Luke 12: 41-59

In today’s passage Jesus adds another dimension to his call for steadfast loyalty to the Kingdom of God. Jesus knows that as much as God our Father wants us to live in the light of his love, there are forces of evil that want God’s people to live in fear. This force of evil comes to kill, steal and destroy God’s Kingdom and God’s people. As Jesus moved closer to Jerusalem he could sense that the great cosmic battle between good and evil was intensifying and he was at the very center of the battle. The battle will reach its climax on Golgotha’s hill where Jesus was crucified.

Jesus is frustrated because the people are only superficial in their vision of the times. Jesus wants the people to step back and look at the big picture. Israel is oppressed by the Romans, they have a self-absorbed, immoral King, their priests are hypocrites, and the Pharisees are more interested in protecting their power and influence than seeking truth. In the midst of those leading Israel to total degradation there is an itinerate Prophet, healing the sick, casting out demons, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Jesus wants the people to wake up and choose where they will invest their loyalties. And, Jesus is quite blunt; there will be causalities on both sides of the battle.

Today, with 20/20 hindsight, we know Jesus’ warnings were fulfilled. The epic battle led to the crucifixion of Jesus and the rebel rousers finally led Israel into the total destruction of Jerusalem. But, the Resurrection of Jesus brought victory over the forces of evil and His Kingdom continues to advance, and His people still face persecutions. His people, in every generation, are called to interpret the signs of the times and in the midst of the continuing conflict between good and evil stand firm for the Kingdom of God.

As you interpret the signs of the times what are the issues pressing against your nation, your community, and your church? How are your leaders responding to these issues? How are you responding?  

Listen carefully. Which do you hear Jesus saying?

‘Well done my good and faithful servants.

Or

You fools!

You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky,

but you don’t know how to interpret the present times.”

(This should make for a lively discussion at our Monday night Bible Study)

What word or phrase in these verses

attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

22-Jan-12     Luke 13:1-22