Thirdmill Study Bible

Notes on Luke 12:49-13:2

Luke 12:49

fire. Can symbolize God's judgment on sin (Isa. 26:11; Zeph. 1:18; 2 Thess. 1:8; Heb. 10:27). Or, fire can picture a process of refinement God brings upon his people (Isa. 48:10; Zech. 13:9; 1 Pet. 1:7). Here, Jesus probably intended both. He came to bring a fire that will consume all that is opposed to God and refine those that have been set apart for him (2:34; 12:49; Heb. 12:29). wish. This is why he was sent from his Father. Therefore, he longed to complete his mission.

Luke 12:50

baptism. Not the one already done by John (3:21-22). This baptism is a picture of Jesus's saving work on the cross. Thus, when Jesus spoke of baptism here, he was anticipating having to endure God's judgment against sin (see Ps. 88:7; Jon. 2:3; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is a picture of the total experience of pain, punishment, sorrow, and suffering that he would undergo to bring salvation for his people (see Rom. 3:21-26; 2 Cor. 5:21).

Luke 12:51

Luke has already made several references to Jesus bringing peace (1:79; 7:50; 8:48; 10:5-6). However, when Jesus came he caused division. This is not contradictory. As his following statements show, Jesus divides humanity (vv. 52-53). Believers are separated out from those that refuse to repent before God. The result is conflict (see Gen. 3:15; John 15:18–16:4).

Luke 12:54-55

crowds. Jesus turned from speaking to his disciples (12:21) to the larger crowd shift in audience. cloudrising . . . wind is blowing. The patterned weather of the region made it easy to predict basic weather.

Luke 12:56

Though people knew how to predict weather (vv. 54-55), they could not predict the movement of God's plan. They lacked spiritual discernment and missed what God was doing in Jesus (19:44; see 1 Chron. 12:32).

Luke 12:57

Jesus expected that the people would discern their own spiritual condition and take appropriate action (vv. 58-59).

Luke 12:58-59

There's a time to fight and a time to settle. If you're innocent, then you should fight the false charges brought against you. But if you're guilty, you'd better settle before you get to court. Jesus used this wise approach to warn people about the coming judgment. It is better to seek God's mercy through faith in Jesus before you stand before him as judge (Tit. 3:5; Heb. 8:2). On the last day, there will be no mercy for those who did not repent (see John 12:5; Rom. 2:5; Rev. 20:11-15).

Luke 13:1

At that time. Not long after Jesus's exhortation about spiritual discernment (12:57-59). They believed they understood the times and gave an example. This incident was well-known at the time, but Luke was the only ancient historian who mentioned the event. Pilate. However, Pilate was notorious for his brutality and massacres. He was especially antagonistic towards the Jewish people. Galileans. Galilean Jews of that time were especially resentful of the Roman oversight of Israel. Pilate saw them as trouble-makers for the peace and security of Rome in the region. Their death may have been intended as a warning to others. blood. This probably took place during Passover, which was the only time non-priests were involved in blood sacrifice. While they were there, Pilate had them killed. Moreover, he blasphemed God by mixing the blood of their sacrifices in worship to God with their own blood.

Luke 13:2

more sinful. A common view of that day was that one's circumstances revealed one's spiritual state. suffered. Jesus did not deny that sin often has consequences in this life (Hos. 8:7). His point is that suffering is a part of life because we live in a sin-stained world (Gen. 3:16-19; Rom. 8:20-21). All humanity is sinful and deserves God's wrath in this life and the life to come (Rom. 1:18-32).

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