This week's Scripture passage is Luke 12:35-59.

(Click here for a PDF of this week's study.)

In Luke 12:35-48,  Jesus commands us to live a life ready, filled with faithful stewardship and service and prepared for His return. He gives 3 similar examples/stories that exhort us to live lives of sincerity and obedience; lives that anticipate His imminent return. These stories also warn us of the terrible and tragic consequences of a hypocritical empty religious life that is self-centered and devoid of a true spiritual life based on a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

In Luke 12:41-48,  Jesus again teaches on the vital importance of stewarding the gifts and resources He has entrusted to us.

In Luke 12:49-53,  looking toward the cross, Jesus speaks of His spiritual baptism and His distress until it is accomplished. He claims a very hard truth: that He has come to cast fire on the earth and to bring division, not peace. The power of His gospel brings men and women to God and divides them from those who do not believe.

In Luke 12:54-59, Jesus reproves the Jews for being able to interpret natural weather signs, but not being able to discern the truth about Him, their Messiah. He commands them and us to resolve conflicts, both secular and spiritual, here on earth while we can; because a final more severe judgment awaits every person.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. It has been over 2000 years since Jesus walked this earth. Are you able to, in faith, anticipate His imminent (could happen at any moment) return? 

2. How can we encourage one another to live expectantly?

3. What does Jesus mean in verse 35 when He says to 'Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning'? (Living expectantly does not mean we are looking for a quick and easy escape out of this life.)

4. Jesus says His return will come suddenly, when we don't expect it. (v. 40, 46)

Are you saying in your heart like the unfaithful servant in verse 45, 'My master is delaying his coming’, and living a compromised and unfaithful life because of that? 

5. Are you stewarding the gifts and resources the Lord has given and entrusted to you?   If not, what is holding you back? What areas of sin do you need to repent of to recommit yourself to the Lord's call and purpose in your life?

6. Does Jesus' statement in verses 49-53 about coming to bring division within families cause you to doubt His motives and His character or to trust Him all the more?

How do we resolve the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) saying He is not coming to bring peace on earth but division? Did the angels get it wrong in Luke 2:14?

7. Are you resolving conflicts and/or spiritual issues in your life as they arise or are you letting them linger as unresolved issues? (v.57-59)