Luke : Day 26

Read Luke 12:35 – 13:9

We’ve already seen that Jesus was prepared to say things that would have made people uncomfortable or even angry. He wasn’t trying to stir up controversy. He just wanted people to know the truth about God and eternity.

In this section, Jesus did some very straight talking! To begin with, He described Himself as a master of a house who would soon be going away but would return one day. Imagine one of the big houses from previous centuries, with a large staff of servants. Even when the master was away, they had plenty of work to do. If the master came back and found the house a mess, and the servants lazing around, he would be unimpressed! Christians are like those servants – they have work to do for God’s kingdom.  Although we don’t know when Jesus will return, we know He will (verse 40). Then Christians will be required to give an account of how they have used their time and resources.

These verses make it clear that to represent Jesus as a Christian is a great privilege, but also a serious responsibility. Those who use their Christian position of trust to take advantage of others will answer to Jesus for it.

Verse 51 can cause confusion. Isn’t Jesus the Prince of peace? Why did He say that He came to cause division? The gospel does cause division – because some accept it and some reject it. When Jesus returns as Judge, there will be a final separation, when those who have been forgiven and made right with God will enter eternal joy, but those who haven’t will be rejected by God for ever. That’s why Jesus was such a straight talker – He knew what was at stake. Tragedies like the ones described in the first few verses of chapter 13 sadly happen. So Jesus urged the people to repent and get right with God while they had the chance – we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him”.

Luke 12:40