June 13, 2021

What Jesus came to do

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Luke 12:49-53
Service Type:

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