“Division” (Luke 12:49-13:9)

"Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. "For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. "Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother–in–law against her daughter–in–law and daughter–in–law against her mother–in–law." (vs51-53)

Christ didn't come to compromise holiness for popularity, or God's honor for human approval (vs51-53).  He came to divide, to draw men to Himself, to change us, and to leave us, for a time, hated by the world. He said, “division”. He is the way to heaven and to hatred. Men will separate from you over Christ, and they'll hate you in echoed detestation for Him.

The gospel is nothing short of the fight of your life for your eternal soul, and enemies will abound.

Secondly, we are wrong to position ourselves as better than others (Luke 13:1-5). He says, “unless you repent you will all likewise perish”.  We all equally and eternally need His blood, mediation, and Spirit.  None of us stands on our own.  He isn't optional, and it is the most needy who are blessed.  Repent of thinking someone needs Him more than you.  The gospel is mandatory, or we'll all perish.  Christ is the Lone Savior from sin, bearing its penalty away!

Thirdly, God gives space to repent, then wrath comes (Luke 13:6-9). He says, “let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down”. If we heed the warning, we're received.  If we neglect extended mercies, then wrath will torment us.  Jesus is merciful, but not always... not when time runs out and opportunities have been wasted.  Because sentence against sin is not immediate and more severe, men think their sins are forgiven or not offensive before God.  Little do they realize, but God is holding back the flood of wrath. He is giving more time for repentance, before His promised wrath pours upon the rebellious. Paul said his reason for preaching the gospel was, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them” (Rom 1:18-19). Therefore, don't say, “He wouldn't punish me”.  Know that He will, and flee to safety in this appointed day of peace.

Don't use God's patience to excuse sin.  Repent and be saved, rather than squandering your soul.

Finally, we see why men despise Him.  His message is, “Die FOR me or be killed by me”. It is, “Receive my terms, or suffer my just banishment, eternally”. Men despise us for preaching repentance as mandatory for all!