Luke 12:41
Jesus was already speaking to his followers (v. 22). Peter's question was about the role of apostles (
us) and the disciples at large (
everyone). The passage applies to all, but leaders must especially take notice of its teaching.
Luke 12:42
manager. A good analogy for leaders entrusted to shepherd God's people (v. 41; see John 21:17; 1 Pet. 5:2-3).
Luke 12:43-44
The faithful servant is rewarded with more responsibility (v. 48; 19:17; 1 Cor. 6:2-3).
Luke 12:45-46
Unlike the faithful servant (vv. 43-44), some may abuse the authority they were given. Yet, he will not escape the justice of the master who comes back suddenly and unexpectedly (see 1 Sam. 15:33; Ps. 50:22; Rev. 19:15).
place . . . unfaithful. This is a picture of one who professes to know Christ, but is not really a believer (13:28; see Matt. 7:21-23; 1 John 2:19).
Luke 12:47-48
beaten. Unlike the severe treatment of the unbeliever (vv. 45-46), there is another lesser judgment. This is for those who knew but did not obey Jesus's instruction (Jas. 4:17).
few blows. Even less severe is the one who did not understand the instructions he was given.
entrusted. Jesus expected that his disciples would wisely use the knowledge and resources given to them (see Matt. 25:14-30; Mark 4:24, 25). See
WLC 151.
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).
Related Resources
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0
International License.
