These verses are a little difficult to understand. I leaned on a couple of commentaries (Tony Evans Commentary, Matthew Henry Commentary) to help me make sense of what is being said here.
Verse 49 Jesus is coming with fire to burn up sin, persecutors, and anyone who is against him. Every sin committed against him kindles that fire.
For the time being, Jesus allows his persecutors to continue sinning because the trials that come from it will be like a refining fire for believers. It will refine their souls by purifying patience, producing perseverance, while furthering other godly traits like grace and forgiveness.
Verse 50 When a baptism happens, we are leaving behind the old life and stepping into our dedication to life a purer lifestyle that follows Jesus. When an old life transitions into the refined life, it goes through trials, suffering, afflictions, persecutions, or what the Bible refers to as “fire.” This terrible baptism ahead for Jesus is through his crucifixion.
Baptisms signify sanctification in our lives. It shows holiness or purity. Refinement. Here’s what is interesting. The Perfect One, Jesus, doesn’t need purifying or refinement. But true to form, Jesus came to be an example in all he did. So He will suffer and go through the fire when the Romans crucify him on the cross and he resurrects from the dead.
Jesus says until his “baptism” or death on the cross, he is in distress. He knows his death and resurrection will be the redemption for many. Jesus, taking on this suffering, means there will be salvation available for sinners. It will bring many generations into the kingdom of Heaven. And so he is in distress until that takes place.
Imagine knowing you will need to go through something incredibly difficult in the future, but that it would bring life to others. That time is not here yet, but you might live in distress just knowing about it. Like a woman having a baby. She knows the pain of delivery is coming. And that through that delivery, there will be life. She might “welcome” the suffering, the sharp and strong contractions because she knows this will bring her baby out quicker.
Jesus’ heart is always thinking about the redemption and salvation of man. He always has an eye on being united with his children. Jesus’ sufferings were the pain of his soul, which he willingly went through, hoping by them he would see many children come into the kingdom. (Isaiah 53:10, 11)
Whew! We got through what could have been very confusing verses. Glad you’re still here!
Jesus Causes Division
Verses 51-53 The Old Testament taught the Messiah would bring peace. People assumed that this meant everyone would live in a paradise of peace with each other. The disciples may have expected listeners to greet the gospel with open ears. But Jesus clears that up. We know Jesus brings peace to our souls, but as far as an external peace with all those around us, his gospel will actually be a division. Some will believe and others won’t.
And that’s what these verses are about. Jesus would bring division and not peace because some would accept him, while others would reject him.
The message of the gospel is to unite people, to knit them together in holy love if they receive it and believe it. But there will be many who oppose it and actually become angry at those who receive it.
Among those who receive the gospel, there are different beliefs that cause division as well. Think about how many Christian churches there are. Each congregation has its own small nuances in what they believe: Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Assemblies of God, etc. Jesus permits it so that Christians may learn and practice patience and tolerance with each other (Romans 14:1, 2).
Jesus warns us not to promise ourselves this external peace on earth. We are really like sheep amid wolves. If Christ’s love does not unify us, if we are not Jesus’ followers, the preaching of the gospel will cause discord in our families. Those who follow Jesus will, out of love, try to share the gospel (as they should!) with the one who does not. When something provokes the unbeliever, they will hate and persecute the believer. The Christian, by his/her faith and obedience to Jesus, will end up speaking out against the unbelief and may even condemn the disobedience.
This is in fulfillment of Scripture that He would end up bringing division, even within the same household. (Micah 7:6) It is why the Bible says “do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” or “do not team up with unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14 NLT)
Whether it’s in dating or marriage relationships, we should want to be with a fellow believer otherwise, we invite division into our household. Because our core beliefs about life and Jesus are different, that discourse might show up in how we treat each other, how we parent, and how we run the day-to-day.
When we become unreasonably attached to our own opinions and beliefs, we end up persecuting loved ones for their differing ideas. Those who do not believe may become violent in their persecution of those who believe. In the book of Acts, wherever the gospel went, it stirred up resistance and persecution.
Decide For Yourselves
Verses 54-57 Now turning to the crowds, Jesus acknowledged they knew how to interpret the natural signs of clouds and winds to make correct weather predictions. They would make their plans according to the weather. If a storm was moving in, they may cover up their hay or crop, or if the sun was supposed to shine, they might set out for a journey.
This is just a side note about the changes in weather. God gives us warnings about what is coming ahead. If we’re alert and listening, we may notice his work and even alert others. Those who are wise are always on the lookout, watching, observing, and willing to learn from all that is around them.
Though the people in the crowd could make these weather predictions, they couldn’t interpret the signs of God in front of them. They couldn’t understand spiritual signs. The people said they were expecting the Messiah and his kingdom and yet were not ready for Jesus.
Though many had seen the signs of Jesus’ ministry, they refused to conclude that Jesus was the promised Messiah. They couldn’t see what was right in front of their eyes. Jesus was declaring now is the time. The Old Testament prophesied it. The Messiah is here. Their opportunity to accept him as the Messiah is now. It was time for them to wake up and secure themselves a place in the kingdom of God and live in the privileges of that kingdom.
Peace Over Prison
Verses 58-59 Jesus compares their failure to discern the signs before them with someone settling a legal dispute. He says let offenders, and the offended, be quick to make their peace with God before it’s too late. Rather than waiting to address a matter in court, a person should seek to settle out of court to avoid prison time so that they can decrease the penalty that has to be paid.
Wisdom would say we should settle with someone out of court, to agree to the best terms we can before the law steps in and robs us of all we have. Wise men will not let their arguments or discord with someone go to the extreme where the courts have to get involved, but will figure out a solution in time.
Likewise, those who continue to reject the Messiah, while the day of opportunity to be reconciled to God is available, will in the end face a more severe judgment.
We have made God our adversary by the disobedience and sins we commit. We have provoked his anger and displeasure against us. He has both a right to take us to court, and he has the power and advantage on his side because he’s in the right and we’re in the wrong. So there’s no use carrying on an argument with him. Or trying to justify our actions. Jesus is the one who administers the law, the one we appear before in court.
If we stand a trial before Jesus and argue against God, insisting on our own justification, the case will certainly go against us. The Judge, our God, will deliver us to those who carry out his justice, and they will throw us into an eternal prison in hell.
And though we can never fully settle the debt of our sin or afford to make right the wrongs we have done, hell will demand it of us. What a weight to carry!
Let us be quick to get on the right side with God, our Father. Now is our time, by repentance and faith through Jesus (who is the Mediator), to get right with God before it is too late.
God in Christ reconciled himself to the world, urgently asking us to be reconciled. Let us take hold of the gracious arm of the Lord stretched out with this incredible offer, that we may make peace with Him. “My anger will be gone. If I find briers and thorns growing, I will attack them; I will burn them up — unless they turn to me for help. Let them make peace with me; yes, let them make peace with me.” Isaiah 27:4-5 NLT
We cannot walk with God until we admit our sin causes a need to be saved by Jesus’ blood on the cross.
Prayer
Jesus, when I think about who you are and all that you came to do and teach me, it hurts to know how long it has taken me to respond to you. Yet, you never left. You never let me go. You continually reach out, press in on my heart, and captivate my attention. Before I knew I needed saving, you went to the cross and provided a way for me. Teach me to listen, Jesus. Help my unbelieving mind to understand the deeper truths in your Word. Help me hear you, see you, and share you with others.
I am overcome with this deep urgency that the time to accept You as my personal Lord and Savior is now. This momentary division with others is worth it if they come to know you and accept you. If they would get even one day to live this liberating spiritual life with you.
Though I live in the world, I am not of the world. I do not carry the worries and burdens the world carries. My God gives me provision, protection, healing, help, grace, and victory.
Holy Spirit, fill me up with Your Word to speak with clarity and love to others in need of You. Help me share your gospel with urgency. I do not know what tomorrow holds. Prompt me when the time is right and help me open my mouth with the trust that you will give me the right words to say. I pray your favor over these conversations because I know they honor you, Jesus. Help me let go of my opinions so I can love with holy love, Jesus.
If people would allow themselves the liberty of judging what is right, they would soon find that all of Your teachings, Jesus, are right and that there is nothing fairer or better for us than to submit to their rule. Help me extend to others this freedom to think it through. Guide me, guide them, in Your Word, Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.