Photo by By Mike Chaffin
“Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? Luke 12:57
Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning. Red sky at night, sailors delight. Jesus had quoted this well-known phrase to the Pharisees and others in the crowd who came to hear Him teach and heal but did not understand who He was or what it all meant. It is a question everyone needs to understand, Christian or not.
Jesus is asking why we can’t see the signs of the times and either start believing or live as Jesus commanded. Matthew Henry, the late great Bible commentator wrote about this conversation. He explains what Jesus means by this question.
“You are not only stupid and regardless in matters that are purely of divine revelation, and take not the hints which that gives you, but you are so even in the dictates of the very light and law of nature.” Christianity has reason and natural conscience on its side; and, if men would allow themselves the liberty of judging what is right, they would soon find that all Christ’s precepts concerning all things are right, and that there is nothing more equitable in itself, nor better becoming us, than to submit to them and be ruled by them.” Matthew Henry
In Jesus day he came teaching as one who had authority. He healed the sick, lame, blind, deaf and mute. He cast out demons. He fed thousands with almost nothing. He raised the dead. He forgave sins. Yet the Pharisees would not see, and the multitude did not understand who Jesus was. They continued to ask for a sign when the signs were all around them.
It is a question we need to ask ourselves. For those who don’t believe Jesus is the only way to salvation as He said, what stands in the way? Jesus stands at your heart’s door waiting to be let in. For believers we must check how we are living according to God’s standard and Jesus’ commands.
Jesus finished his question with this comment.
When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. Luke 12:58
Jesus said this in a spiritual sense. Judgement day is coming, and no one knows the day or the hour of Jesus return. He warns us to be prepared in the parables of the unprofitable servant, the unwise maidens who weren’t ready, and the fig tree with no fruit. Given Jesus was so concerned with our readiness we need to take heed of the time we live in.
Contemplation: What do I need to change to live, prepared for Christ’s return.
