Luke 12:54-59
“Notice what you notice.” Today, judging and judgment… A number of translations (NKJV, NASB) use the word “judge” in today’s first paragraph. Others (ESV, NIV) use the word “interpret”. I’m guessing that the Hebrew or Aramaic or Greek had only one word for both meanings. Here, however, I think “interpret” is a better word for evaluating the west and south sky and wind.
But we can extend that confusion to the use of the word “judge” in verse 57, with Jesus speaking: And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? A man and his adversary are headed to court. Jesus is asking why the man does not figure out a way to resolve the issue (“judge for yourselves”) without taking it all the way to court and possibly losing the decision. Again, “judge” in this situation seems better translated as “evaluate” (or interpret).
Finally, “judge” in the rest of this selection refers to the person on the bench making the decision. But beyond the civil case issue that Jesus lays out, there is the question of what Jesus is trying to say spiritually. Who is this “adversary”? And who is the “judge”? We know that Peter referred to the devil as our adversary: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) But I don’t think Jesus wants us to cut a deal with the devil. He’s got too many cards up his sleeve and too many worldly judges on his side.
No, what Jesus wants for us is to get right with the judge before we ever get to court. If we are right with Jesus, the eternal Judge, the case will never see the light of day. We simply plead guilty, fall on our knees, and ask for mercy from the only Righteous Judge. Jesus Himself has paid the price that our adversary charges, even to “the very last penny”. GLORY!!
Slava Bohu!
Thank you for clarifying who we are to get right with. I was confused because it seemed to be “the accuser” that we should settle with. Yikes!
Let me not claim that as “gospel”, Debbie. It is only my interpretation / understanding – my “judgment”, if you will! I would like to think that this interpretation came from the Holy Spirit. It was certainly not in my head when I sat down and read through our selection a couple of times. But I pray every morning for Holy Spirit inspiration. So I want to believe that He hears me and acts accordingly – to His glory!