A Year in Luke/ActsNäide

Luke 12:49-53 can seem very odd to us. Isn't Jesus supposed to be the Prince of Peace? Understanding the context around what Jesus is saying here about bringing division can help us interpret it. Remember in the previous chapter, Luke 11, Jesus has just denounced the Pharisees. As their hearts grow harder and harder to his message, the division between Jesus’ followers and those holding onto the oppressive religious system in place will become greater. Jesus doesn't compromise on his mission to make people happy, everyone must choose if they think he is speaking the truth.

Then, Jesus moves into teaching about the importance of reading the signs of the times. He wanted people to recognize what he was saying about the kingdom would have political consequences for people in the not-too-distant future (we will see how this plays out in Acts especially). The warnings about the coming Roman sacking of Jerusalem are beginning and will continue in future chapters.

Jesus’ message is one of peace, but it will cause division for those intent on holding onto power whatever the cost. Like any text in scripture, context is key to understanding what is being said. Journal about your thoughts on how we can understand these last verses in a healthy way today, having understood the original context.