Fire on the Earth
Reading the signs of the times
This passage talks about families being divided.
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What does it say?
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On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus said he came to bring fire on the earth, and that he had a baptism of suffering to go through. He warned that people would be divided over him, even in families. He told the crowds they could read the weather from the sky but could not see what God was doing in front of them, and urged them to make peace while there was still time.
Where it is in the Bible: Luke 12:49-59
Before You Read
Where we are. Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem, teaching his disciples and big crowds (12:1).
What just happened. Jesus told a parable about a rich fool who stored up treasure but was not rich toward God (12:16-21). He told his followers not to worry, because their Father knows what they need (12:22-31). He said to be ready, like servants waiting for their master to come home (12:35-40).
What this passage is. These are some of Jesus's hardest words. He speaks about his own coming suffering. He warns that following him can divide people. And he tells the crowds to wake up and see what time it is.
How to read it. Jesus isn't describing what he wants. He is honestly describing what will happen when people have to choose about him.
Map of the Passage
| Section | Verses | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Fire and Baptism | 12:49-50 | Jesus speaks about his mission and suffering |
| 2. Not Peace but Division | 12:51-53 | Following Jesus can divide families |
| 3. Reading the Sky | 12:54-56 | People can read the weather, but not the times |
| 4. Make Peace on the Way | 12:57-59 | Settle things before it's too late |
Section by Section
Section 1 of 4Fire and Baptism
"I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!" (12:49).
Fire is a picture in the Bible. It can mean God's judgment. It can mean the Holy Spirit, who came like fire (Acts 2:3). It can mean something that makes things pure.
"But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!" (12:50).
This "baptism" is Jesus's suffering and death. He would be plunged into it, like being plunged into water. Distressed means very troubled.
Section 2 of 4Not Peace but Division
"Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division" (12:51).
That sounds strange. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. But Jesus is honest. When some people follow him and others don't, people can end up on different sides.
He described families divided: father against son, mother against daughter.
This is what happened to many of the first Christians. Some families turned against members who followed Jesus.
Section 3 of 4Reading the Sky
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds.
When they saw a cloud rising in the west, they said, "Rain is coming." When the south wind blew, they said, "It will be hot." And they were right.
"You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don't you know how to interpret the present time?" (12:56).
God was doing something new, right in front of them, in Jesus. But they couldn't see it.
Section 4 of 4Make Peace on the Way
Jesus gave an example. If someone is taking you to court, make peace with them on the way. Don't wait until you're standing in front of the judge.
This is a comparison. Now is the time to get right with God, while there is still time.
Meaning
What does it mean?
Read It
What Does This Mean?
| The text says | It means |
|---|---|
| "I have come to ignite a fire on the earth" (12:49) | Jesus came to bring God's powerful, purifying work. |
| "I have a baptism to undergo" (12:50) | Jesus would suffer and die. |
| "How distressed I am" (12:50) | Jesus felt the weight of what was coming. |
| "No, I tell you, but division" (12:51) | People will be divided over Jesus. |
| "Interpret the present time" (12:56) | Pay attention to what God is doing now. |
| "Reconcile with your adversary" (12:58) | Make peace while there is still time. |
Back Then
Weather came from the sea in the west. In Israel, clouds from the Mediterranean Sea meant rain. Wind from the southern desert meant heat.
Families were very close. Often several generations lived in one house. A family split was a deep wound.
Jesus may have been thinking of the prophet Micah. Micah described families turning against each other (Micah 7:6).
Literal Reader Alert
Does Jesus want families to fight? No. Jesus is describing what can happen, not what he wants. He tells us to honor our parents and love our enemies. If following Jesus causes tension at home, keep loving your family.
If my family fights, is it Jesus's fault? Families have hard times for many reasons. If anyone at home is hurting you, that is never okay. Please tell a trusted adult.
Is Jesus against peace? No. Jesus gives peace with God and with each other. But his peace is not the same as everyone agreeing. Sometimes truth divides.
How People Feel
| Who | Feeling | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus | Distressed | He knew his suffering was coming (12:50) |
| Families | Divided | Some followed Jesus and some didn't (12:52-53) |
| The crowds | Blind | They could read the weather but not the times (12:56) |
For you
What does it mean for me?
Your Turn
Which of Jesus's words do you need to hear? Tap one.
He was distressed
Jesus felt the weight of what was coming. He understands when you're troubled.
My family is divided
That hurts. Keep loving them. Jesus is with you.
Pay attention
God is at work right now. Look for him.
Make peace now
Is there someone you need to make peace with? Don't wait.
You Might Have Heard
"If you follow Jesus, everyone will like you."
What's true: Jesus's followers are called to love everyone and live at peace as much as they can (Romans 12:18).
What the passage is mainly about: Jesus was honest. He said following him can divide people, even families. He himself was rejected. But he didn't give up on anyone. He went through his own "baptism" of suffering to make peace between us and God.
Where Jesus is: On the road to Jerusalem, troubled, telling the truth, and going anyway.
Good News
Jesus knew what was coming. He went through his baptism of suffering for us.
"But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!" (12:50).
It was accomplished. On the cross, Jesus said, "It is finished." Now there is peace with God for everyone who trusts him.
Jesus went through suffering for us. Now is the time to trust him, the one who makes peace with God.
Big Idea
Jesus came to bring fire on the earth and went through a baptism of suffering for us. Now is the time to see what God is doing, and to trust him.
If this passage brings up big feelings, talk with someone you trust, like a parent, pastor, or counselor.
For leaders and parentsLuther, church readings, and notes for teaching.
From Luther
Luther knew division well. Following the gospel led to deep conflicts in his own day. He taught that Christians should never use force for the gospel, but simply preach God's word and let it do its work.
In Church
Many churches follow the Revised Common Lectionary. In Year C, it reads Luke 12:49-56 in August (Lectionary 20).
We quote Luther for what he got right about grace. He also wrote terrible things about Jewish people. Read our note on that.
Memorize
How do I keep it?
One line from this story to learn by heart. Practice a little now. It will come back later so it sticks.
Why don't you know how to interpret the present time?
How did that feel?
Using this at church
Read in church on
- Lectionary 20 Year CGospel, Luke 12:49–56
For a newsletter or sermon notes
Fire on the Earth, explained in plain words. Some of Jesus's hardest words: fire, division, and reading the times. About 10 minutes. https://freescripture.org/stories/fire-on-the-earth/
Lines for the next eight Sundays, on Digital Lutheran Church