What does Jesus mean when he says that he came to cast fire on the earth (12:49)?

What is the baptism that Jesus is referring to in 12:50?

Elsewhere in Scripture, we see:

  • Jesus is referred to as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6),

  • Jesus saying “blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9),

  • Jesus instructing His followers to “be at peace with one another” (Mark 9:50).


How are we to reconcile these truths with what Jesus says in 12:51 - that he came not to bring peace, but division?

These verses are some of the more difficult words that Jesus speaks in the Bible. What are some ways that your heart is tempted to respond when you read them? How is God calling us to respond to words like these?

In 12:52-53, Jesus implies that his followers must be more loyal to Him than they are to anything else - even their own family. What are some things in your life (people, possessions, objectives, goals, etc.) that you might be tempted to prioritize above Jesus?

What would it look like to proactively prioritize Jesus above these things?

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