occurredin the crowd because ofHim.
John 9:16 Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, "This man is not
from God, because He does not keepthe Sabbath." But others were saying,
"How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And there was a
division among them.
John 10:19 A division occurredagain among the Jews becauseofthese words.
Hendriksen - We have here a mashal; that is, a paradoxicalsaying, one that
sounds unbelievable! That it is contrary to prevailing opinion is indicated by

the question, "Do y o u think that I have come to give peace onearth?" and
the answer, "No, Itell y o u, but rather division." What Jesus says here causes
the one who hears or reads it to startle in shockeddisbelief. The natural
reactionto the surprising statement would be: "How can this saying be true?
Is not Christ 'the Prince of Peace'(Isa. 9:6)? Is he not the One who
pronounces a blessing on those who make peace (Matt. 5:9)? If he did not
come in order to bring peace how can the following passagesbe true: Ps. 72:3,
7; Luke 1:79; 2:14; 7:50; 8:48; John 14:27;16:33; 20:19, 21;Rom. 5:1; 10:15;
14:17;Eph. 2:14; Col. 1:20; Heb. 6:20-7:2? Do not all of them in the strongest
terms proclaim Jesus as the Bringerof peace?"We should remember,
however, that it is the characteristic ofmany a mashal to place emphasis on
one aspectofthe truth rather than on a proposition that is universally valid.
See on Matt. 5:34, "Do not take any oath at all." The merit of such aphorisms
is that they stop a personshort and make him think. So here also. A little
reflectionwill soonconvince the earneststudent of Scripture that there is a
sense in which the coming of Christ into this world not only brought division
but was evenintended to do so. If that had not been its immediate purpose
would not all men have been lost (John 3:3, 5; Rom. 3:9-18)? Would they not
all have rushed onward toward their doom? Besides, evenin the lives of those
who are ultimately savedis it not true that through many tribulations they
must enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22)? Is not the life of the believer
one of Sturm und Drang (storm and stress)? To be sure, in the end all is
peace, but the same Paul who exclaims, "I thank God through Jesus Christ
our Lord," also complains, "Wretchedman that I am!" (Rom. 7:24, 25).
(Exposition of the GospelAccording to Luke)
Divider Of People—Luke 12:51
The BostonRedSox were battling the rival New York Yankees forthe
division title during the 2001 baseballseason—andthe race was tight. So
when Bostonlost six games out of eight, the managerwas abruptly fired and
his job was given to the pitching coach. Some players and fans applauded the
move; others felt it was a terrible mistake. Both sides were very vocalwith
their opinions.

Whoeversaid “a call for a decisionis a cause for division” was right. Choice
involves change, and change makes some people uncomfortable.
Jesus saidthat a decisionto follow Him would mean changes in relationships.
“From now on five in one house will be divided: three againsttwo, and two
againstthree. Fatherwill be divided againstson. . . , mother against
daughter” (Luke 12:52-53).
Your friends or family may misunderstand you after you start living for
Christ. Some may accuse you of thinking you’re too goodfor them. Others
may shun you.
In that way, Jesus is a divider of families, friends, and co-workers. Ithurts to
be ridiculed or rejectedby those close to you, but Jesus saidit would happen.
Yes, Christ is a divider of people—but you are united with Him, and He will
never leave you. —By David C. Egner
Your choice to follow Jesus Christ
Some people will not understand;
Still others will resentthe change—
But have no fear, He'll hold your hand. —Egner
When we walk with the Lord, we'll be out of step with the world.

Luke 12:52 for from now on five members in one household will be divided,
three againsttwo and two againstthree.
KJV Luke 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided,
three againsttwo, and two againstthree.
Ps 41:9; Micah 7:5,6; Jn 7:41-43;9:16; 10:19-21;15:18-21;16:2; Acts 13:43-
46; 14:1-4;28:24
Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries
JESUS EXPLAINS THE DEPTH
OF THE DIVISION HE BRINGS
For (gar) - term of explanation Here Jesus is explaining how deep the division
will be. It will be such a deep division that it even divides families where
normally family ties and family love and loyalty (SEE ABSENCE OF
FAMILY LOVE = astorgos)tend to bind people together. But now when it
comes to the Gospelof Jesus, becauseJesus'coming and crucifixion divides all
mankind into those who are going to heaven and those who are going to hell,
and the latter naturally detestand hate the belief and teaching of the former.
It is as if a "light" of righteousness is always shining straight at them through
the life and conduct of their relative and they do not want their sin and their
selfishlusts to be exposed. John writes

This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world (AND NOW
BELIEVERS ARE JESUS'LIGHT - Mt 5:14-16, Php 2:15, cf an aroma of
Jesus in 2 Cor 2:14-16)and men loved the darkness (THERE IT IS - THE
ROOT PROBLEM)ratherthan the Light, for their deeds were evil. For
everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for
fear that his deeds will be exposed(SO DON'T BE SURPRISED WHEN YOU
COME TO CHRIST AND THEN GO TELL YOUR LOST RELATIVES
AND IT BRINGS DIVISION, EVEN HOSTILITY AND IN SOME
CULTURES EVEN MARTYRDOM!cf Mt 10:34 "a sword!"). (John 3:19-20)
From now on - This phrase is found 17xin the NAS and frequently used by
Jesus - 1 Ki. 14:14; 2 Chr. 16:9; Mic. 4:7; Matt. 23:39; 26:29;Lk. 5:10; 12:52;
22:18,69;Jn. 8:11; 13:19;14:7; Acts 18:6; 1 Co. 7:29; 2 Co. 5:16; Gal. 6:17;
Rev. 14:13
Five members in one household will be divided - Indeed this division did not
awaitHis Crucifixion, but had already clearlybegun as some of the Jews (e.g.
11/12 ofHis original disciples)receivedHim as Saviorand Lord, while the
majority of the Jews tragicallyrejectedHim as their long-awaitedMessiah.
Those who receivedin were no longerof the world, although they were still in
the world, but the world would now hate them, and sadly this hatred would
include even members in one's household! Mostof us who have been savedby
grace through faith in Christ have experiencedthis division with our own
family members and it is especiallypainful in my own experience. I had one
uncle who had been much like a father to me who finally told me if I did not
stop talking about Jesus (and his need to believe in Him), then I neededto stop
coming to see him. This literally broke my heart and he continued to deny
Jesus until his dying day. Jesus brings division in households and believers
need to fully grasp that because ofthe pain that will ensue in their hearts.

Perhaps you have suffered dearly for your testimony to your family that Jesus
is your Lord. The disciples ask a relatedquestion. May Jesus'answercomfort
your heart
Then Petersaid to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followedYou;
what then will there be for us?” 28 And Jesus saidto them, “Truly I sayto
you, that you who have followedMe, in the regenerationwhen the Son of Man
will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging
the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 “And everyone who has left houses orbrothers
or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will
receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. (Mt 19:27-29)
MacArthur comments - That's goodnews. It's worth the forsaking because
you geteternal life. Oh, and not only that, even here, you get us. You getthe
body of Christ. You get many brothers, many sisters, many fathers, many
mothers, many children, and you get many resources thatare supplied by the
family of God. Jesus the GreatDivider; if you embrace Him He will be to you
the Prince of Peace. There willbe some division in this life but you will enjoy
a peace that passes understanding. (Jesus, the GreatDivider)
Stein observes that "Luke was fond of groups of five (Cf. Luke 1:24; 9:13, 16;
12:6; 14:19; 16:28;19:18–19;Acts 4:4; 20:6; 24:1)."
Three againsttwo and two againstthree - "The entrance of Christ into this
world divides in two, splits apart, cleaves asunder, and in so doing turns one
person againstanother. Faith not only creates divisionbetweenone race and
another, one people and another, one church and another; it even brings
about division in the family, in factoften the sharpestdivision of all."
(Hendriksen)

Luke 12:53 "They will be divided, father againstsonand sonagainstfather,
mother againstdaughter and daughter againstmother, mother-in-law against
daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law againstmother-in-law."
KJV Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided againstthe son, and the son
againstthe father; the mother againstthe daughter, and the daughter against
the mother; the mother in law againsther daughter in law, and the daughter
in law againsther mother in law.
Micah7:6; Zech 13:2-6; Mt 10:21,22;24:10
Luke 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries
THE GOSPELOF JESUS
IS DIVISIVE!
Similar passagein Matthew
Matthew 10:35-36 “ForI came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER,
AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-
LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; 36 and A MAN’S ENEMIES
WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.
They will be divided, father againstson and son againstfather - You may be
saying Jesus said5 in Lk 12:52 but here He names 6, but look again. The
mother-in-law is also the mother of the sonwho has the wife, so in factJesus
mentions not six, but five distinct persons in total.

Jesus is probably alluding to a similar statementby the OT prophet Micah
indicating that this is a Biblical principle even in the OT
For sontreats father contemptuously, Daughterrises up againsther mother,
Daughter-in-law againsther mother-in-law; A man’s enemies are the men of
his ownhousehold. (Micah7:6-note)
MacArthur rightly warns that "The offense of the gospeloftencauses those
who rejectand hate it to make outcasts of even family members who believe it.
In Matthew 10:21 Jesus revealedhow far family division over Him could go:
“Brotherwill betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will
rise up againstparents and cause them to be put to death.” But He made the
following comforting promise to those who lose their earthly families because
of the gospel:“Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters orfather or
mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, willreceive many times as
much, and will inherit eternal life” (Matt. 19:29)." (MacArthur New
TestamentCommentary – Luke)
WILLIAM BARCLAY
His coming would inevitably mean division; in point of fact it did. That was
one of the great reasons whythe Romans hated Christianity--it tore families
in two. Over and overagain a man had to decide whether he loved better his
kith and kin or Christ. The essence ofChristianity is that loyalty to Christ has
to take precedence overthe dearestloyalties of this earth. A man must be
prepared to count all things but loss for the excellence ofJesus Christ.

CHRIS BENFIELD
The Division of Christ
Luke 12: 49-53
TodayI want to address an issue that has become skewedand clearlyout of
focus. We
are all well aware ofthe need for unity among the church. A house that is
divided againstitself
cannot stand. Many of the problems that localchurches and even associations
face are the
result of a lack of unity. Ps.133:1 – Behold, how goodand how pleasantit is
for brethren to
dwell togetherin unity! Ephes.4:3 – Endeavouring to keepthe unity of the
Spirit in the bond of
peace. [13]Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of
the Sonof God,
unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
I’m sure that you would agree that unity is essentialforthe church to thrive
in the work
we’ve been called to do. However, there is a clearand present dangerwhen we
abandon
doctrine and biblical truth for the sake ofunity. We ought to desire harmony
with those around
us, but we cannot forsake truth for the sake ofmaintaining harmony. We are
in the world, but

we are not of the world. We are not expectedto conform to the dictates of the
world and the
flesh for the sake ofunity. 2 Cor.6:17 – Wherefore come out from among
them, and be ye
separate, saiththe Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive
you, Rom.6:11-13
– Likewise reckonye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto
God through
Jesus Christ our Lord. [12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,
that ye should obey
it in the lusts thereof. [13] Neither yield ye your members as instruments of
unrighteousness
unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your
members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
This passagedeals with an element of our Lord’s characterthat some had
rather not
consider. This morning I would like to considerthe implications concerning:
The Division of
Christ.
I. The Purpose of our Lord (49) – I am come to send fire on the earth; and
what will I if it be
already kindled?
A. His Mission– Christ reveals that He had come to send fire on the earth.
That sounds very
serious and it is. Fire is typically a picture of judgment, as it is in this context.
Christ came to

judge this world of sin.
We live in an age, evenamong the churches, that only wants to consider
Christ in light
of the miracles, His teaching, and His compassion. These are allnoble
characteristicsofour
Lord, but we cannot overlook His holiness. He is a God of love; that was
proven on Calvary,
but He is also a God of righteousness.
The Lord has no part in sin or unrighteousness. He came not to conform to
the world,
but to revealthe holiness of God and condemn sin!
B. His Message– what will I if it be already kindled? The fires of judgment
had already begun
to burn. Sin had taken root and had to be judged.
Some view this statementin light of His dread of the cross and a desire for the
suffering
to be over. That may well be, but I believe that Jesus is revealing a profound
truth here.
We all know how Adam sinned and fell in the garden. Becauseofthat initial
sin, all are
born in sin, condemned by their sin. As we’ve said, God is holy and cannot
condone sin. It
must be dealt with. Christ came to offer Himself the ransomfor sin. Our sin
was judged in His
body as He bled and died upon the cross. Jn.12:31-32– Now is the judgment
of this world:

now shall the prince of this world be castout. [32]And I, if I be lifted up from
the earth, will
draw all men unto me.
Jesus paid the price for the sins of humanity. All who come to Him by faith
can receive
salvationand pardon from sin. But, for those who rejectthe saving power of
Christ, the fires of
judgment are already kindled. If you reject the offer of salvation, atoning for
your sin, you will
stand accountable to God for that sin and face His judgment!
Salvationis available to all, but isn’t acceptedofall.
I. The Purpose of our Lord (49)
II. The Passionof our Lord (50) – But I have a baptism to be baptized with;
and how am I
straitened till it be accomplished!
A. His Crucifixion – Christ speaks ofHis baptism. Clearly this is a reference
to the cross.
Many only viewed Christ as a compassionate Man, a greatprophet, a miracle
worker, but that
was not why He came. Christ came to die. 1 Pet.2:24 – Who his own selfbare
our sins in his
own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto
righteousness:by whose
stripes ye were healed. 2 Cor.5:21 – For he hath made him to be sin for us,
who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness ofGod in him.

B. His Constraint – how I am straitenedtill it be accomplished!That is an
insightful thought.
Bearin mind that Jesus was Godin flesh. He possessedthe deity of God; He is
God. Consider
how He must have felt as He contemplatedbearing the sins of all humanity.
His deity dreaded
the sin and His humanity dreaded the suffering.
The word straitened means “to constrainor compress, to press in on from
every side. It
has the idea of a besiegedcity, a narrow strait or channel for shipping, and
even used to
describe restraining an animal to administer medication.” Doesn’tthat
present an emotion of
heaviness and pressure? The Lamb of God was soonto be crucified and He
was under
enormous strain.
We find a similar emotion revealedin the Garden of Gethsemane. Lu.22:44 –
And being
in an agonyhe prayed more earnestly: and his sweatwas as it were great
drops of blood
falling down to the ground.
 Now I would like to considerhow our Lord’s passionought to affectour
lives.
 The baptism that our Lord facedwas no insignificant matter. He went to
the cross,
bled and died for the sins of the world. God demanded righteousness and
Jesus was the only

way that could be achievedfor humanity. Sin causedour Lord to die upon on
the cross.
 It was the cross and the bearing of that sin that causedsuchagony in our
Saviors heart.
He was repulsed at the notion of bearing that sin in His body. He was willing
and I praise Him
for that, but He didn’t enjoy it!
 So, if the need of men because of sin sent Him to the cross, bringing such
agonyto our
Lord, how should we considersin? We have gotten to the place that we are
comfortable with
sin. We have loweredour standard and no longerare willing to stand against
sin according to
God’s standard!
 Sin and rebellion ought to create the same emotions in us. We cannot
embrace the
world for the sake of harmony. We must have compassion, but we must stand
for truth and
right!
I. The Purpose of our Lord (49)
II. The Passionof our Lord (50)
III. The Positionof our Lord (51-53)– These verses dealwith the emphasis of
the message.
They reveal the position our Lord holds and the effect that positionhas on
mankind. Consider
first of all:

A. The Misconception(51) – Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on
earth? I tell you,
Nay; but rather division: Jesus came unto His own and His own receivedHim
not. The world
lookedto Him at that time, expecting Him to defeatthe Romans and establish
peace. The time
for that had not come.
Now I am aware that Jesus is the Prince of peace. Through Him we have the
peace of
God and peace with God. However, Jesus knew that all would not receive Him
and there
would be division.
We are called to show compassionand love others as God has loved us. That is
the
secondof the two greatcommandments. But, we are not to forsake biblical
truth just to
preserve peace. There are times when we will be calledupon to stand for truth
and those
around us will not like it. We have not been called for popularity or the
approval of men, but to
live for God according to His Word! Standing againstsin and heresy is not
ungodly.
One of the pastors in our area declaredthat we ought to lay aside doctrine for
the sake
of cooperation. Thatis not what Jesus is teaching in these verses!
B. The Division (52) – For from henceforth there shall be five in one house
divided, three

againsttwo, and two againstthree. Clearly Jesus reveals that there will be
division to come.
What is the source of that division? Those who follow Him will face opposition
for their faith
and their own families will turn their backs upon them for that faith.
I am not a prophet of doom, but I am realistic. Nowhere in Scripture do we
find that the
world will embrace us for our faith. We are not promised a journey void of
difficulty and
opposition. In fact, we know that trials and adversity will come. I know folks
who have been
rejectedby their families because oftheir relationship with Christ.
We are not calledupon to be intentionally difficult, but the fact remains that
the world
around us will not acceptor support biblical truth. You might as well expect
opposition if you
stand for the Lord and His Word.
I don’t want to bust your bubble, but it will likely surprise you from where
this opposition
will come. Often those whom we expectto stand with us will be the ones who
oppose us.
Division is not enjoyable or even desirable, but there are times when it is
necessary!I
refuse to abandon the truths of Scripture for the sake ofcooperation.
Sometimes we may have
to stand alone, but stand we must!

C. The Obligation(53) – The father shall be divided againstthe son, and the
son againstthe
father; the mother againstthe daughter, and the daughter againstthe mother;
the mother in
law againsther daughter in law, and the daughter in law againsther mother
in law. Jesus
reveals that those who commit to follow Him will face rejectionby those
closestto them. Some
would be rejectedby their own families, but even then they were obligatedto
continue to follow
the Lord.
I am not one who enjoys conflict or division. I like for things to run smoothly
and
everyone to be happy. But I also realize that this environment is not always
possible. At the
end of the day, we as individuals must lay our heads down to sleepat night.
We must be
confident that we have followedthe Lord to the best of our ability. Sadly, for
that to be a reality,
we may have to face division from some we once had fellowshippedwith.
I am in no way encouraging discordor seeking to create problems. I merely
want us to
see that we can’t agree with everything the world presents and please the
Lord. We can’t go
along with everything that other churches approve of and practice for the
sake ofcooperation.

I have no problem fellowshipping with anyone who stands for truth. We may
not agree
on everything, but as long as they stand upon the Word, I will stand with
them.
I do refuse though to embrace error and turn a deaf earand blind eye to those
who
purposely ignore the truth.
We ought to seek harmony and unity as much as we possibly can, but that will
not
always be possible. We must handle ourselves in a godly manner when we
disagree, but we
must stand for truth and biblical purity.
I don’t pretend to be perfect, but I do want to live and lead this church
according to
God’s Word. I would ask today if there are burdens that you need to bring
before the Lord, why
not come and lay them at His feet. As a church we need to pray for those who
have
abandoned truth for the sake ofcooperation. The world doesn’t need false
doctrine presented
with a smile; they need truth from a heart of love and commitment!
JIM BOMKAMP

VS 12:49-53 -“49 “I have come to castfire upon the earth; and how I wish it
were already kindled! 50 “But I have a baptism to undergo, and how
distressedI am until it is accomplished!51 “Do you suppose that I came to
grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; 52 for from now on
five members in one household will be divided, three againsttwo and two
againstthree. 53 “Theywill be divided, father againstson and sonagainst
father, mother againstdaughter and daughter againstmother, mother-in-law
againstdaughter-in-law and daughter-in-law againstmother-in-law.”” -
Jesus tells His disciples that He has come to ‘castfire upon the earth’ and to
bring ‘division’
5.1. When we first beganour study of this gospelwe saw that
when the angels announcedthe birth of Jesus they announced, “Peace on
earth and goodwill towards men.” At that time we talkedabout the fact that
Jesus, the baby that was being born, is the “Prince of Peace,” andwe even
acknowledgedthat God makes allof His people into “peace makers.” Now,
how can it be that Jesus is saying that He did not come to ‘grant peace of
earth’ but rather ‘division’ ? The answerto this question has to do with the
fact that people on this earth are in most cases notgoing to want to come to
Jesus and face the light of the truth of Godin their lives. The majority of
people love darkness and don’t want to come to the light (John 3:19). It’s the
sinfulness of men that causes this division.
5.2. Unfortunately, as we have discussedmany times, when you
become a Christian the people in this world do not getvery excited about your
decision. In fact, it is rather the case that when a person becomes a Christian

that he suddenly finds himself facing huge persecution. Many times this
persecutioncomes from his family or those he previously knew as his friends.
5.3. In our world today, have you noticed that there is really only
one division amongstpeople? It is Christian and non-Christian. Christians
are setapart from everyone else. Forinstance, if any other religious group
wants to have a prayer meeting on a high schoolcampus they will probably be
allowedto do so. However, if a group of Christians want to meet they will
encounter fierce opposition. Why is this? It is because in this world the Devil
is trying to hinder the work of God in people’s lives. He especiallywants to
cause as many people as possible to go to hell. Thus, he will always try to
hinder the witness of any faithful Christians.
5.4. It is only the Lord who can bind Satan’s powerand attempts
to hinder our witness. Therefore, it is imperative that we as Christians be
prayerful and claim victories for God in people’s lives whereverwe go.
5.5. Jesus also speakshere about a ‘baptism’ that He has to
undergo. This is sortof a missionstatement from Jesus. Since Jesushas
already been baptized in water and the Holy Spirit, the baptism that He is
referring to must be the suffering and death that He is soongoing to
accomplishupon Calvary’s cross to pay for the sins of the world.

5.6. He also says here that He is ‘distressed’until that work is
accomplished. Jesusreveals in this statementthe fact that His intent is and
has always has been focusedupon being the sin bearer for all mankind and
doing for men and womenwhat they could and would never be able to do for
themselves.
GENE BROOKS
Luke 12:52 – Division of close friends and families indicates greatcrisis. For
Jesus it had already started (Luke 8:19-21;2:49). For Israel, a national crisis
as Micah 7:6 prophesied about the Assyrian conquest and the End when “a
man’s enemies are the members of his ownhousehold.” The rabbis
interpreted this passageas pointing to the greatcrisis before the coming of the
Messiahwhen“children shall shame the elders, and the elders shall rise up
before the children.”[3]
e. APPLICATION: Jesus is a greatuniter, but He is also a greatdivider.
Perhaps there is animosity in your family because youhave chosento follow
Christ wholeheartedly. Perhaps that opposition is at your work or in your
classroom. Perhaps you find that your friends don’t appreciate your
commitments to Christ. Jesus says, “Focus onobeying in the midst of
opposition.” The oppositionis not inspired by God, but it will make you
strongerin your faith.” It is not about just being hard headedor self-
righteous. That misses the point. It is about a humble, clear-headed, serious
sense that you are committed to His way despite what those whose opinions
you value think or say or do. Easiersaid than done, isn’t it? But the Lord

sometimes calls us to tough decisions in order to honor Him. Obey Him. He is
faithful.
THOMAS CONSTABLE
Verses 51-53
Evidently Jesus meant that He did not just come to bring peace on earth but
also division. Jesus" earthly ministry beganthis division. From the time Jesus
appearedpreaching publicly, even households, the tightest socialunits, began
to experience division. The difference of opinion that divided people was their
beliefs about Jesus" personand work. This situation would continue. No
physical relationship would escape the possibility of this division (cf. Micah
7:6). This situation poseda crisis for the future. Historically division in the
Tribulation will precede peace in the Millennium.
"Since detachment from family is another repeatedtheme in Jesus" teaching
about discipleship (see Luke 9:57-62;Luke 11:27-28;Luke 14:26; Luke 18:28-
30), the inclusion of Luke 12:51-53 helps to make Luke 12 a comprehensive
discourse on centralthemes of Jesus" teaching to his disciples." [Note:
Tannehill, 1:252.]
STEVEN COLE
The Divisive Jesus (Luke 12:49-59)
RelatedMedia

Mostof us have had experiences that have forever changedour lives, either
for the better or for the worse. We didn’t know when we gotup that morning
that before night our lives would be different, but that’s what happened.
Maybe you got in an accidentthat left you permanently impaired. Or,
positively, maybe you met a person who would become your lifelong friend.
January 5, 1974 was sucha day for me, when I walkedinto an apartment in
Long Beach, California, and someone said, “Steve, this is Marla.”
Hearing about the Lord Jesus Christ is just such a watershedexperience,
whether a person recognizes itor not. To hear about the unique person of
Jesus Christ and what He came to do is a fork in the road of life. From that
point, either you go down the path toward eternallife or you turn away
toward eternaldestruction. But you cannot hear about Jesus Christ and
remain the same. He draws a line in the sand. Either you cross that line and
receive the salvationHe offers or you stay on your side of the line and
eventually face His judgment.
Jesus has just warnedthe disciples of the need to be ready for His coming
when He will judge every person (12:35-48). Those who have receivedthe
most light will receive the stricter judgment. Now (12:49-53)Jesus showsthat
His purpose was to castfire on the earth and that fire would cause division,
sometimes even among family members. So the disciples need to be prepared
for conflict. Then (12:54-59)Luke records Jesus’words to the whole
multitude, where He chides them for being able to analyze the weather, but
they ignore the signs of the times, namely that Messiahis in their very midst.
He uses an illustration of a personwho is going to getdragged into court with
a losing lawsuit. If he’s smart, he will settle quickly before he loses everything.
Even so, those who are in debt to God would be wise to be reconciledto Him
now, before it is too late. So the messagefor us is:

Since Jesus draws a line that forces us to take sides, we had better be quick to
get on His side.
1. Jesus’coming draws a line that forces us to take sides (12:49-53).
There are three ideas in these verses:The purpose of Jesus’coming (12:49);
the means by which He would accomplishthat purpose (12:50);and, the
consequencesofHis purpose (12:51-53).
A. THE PURPOSE OF JESUS’COMING WAS TO CAST A FIRE ON THE
EARTH (12:49).
Jesus plainly states His mission: to castfire upon the earth. That purpose was
not yet fulfilled, because He adds, “How I wish it were already kindled!” The
question is, what did Jesus meanby the word “fire”? Commentators differ,
but most of the views overlap in their thrust, even if the specifics differ.
Some say that it refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of
Pentecost, whentongues of fire restedon the disciples. Others saythat it
refers to the preaching of the gospelor God’s Word through His messengers.
Others think it refers to the persecutionand trouble that would accompany
the preaching of the gospelthrough the disciples (J. C. Ryle catalogsthe above
views and their adherents in Expository Thoughts on the Gospels [Baker],
3:99). Others think it refers to judgment or purification.
Since fire can have all of these allusions in Scripture, it seems to me that the
context of Luke 12 should be the major factor in determining Jesus’meaning
here. Jesus has beentalking about the coming judgment (12:4-5, 8-10, 20-21,
35-48). He goes onto talk further about judgment (12:58-59;13:3, 5, 9). John
the Baptistwarned the people about the wrath to come when “every tree that
does not bear goodfruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (3:7, 9). John

predicted that the Messiahwouldbaptize believers with the Holy Spirit and
fire, but He warned that Messiahwould “burn up the chaff with
unquenchable fire” (3:16, 17).
One commentatordraws togetherthese different nuances of the meaning
under one theme when he says that fire refers to “the spiritual power
exercisedby the Lord through His Word and Spirit on the strength of His
completed work of redemption—to the undoing of those who rejectHim and
to the refining of those who believe in Him” (Norval Geldenhuys,
Commentary on the Gospelof Luke [Eerdmans], p. 367). I would contend that
the predominant theme is judgment. While Jesus came to seek andto save the
lost, His ministry necessarilyalso resulted in the judgment of those who reject
Him. William Barclaystates, “InJewishthought fire is almost always the
symbol of judgment.” Then he adds, “Howevermuch we may wish to
eliminate the element of judgment from the messageofJesus it remains
stubbornly and unalterably there” (The Gospelof Luke [Westminster Press],
p. 169).
To encounter fire is by nature a catastrophic, life-changing event. Robert
Fulghum (It Was on Fire When I Lay Downon It [Ivy Books],p. 3) tells the
odd story of a fire crew that broke into a house with smoke pouring out of the
window and found a man in a smoldering bed. After the man was rescuedand
the mattress doused, they asked, “How did this happen?” The man replied, “I
don’t know. It was on fire when I lay down on it.” That story strikes us as
funny because it is so strange. Who in their right mind would lie down on a
burning mattress? You can’t be passive about fire. You have to deal with it or
it will consume you!
Jesus’coming is like a fire. You can ignore it and you will perish or you can
get on the right side of it and it will purify the dross out of your life. But the

one thing you cannotdo is to be neutral toward it. Jesus draws a line that
forces us to take sides. Jesus goesonto show that ...
B. THE MEANS OF CASTING THAT FIRE WAS THE CROSS (12:50).
Almost all commentators agree that when Jesus speaksofthe baptism He has
to undergo, He is referring to the cross, where He would be immersed under
the flood of God’s wrath againstsin. While as the eternal Sonof God, Jesus
came to this earth for the purpose of going to the cross to redeem sinners, yet
as being fully human, the thought of the cross deeply distressedHim. The
agonyof the cross for Jesus was notonly the physical suffering, as terrible as
that was. The worstagony of the cross was the reality of the sinless One
becoming the sin-bearer. “He [God] made Him who knew no sin [Christ] to be
sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness ofGodin Him” (2
Cor. 5:21).
The penalty for our sin is death, or eternalseparationfrom the Holy God.
God could not simply ignore the penalty or He would sacrifice His perfect
justice and holiness. But to inflict the penalty on everyone would violate His
greatlove and mercy. Through the cross, Godcanbe both just and the
justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:26).
I often use the following illustration to explain this. Suppose you were arrested
for driving 100 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone. You were clearly
guilty. They took you before the judge who said, “This is a serious offense.
You could have killed someone. The penalty is a $10,000 fine or a year in jail.”
You don’t have the money, so it looks like you’re headedfor jail.
But let’s assume that the judge was your father and that he loved you. If he
simply dropped the charges, he would be an unjust judge. You committed a
serious offense and he must uphold the law. How can your father be both

loving and just? The answeris, he could write out a check for $10,000 and
offer it to you to pay your fine. If you acceptthat check, the law would be
upheld and you would go free, although at greatexpense to your father.
Do you deserve to go free? No, you deserve judgment. Is there anything in you
that merits your father’s kind treatment? Maybe you’ve always been a good
boy and this is the first offense. If your father is acting on any merit on your
part, then the analogybreaks down, because Goddid not send His Son to die
for us because we are pretty goodpeople. Even the best of us from a human
perspective were sinful rebels from God’s holy perspective. In sending Jesus
Christ to die for our sins, God was acting totally out of His mercy and not at
all because of our merit.
To go back to the illustration, what should the young man do? He can say, “I
don’t need your gift; I’ll pay for it myself.” Okay, he goes to jail! He could
say, “I’ll acceptyour offer, but I’ll pay you back.” But let’s assume that the
debt was not $10,000but $10 trillion. There is no human way he could ever
come close to repaying the debt. The only other option (and the proper one) is
to say, “I don’t deserve your kindness, but I acceptit. Thank you!” At that
point, the law is upheld and so is the father’s love. The young man goes free
because ofhis father’s undeserved favor.
That’s what God did for us at the cross ofJesus Christ. He paid the penalty
we deserve. If we acceptHis gift of eternallife, we go free at His expense.
God’s justice and mercy both shine forth.
You would think that every personwould be quick to embrace the cross of
Christ. But the Bible shows that while many receive Christ and find mercy,
many others rejectGod’s offer because it offends their pride. They don’t want
to admit that they are sinners deserving God’s wrath. They don’t want to

admit that they can do nothing to atone for their own sins. So the cross
becomes a stumbling block to them. And, it leads to division betweenthem
and those who acceptGod’s mercy, even to the dividing of close family
members:
C. THE CONSEQUENCEOF THAT FIRE IS DIVISION, EVEN AMONG
FAMILY MEMBERS (12:51-53).
Jesus states thatHe did not come to grant peace onearth, but rather, division.
The prevailing Jewishidea of that time was that Messiahwould defeatIsrael’s
enemies and usher in an age of peace (Geldenhuys, pp. 366-367). The angels
declaredat His birth, “peace onearth” (2:14) and Jesus Himself often
extended peace to individuals (7:50; 8:48; 10:5-6).
But Jesus here clarifies matters so that the disciples are not surprised by the
growing opposition. God’s peace is extended only to those who respond
favorably to His offer of forgiveness in Christ. Those who refuse God’s offer
of peace remain His enemies (Rom. 8:7). Those who are not for Jesus are
againstHim (11:23). The offer of the gospelnecessarilydivides people into two
opposing camps. There is no neutral ground.
Jesus uses anillustration (from Micah7:6) to show that the divisions caused
by the gospelgo deep, even to the separationof close family members. The
fact that Jesus does notapologize for this shows His exalted position. Because
He is the eternal Son of God, we must follow Him, even if it leads to family
division, because He is so much more worthy of our allegiance than even the
closestofearthly ties.
Of course, we should always strive for harmonious relationships in the family
and we should never do anything personallyoffensive to cause a rift. We
should love and honor family members. We should be kind and gracious, even

if family members are offensive towardus. But, if family members are
offended by the gospelwe believe, then so be it. We must be prepared to bear
such hostility and to stand graciouslybut firmly for the gospel.
Many in our day are calling for unity among all Christians. Properly
understood, unity is a biblical virtue. The Promise Keepers movement urges
us to drop all denominational distinctions, even betweenProtestants and
Catholics. There is going to be a large Christian unity rally next year at the
ballpark in Phoenix, sponsoredby both the Protestantand Roman Catholic
churches. Severalfamilies have left our church because Ido not promote the
unity services held here in Flagstaff. Manycite John 13 to say, “Jesus said
that the world would know that we are Christians by our love, not by our
doctrinal purity.”
Of course we should be kind and loving towardall people. While we may
debate minor doctrinal issues, we should not question someone’s salvation
because he differs with us on such matters. Some issues are serious enough
that we may need to work separately, eventhough we are fellow believers.
But, if we setaside the core truths of the gospelfor the sake ofunity, at that
point we are no longertalking about Christian unity, because we have given
up the essenceofwhat it means to be a true Christian.
Let me clarify this concerning Catholicism, since there is such a strong
movement towardunity with Rome. While there may be individual Catholics
who trust in Christ alone for salvation and thus are truly saved, such
Catholics are not in submission to their church. The official teaching of the
Roman Catholic Church is that salvationis a process that includes Gods’
grace through Christ plus our faith plus our works. This is preciselythe error
that the apostle Paul pronounced anathema on in Galatians 1:6-9. This is not
the only serious error in RomanCatholicism, but it is the chief error. As long
as the Catholic Church teaches anotherwayof salvationthan by grace alone

in Christ alone through faith alone, we cannot join with them in Christian
unity because they are not Christian.
If we proclaim a messagethat everyone loves, we can be sure that we are not
proclaiming the gospel. The gospelconfronts sinners with their rebellious
hearts before God, and the fact is, many sinners take offense at that. The
gospelhumbles human pride, because it plainly declares that no amount of
human goodnesscanreconcile us to God. The gospelshows people that they
cannot do anything to help God out with their own salvation. The gospelhits
even the most moral people with their ownrottenness before the holy God and
their own helplessnessin saving themselves from His righteous judgment. The
gospelproclaims, “You must repent of your sins and receive the imputed
righteousness ofthe Savior as your only hope for heaven.”
As in Jesus’day, so in ours: It is the religious people, who take greatpride in
their own righteousness, who are the most offended by the gospel. It is those
who devise a system of human works mixed in with God’s grace who take
offense at the cross. To proclaim that we are one with those who pollute the
grace ofGod with human works is to deny the gospel, which is that we are
savedby grace through faith apart from any human works. It is to proclaim
unity where none exists.
Charles Spurgeonwas accusedofbeing divisive because he pulled out of the
Baptist Union, which was tolerating liberals who denied fundamental biblical
truth. He countered, “where there can be no real spiritual communion there
should be no pretense of fellowship. Fellowshipwith knownand vital error is
participation in sin” (The Swordand the Trowel, November, 1887).
Our Saviorclearly taught that if we proclaim and hold to the true gospel, we
must be prepared for division, even among our family members. As J. C. Ryle

(p. 98) pointed out, “It is not the Gospelwhich is to blame [for such divisions],
but the corrupt heart of man.” But we must stand with our Lord, even when it
results in such painful divisions.
Luke goes onto cite Jesus’words to the multitude, where He chides them for
being able to discern the weather, but not the times. The Messiahwas in their
midst, but they were missing Him! Then He gives an illustration showing that
if we are quick to settle an unfavorable lawsuit againstus, we had better be
quick to settle with God before we come before His bar of judgment. Thus the
point is:
2. We had better be quick to get on Jesus’side (12:54-59).
The link between12:49-53 and this sectionis that of the coming judgment and
the crisis of decisionthat Jesus’message precipitates.This sectionfalls into
two smaller sections:
A. IF WE ANALYZE THE WEATHER AND ORDER OUR LIVES BY IT,
WE SHOULD ANALYZE THE TIMES AND ORDER OUR LIVES
ACCORDINGLY(12:54-56).
In Israel, a cloud from the westcame from the MediterraneanSea and thus
brought rain. A south wind came in off the Sinai desertand thus meant a hot
day. Jesus then calls them hypocrites because they are able to discern the
weather, but they fail to discern the significance of Jesus’presence intheir
midst. Geldenhuys (p. 368)explains, “On accountof their unbelief and
spiritual blindness they do not see the cloud of grace and blessings which
appears with Him to all who believe in Him, nor do they observe the glowing
heat of the judgment which He brings for those who are disobedient.”

The point is, we hear a weatherforecastand plan our day accordingly. If we
hear that the Son of God has come, bringing salvationto all who believe, but
judgment to all who ignore the message, shouldwe not respond by
immediately embracing Him? The secondsectionunderscores the need to get
on Jesus’side quickly, before it is too late:
B. IF WE ARE QUICK TO SETTLE AN UNFAVORABLE CASE AGAINST
US IN CIVIL MATTERS, HOW MUCH MORE QUICKLY SHOULD WE
SETTLE GOD’S CASE AGAINST US BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE (12:57-
59).
Jesus asksa rhetorical question and then illustrates His point. When Jesus
asks the crowd, “Why do you not even on your own initiative judge what is
right?” He is not implying that unbelievers can, of their own free will and
intelligence, decide to follow Him. Jesus taught (10:22) that “no one knows
who the Son is except the Father and who the Father is exceptthe Son, and
anyone to whom the Son wills to revealHim.” Jesus is not contradicting
Himself here. Salvation depends on God’s sovereignwill, not on man’s
darkenedhuman will or intelligence. What Jesus means here is, “You don’t
have to blindly follow the Pharisees onspiritual matters.” He is urging them
to considerHis claims for themselves.
Then He uses an illustration. The assumption is that your opponent has a
goodcase againstyouso that if it reaches the judge, you’re going to get
thrown into prison and you never will getout. The Roman Catholics use this
illustration to argue for Purgatory, where a sinner can pay off his sins. But
that only shows how hard pressedthey are to come up with support for such
an unbiblical concept!Jesus’point is simple: If you know that someone has a
case againstyou, settle up before it is too late.
From the context we know that Jesus wants us to apply this spiritually. God
has a case againsteverysinner. We owe Him for our debt of sin. Jesus’death

on the cross is the only acceptable settlement. If we discerned the times, we
would know that now is the day of salvation. God is offering to settle in full
His claim with any sinner who will trust in Jesus Christ. But if we do not
settle, there will be no escape onthe day of judgment. We will never getout of
hell because ourdebt is infinite since it is againstan infinitely holy God. The
person who discerns the true situation will be quick to geton Jesus’side.
Conclusion
During a training sessionfor soldiers who were about to make their first
parachute jump, the sergeantexplained how to open the reserve chute if the
main chute didn’t open. A private nervously raisedhis hand and asked,
“Sergeant, if my main chute doesn’t open, how long do I have to pull my
reserve?”
The sergeantlookeddirectly into the young private’s eyes and replied
earnestly, “The rest of your life, soldier. The rest of your life.” (In Reader’s
Digest, February, 1982.)
If you have not trusted in Christ as your only hope for forgiveness onthe day
of judgment, you are like that soldier plunging toward earth. Either you
acceptJesus as your sin bearerand you are reconciledto God; or, you will
come into God’s court of justice and pay your own debt, which is eternal
separationfrom Him. How long do you have to geton Jesus’side? The answer
is, the rest of your life! Jesus has drawn the line. Will you trust Him now
before it is too late?
DiscussionQuestions
Why is the theme of judgment a necessarypart of the gospel?

Which doctrines are so essentialto the faith that we must divide when others
deny these doctrines?
Why is the messageofthe cross offensive to sinners? What is the difference
betweenpeople being offended at the messageversus the messenger?
Where is the balance betweenbeing urgent about the gospeland giving people
the necessarytime to respond?
Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 1999,All Rights Reserved.
ConsequencesofChrist's Coming (Luke 12:49-59)
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already
kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressedI am until it is
completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but
division. From now on there will be five in one family divided againsteach
other, three againsttwo and two againstthree. They will be divided, father
againstsonand son againstfather, mother againstdaughter and daughter
againstmother, mother-in-law againstdaughter-in-law and daughter-in-law
againstmother-in-law.”
He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately
you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you
say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the
appearance ofthe earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to
interpret this present time? “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is
right?

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