Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• First impressions of someone
• Over time you realise your first impressions were incorrect
• What was your first impression of Jesus and how do you understand Him now?
• How do you understand these words - v51
• How about Jesus' first words - peace on earth
• A specific peace brought about by the blood of Jesus Christ to repentant sinners
• A division between those who have repented and those who have not repented
• John 3:16 but consider v36
• What were you initial thoughts of Jesus?
• Arriving meekly on a donkey to the festivals
• He will one day return in great power
• Jesus did not come to condemn but to save
• He had compassion on sinners
• He longed to gather Jerusalem under His wings
• He also warned people about judgment
• Luke 19:10 - He came to seek that which was lost
• These words challenge the modern notion of Jesus Christ – v49-53
• Not just one who brings a general peace between people
• Yet Jesus says there will be division within the family
• Three reasons why He came:
• To send fire on the earth - v49
• Consider James and John who wanted to call down fire on heaven 

To send fire on the earth

• "I came to send fire on the earth and how I wish it were already kindled" - v49
• Consider James and John who wanted to call down fire on heaven - a sign of judgment
• Malachi 3:2
• The Messiah will come like a refiners fire or a launderer's soap
• The work of the Messiah is to cleanse the hearts of men and women
• What is this fire? - Luke 3:16
• Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire
• This happened during Pentecost - people's lives were transformed
• When I was ordained to the ministry - I was advised to pray this verse every day
• Out of context?
• The previous verses talk about judgment
• We understand it in light of the cross - v50
• Jesus is in deep emotion, He is distressed
• Fire will fall as a result of the cross
• Jesus will receive judgment for sin
• The Holy Spirit will then go out with great power
• God's refining fire
• His discipline - which may be hard, but is good for us
• Do we long for the Spirit to blaze in our heart

To be baptised in suffering

• "But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!" - v50
• Not a baptism of water, but a baptism of suffering
• John baptised Jesus in water - it was signifying His death and resurrection
• Jesus was distressed about as He understand what this baptism (of suffering) involved
• Not just the physical torment
• The spiritual consequences - the sinless one becoming as sin
• To stand in the place of sinners and bear the wrath of God
• How do you respond to the cross?
• Are you grateful?
• Do you want to escape sin and live for God?
• John 12:27
• Jesus understood deep trouble - He can empathise with our troubles
• Yet He knew it was for this moment that He came
• v32 - He was lifted up
• What about you?
• Have you responded to Jesus?
• You are not accepted because of your family, because you go to church or because of your good deeds
• You must come to God - call out for mercy and forgiveness
• He will forgive you and transform your life
• What is your response for Jesus' suffering and sacrifice

To bring division

• "Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but division." - v51
• Not a cult
• Christianity does not separate people
• Jesus does not separate but bring people together
• For some:
• The rock of offense vs the rock people will build their life upon
• Example of teenager and Mike Mellor
  
• Example of those with non-believing spouses
  
• Example of those who convert from other faiths
• There is a cost to following Jesus Christ - the blind man who is judged by the pharisees - John 9
• It is people's reaction to the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings division
• v52-53
• Although we see whole family's saved - examples from Scripture ...
• The promise to you and your children - Acts 2
• ... there are examples also of divided families - Samuel, Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, Esau and Jacob, Issac & Ishmael, David & Family
• We must support, encourage and strengthen one another
• John 1:12-13 – Salvation is of the Lord
• Christianity is not automatic within families
• It is not an easy path - it is a narrow gate and few find it
• We are to love God first - which though it makes us more loving, will cause our families to react

Closing Remarks

• Recap of main points
• What is your decision today - which side of the dividing line are you on?
• Are you for Christ or against Him?
• Believe in Him