Knowing The Word in Luke 12:49-53, Not Peace, but Division

Jesus is referring to the cross and his crucifixion in this section. God’s plan for salvation is through judgment, a judgment brought upon the innocent body of Jesus. The cross of Jesus will divide people, even within families.

49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 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.”

Prayer:

May the Lord be my friend,

Who once on earth endured on the gallows-tree

Suffered here for the sins of men.

He has redeemed us, he has given us life

And a home in Heaven. Hope was renewed

With bliss and blessing for those who had been

through burning.

The Son was successful in that expedition,

Mighty in victory, when with a mass,

A great crowd of souls, came to God’s kingdom

The Almighty Ruler, to joy among the angels

And all the saints, who in heaven already

Lived in glory, then the Lord,

Almighty God, came home to his own land.

The Dream of the Rood, 8th century