The Uncomfortable Gospel

Bible Passage: Luke 12:49–56

Summary: In this passage, Jesus expresses a deep urgency and emotional intensity regarding his impending death, illustrating the significant consequences it will have on relationships and societal notions of peace.

Application: This sermon helps Christians confront the reality of Christ's sacrifice and encourages them to weigh their own priorities, considering how they respond to Jesus' call in their lives amidst societal and familial pressures.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that following Christ requires challenging choices, and acknowledges the transformative yet divisive nature of Jesus' mission, calling believers to fully embrace the implications of his death and resurrection.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ's sacrificial death is central throughout Scripture as it fulfills God's ultimate redemptive plan, with this passage serving as a poignant reminder of the nature of discipleship and the call to carry one's cross.

Big Idea: Embracing Christ's death means recognizing its weight, which necessitates courageous choices that may challenge our closest relationships and societal norms.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider delving into the Greek text in Logos to understand nuances in the phrases used by Jesus. Pay attention to the cultural implications behind the imagery of fire and division. You might also look into commentaries that explore the context of Jesus’ ministry amidst the socioeconomic landscape of first-century Palestine, as it will help in expounding the urgency of his message.

1. Something new coming

Luke 12:49–50 ““I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!”

Jesus is talking about the culmination of his ministry and life. He recognizes who he is and what he is called to do.

Jesus was ready and willing to embrace what was to come

He recognized the uncomfortable nature of his future, but was still ready to walk into it.

He also the Kingdom of God which was to come

He saw the goodness that would come out of this action

The word for fire is the same that is used in Acts when talking about tongues of fire

Refining but powerful. Used to purify and create something new.

The newness and purity

The ability for the world to be brought back to the father

We too are able to walk into the refining fire set before us

God wants to purify you with that same fire

2. Choosing Christ Over Comfort

Luke 12:51–53 “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.””

Matthew 10:37–39 “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

This baptism and refining fire are going to bring division, not “peace”

Jesus’ death and resurrection is not a comfortable thing

I recently watched the Chronicles of Narnia

Aslan the lion is the leader against the white witch

Questions:

What has Jesus called you to give up recently?

Where has Jesus asked you to be purified?

Where are you called to look more like the Kingdom of God?

We have a tendency to get comfortable

We get in routines

We watch life go by

We do what we want when we want it

Maybe explore Jesus’ words on bringing division rather than peace, challenging the expectation of harmonious relationships. Suggest a reflection on how the gospel asks believers to choose Christ above all else, which can sometimes cause familial and societal rifts. Emphasize the call to stand firm in faith, even when it leads to difficult choices, learning that true peace is found in Christ despite earthly divisions.

Illustration:

There was a family who lived in a small town, deeply rooted in their community. When they discovered God’s call to move overseas for mission work, the decision was agonizing. They left behind their comforts, family, and careers, but in that obedience, they found a joy and purpose that surpassed anything they had known before. Choosing Christ often requires letting go of everything else.

3. Here and now

Luke 12:54–56 “He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”

It’s clear from this statement that Jesus was talking to the disciples and others in this speicfic moment. He did not want them to miss what was happening right before them. The world was changing.

What is God calling you not to miss here in this moment?

What is God refining and making new that He is calling you towards?

Where is God working and you are missing the point?

Its easy for us to go about our day and think we have it all figured out

To think the things we say are correct

The way we treat others is correct

How we live our lives is perfect

however, Jesus calls us to something deeper

He calls us to trust in Him, not ourselces.

Recognizing there is a need for purification requires us to recognize that there is impurities in our hearts.