Luke 12:49-52New International Version (NIV)

Not Peace but Division

49

I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a
baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came
to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one
family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.
Reflection:
Jesus' message was really divisive. A lot of people hated his message for various reasons. The
Romans hated it because Christ-followers refused to worship the Roman gods. Many Jewish
people hated it because they thought it was blasphemous that Jesus could claim to be the Son of
God. Both groups tried their hardest to snuff out the early church, and sometimes resorted to
arresting and killing Christians. Indeed, I'm sure many families were torn apart as some remained
pagans loyal to Rome while others became Christians. It was a natural consequence of the radical
message Jesus brought, and Jesus knew that.

Luke 15:1-10New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees
and the teachers of the law muttered, This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.
3

Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of
them. Doesnt he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he
finds it?5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls
his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. 7 I
tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents
than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Reflection:
I think we can take one of two approaches to this parable of Jesus. A modern-day one might be
Who in their right mind would leave 99 sheep in the wilderness (the wilds) to go to look for one
missing one? Sounds like we are risking 99 to save one. Not todays idea of efficiency or
effectiveness. Not good value for money! The point we may make is that Gods love and concern
for each of us is so extravagant that God does what it takes to restore everyone of us. Each of us
is valued by God. Each is worth searching out and bringing safely home. That even includes

you and me! We should jump with joy like the tie sheep. I think this a valid way to hear this
parable today.