In today’s gospel Jesus words are “hard,” speaking about “fire” and “division” – and all of this leading to some dire consequences. Perhaps it is good to provide some insight about passage and the words and imagery used – because it all begins with the opening words of the gospel reading as we hear Jesus say: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49). Interestingly, in the NT only rarely does “fire” (pýr) denote the earthly phenomenon. If Luke’s usage is not literal, then what are the possibilities? What is the fire Jesus comes to cast?

Some possibilities from Luke/Acts:

• purification = removing the bad from the good
  • the unfruitful trees from the fruitful (Luke 3:9)
  • the chaff from the wheat (Luke 3:17; see also Jer 6:29; Zeph 13:9; Mal 3:2)
• judgment = total destruction
  • by James and John against Samaritans (Luke 9:54)
  • by God on Sodom (Luke 17:29; Gen 19:24)
• the presence of God in
  • Jesus, who baptizes with Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16),
  • the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire (Acts 2:3),
  • in the burning bush (Ex 3:2, Acts 7:30).
• a sign of the last days (Acts 2:19; Joel 2:28-32; 2 Peter 3:12)
• a source of warmth and light on a cold, dark night (Luke 22:55; Acts 28:2)

Other possibilities

• fire used in sacrifices (Ex 29:14; 29:34, etc.)
• fire used to destroy the idol of the golden calf (Ex 32:20, 24)
• connected with the Word of God (Is 30:27; Jer 5:14; 23:29)

Given the variety of meanings with Luke’s writings, the meaning of this passage is far from obvious. An argument can be made for any of Luke’s metaphorical uses of “fire.” Given Luke as the premier gospel writer with references to the Holy Spirit, here and in Acts of the Apostles, one might well “lean into” the theme of the presence of God as the Holy Spirit, especially during the New Testament period. In any case, this passage speaks of judgment, a sense of urgency, and the demand for a decision.

“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division” (Luke 12:51) To the question whether Jesus came to bring peace most of us would unhesitatingly reply ‘Yes’. But Jesus’ “No, I tell you” is emphatic (ouchi). There is, of course, a sense in which he does bring peace, that deep peace with God which leads to true peace among people. But in another sense his message is divisive – such is the effect of prophetic speech.  In this Jesus gives a fulfillment in the prophecy of Simeon in the Jerusalem Temple at Jesus’ dedication:

“…and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted’ (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35)

But one must note that the division is really caused – not by the prophetic speech – but by the decisions one makes because of that speech. This was already seen when people are called to decide if Jesus is of God or of Satan (Luke 11:14-20). Those who see Jesus must decide rightly lest “the light in you not become darkness” (11:35).

The cross challenges people. Jesus calls on his followers to take up their own cross as they follow him (9:23 and following; 14:27). When people do not rise to this challenge it is not unusual for them to become critical of those who do. Jesus’ words are quite literal and were the experience of the early church (and in differing ways, the experience of the church is all ages). The verses about all the divisions among family members are not new. They strongly echo the words of the OT: “For the son dishonors his father, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, and a man’s enemies are those of his household. But as for me, I will look to the LORD, I will put my trust in God my savior; my God will hear me!” (Micah 7:6-7).

Image credit: Pexels + Canva, CC-BY-SA 3.0
Description of “fire” from Brian Stoffregen