Who is Jesus like? Vv. 51, 53- He did not come to bring peace but to bring division. Jesus wanted to make a peaceful relationship with the world but Jesus says that people must deny themselves and take up the cross; this message caused hostility, mockery, conflict and strife to those whose roots were firmly planted in the world. Even the family, which should have the strongest relationships, will be divided because of the good news. It is because our love and loyalty to Jesus must come before our love and loyalty to anything else in this world. The two are not comparable. Are you fighting against darkness so that you can live in the light? Or are you just hovering around a safe, wide, pleasant buffer zone of your faith? What lesson is God teaching me? Vv. 54-56- Just as people predict and prepare for the weather according to the clouds or winds, Jesus tells them to prepare for what will happen in the future by the various signs of the generation. But those who do not look at things according to the time of heaven will not be able to recognize what will happen. Jesus’ miracles and words show that the time that the prophets prophesized about had come. However, the people still do not budge and stay in a deep slumber. How do you think Jesus is looking at this world that speaks cynically against the church and aches with war, pollution and globalization? Vv. 57-59- As it is wise to reconcile with those who accuse you before going to court, we must also repent and restore our relationship with Jesus before the judgment comes.
Jesus, who received the baptism of fire in my place to save me, help me to set myself apart from this generation and live a life that is grounded in you.
