Jesus' love divided the people

Jesus declares in Luke 12:51 — “Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!”

These words may surprise. In Luke’s Gospel, there is plenty of evidence of a compassionate and loving Jesus, however, there is righteous indignation as well.

Yes, there would be division, even within families. They would be divided over their religious views in a manner that literally meant life or death. Christians were persecuted.

So, this division was over if one believed that Jesus was the Messiah.

However, there was more: key principles of Jesus’ teachings would divide people. To ignore this fact leaves us with an incomplete picture.

There was a popular belief: if something terrible happened to a person it was because they somehow deserved it. This was a direct result of their sin or that of their ancestors.

In Chapter 13 of Luke, this interpretation is addressed by Jesus. He uses two examples: those whom Pilate had killed in the Temple and when a tower fell and crushed 18 people. He says that this notion was absurd.

This belief was also applied to people who suffered from disease, physical deformity, or other health conditions. They were ostracized, forbidden from social gatherings, which included worship in the Temple.

Jesus makes a point to heal these people on the Holy Day of the Sabbath.

The religious authorities were seething in anger over Jesus doing work on that day, which was forbidden by law.

He responds by telling them they are hypocrites. They would give an animal a drink on this day or rescue it from a dangerous situation. So, what is wrong with aiding a human being on the Sabbath who has suffered greatly?

He heals these marginalized people. They could then rejoin society. This restoration was part of the miracle that we may miss.

There was sharp division over Jesus healing people on such a day. Some lived strictly by rules, lacked compassion, and could not see beyond this.

They were focused upon a religious system of self-serving sacrifices and not mercy toward others.

Jesus called for repentance. This meant for people to turn around, reconsider, and see with new eyes. They were being blind to the obvious. It was right in front of them.

It is my prayer that this call for daily renewal unites us in purpose and does not divide.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.