Here’s the only question I’m wrestling with in this chapter:

God has shown us supernatural hospitality, am I equally as hospitable? Do I show the same mercy I’ve received?

Are we about the kingdom of God?

Fig trees often are compared to Israel throughout the prophets. They are even part of the decorations in the temple. There were carvings in the outer partition of the temple, grapes (makes sense), pomegranates (likewise), and figs as well as other signs of the provision of God in the Promised Land.

So when He is casting judgment on the fig tree, one can assume He is talking about the time He is spending in Israel and their rejection of Him. Even the statement of the three years of no fruit seems to point to the length of His ministry thus far and the rejection by the leaders.

The tone definitely changes here. Jesus seems almost feisty. Let’s stop and consider some things here: Jesus did not come into the world to judge the world, but to save it. His kingdom is almost established by the time Luke 12 happens. He is the Prince of Peace.

So, when He states in verse 51 that He brings division and not peace, we must stop and think.

He clearly brings peace. There is no question that followers of Jesus have peace that surpasses all understanding! I am not who I once was, and peace is a big part of that. His kingdom is one of peace and love. Again, no question about that. Yet this kingdom of peace definitely causes division. Think of how many families struggle with decisions Christ leads them to. It doesn’t make sense to some, and division is born. I’m not sure Jesus is saying that He came to divide, but rather His presence alone divides. And considering the context and where the surrounding chapters go, it seems clear that Jesus is talking about those who follow versus those that don’t. That is a dividing line in and of itself! This is how I take this verse, how about you?

Here Jesus talks of the sign of Jonah – and preceded to pick up where He left off in Nazareth… namely offending Jews by calling out their racism. They were hostile to the Gentiles and had some prophets who did not willfully accomplish the task they were given due a desire to refuse dispensing grace. Jesus in response points out the Ninevites were saved and Jonah pouts (look up Jonah 4 to compare). Jesus is giving the people a chance to be taught and changed. They choose to stay the same as they were in Jonah’s story – unwilling to do things God’s way.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is big. So many things happening here for sure. Let me point out a couple.

The point of the parable is to ask, “who is most neighborly?” So, who is? Obviously the one who takes on the man’s burden and helps him out. This is interesting and significant. The question, “who is my neighbor?” is meant to define it from a location point of view. Jesus answers it from the point of view of relation – the neighborly one is the neighbor (no matter of race, gender etc makes one not our neighbor). However, the idea is ultimately, are YOU neighborly? We are to be this scandalous with our grace, love and help. Are we?

Another point is that the Jews and Samaritans HATED each other. The Jews felt the Samaritans were half-breeds and Samaritans fought and robbed the Jews when they had a chance. This parable would have been hard to hear for sure – the half-breed (muggle for the HP fans) wins the story. He is more of a follower than the Jews. May this never be for us!

So many things happen here. Jesus sends out the 12. Herod freaks. They return and bring the crowd. Peter says Jesus is Lord and Jesus shows him he’s right!

I think the big detail that stands out is the fact that the 12 return and then 5000 have to be fed. Crazy successful mission trip!

I love that women are helping to finance the ministry of Jesus out of their own means! This little fact is swept under the rug often. To Jesus, women are significant partners in the ministry narrative. They are not lesser or subdued. They have different but equal roles. There are no women in the twelve, but they are the first ones at the tomb, the ones at the cross and the ones here helping the ministry to go. Ponder that and consider your heart – are your thoughts on this Christ-centered or someone else-centered?

Luke quickly introduces us to “Jesus the line-crosser.” Unfortunately, this is likely more the problem in the Jewish leader’s eyes than any Sabbath breaking. They believe the Messiah will free Jews from oppression, but think that is more Roman than satanic and more for Israel than the world. God had a bigger plan! Hal. Leh. Lu. Yah! God’s plan was to free the world from darkness and its sin, not just evil empires that lock us down. In fact, God overwhelms empires with Good News (Gospel)!!

The centurion is that story. He’s a Roman official and military leader. I wonder what impact is made through him after this story is told. Jesus is turning the world on its head. Look for this storyline in Luke: Jesus loves the whole world! Amen!

One of the recurring storylines of Jesus’ ministry is the discussion of the Sabbath. The rulers of the religious groups all believe Jesus is breaking this commandment and this is part of the reason they decide to have Him killed – He claims to be God but breaks God’s law. How can this be? We don’t have room to completely delve into this, so allow me to keep it short.

If Jesus is God, He is perfect.

He cannot be perfect (sinless) if He broke God’s laws.

Either He did not break the laws or He is not God.

I think this is a simple one, but if you are wrestling with it, here’s a quick rundown.

In Exodus 20, God blesses the Sabbath and sets it apart (makes it holy). This day would be different, because the nation would choose not to work and instead would follow God (worship) and keep it free. It was special and still is. Most Christians don’t even know that they don’t “keep the Sabbath” by not working on Sunday. Further, a weekend would have been a foreign concept to ancient workers. Jews still take sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night as Sabbath – the 6th day. We do ours on Sunday to remember His resurrection which occurred on Sunday.

So, on the Sabbath we do not work and worship the Creator who made all in 6 days.

The Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day questioned His working on the Sabbath. There is a flaw in this: did Jesus have to “work” to heal or was it just a reality of His being who He was/is? For example, I can’t stop being charming, even while at rest (eye roll accepted). It is who I am. They thought He was working when healing, but I would suspect that healing is natural for Him and just in His nature. Further, Jesus fulfills the law and is the perfect worshipper. His healing is an act of worship – thus keeping Sabbath. Finally, Jesus uses none of these arguments and just states, “I am the Lord of the Sabbath.” He wrote it and gets it. He knows what keeping Sabbath and should not be questioned on it. There is a suggestion there that we missed it and are more focused on the manmade understanding of these laws as opposed to doing things God’s way. What a surprise!

Jesus did not break Sabbath. He was perfect and perfectly understood the law as He wrote it. It likely took no work for Him to heal someone. Even if it did, it is an act of worship to draw someone closer to Himself. In this sense, healing on Sabbath is more an act of worship than watching football and screaming at the refs. Perhaps that is a little too close for comfort.

It may surprise you that Jesus’ ministry with the disciples is almost 18 months along when the miraculous catch of fish occurs.

I made reference in this sermon that the catch of fish had a significant purpose and then I tied it to Mary and Joseph. Allow me to circle back and explain.

Joseph is told in a dream to escape Herod and move to Egypt. This is highly irregular in the ancient world! Much of what drove success is the microeconomics of small town living! Joseph was likely not wealthy, but did odd jobs for people to put food on the table. To do this, you rely on relationships and a common language. It is possible that moving to Egypt doomed the young family to fail… unless they had provisions that allowed for months of travel and living without worry of bills! Enter the magi. God provided for their needs and used these mysterious people from the East to do so.

In the same way, Jesus gives the fishermen a miraculous catch and then takes them on an extended preaching trip, which will end with lots of disciples, some leaving Him and the twelve being chosen. How could they take this trip with (in Simon’s case for sure) family to care for? They needed provisions. Jesus provides this in the catch.

This isn’t a huge reach, but not explicit in the text (so be warned!): Jesus cares for His people and will provide what is needed to accomplish His purposes. Please notice: Jesus is not promising to accomplish YOUR wildest dreams, but His purposes. Jesus is not promising success or affluence, but enough to accomplish His purposes. May we submit to His plan and His way!