The momentum has built to a crescendo in this final section of Luke 12. The verses we examine today, more than most, really need to be taken in context of what has transpired before them. What point is Jesus trying to make in this mini parable of someone on their way to court with their accuser? Ascertaining the correct interpretation is a matter of eternal consequence!!!

[Luke 12.57-59]

57 “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59 I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Does v. 57 tie into what was said in vv. 54-56 or is it used as a prelude to vv. 58-59? Based on how you answer this, how would you rephrase v. 57? What do you think was the tone in Jesus’ speech here and why?

+ In vv. 58-59, is Jesus referring to earthly or eternal matters or both? Based on your answer to this, who is the accuser, the magistrate, the judge, the officer? What is prison?

+ If this parable is about the final judgement and the reality of hell, is Jesus insinuating there is a possibility of a “second chance” with the phrase “until you have paid the very last penny”? Why or why not?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ About 20 years ago, a former work colleague of mine was told by his doctor that he had Stage 4 lung cancer and had only months to live. I sent him letters relaying my condolences and told him I would be praying for him, his wife and their infant daughter. I also laid out the Gospel of Jesus the best as I knew how, pleading with him to take the time God had given to get reconciled with his Creator. I will never forget his response. He thanked me for my concern, but said he was ready to stand before God on his own merit!!! As far as I know, my friend died without Christ and faced judgement before God without an advocate at his side.

We all have friends and family members who have not received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (and He MUST be both)!!! They are all on their way to a trial for their very lives and they are woefully unprepared. Let’s make every effort to pray for these important people in our lives and to be bold in the proclamation of the Gospel. Jesus could not have been clearer in Luke 12.57-59. There IS a Judgement Day coming. Will you face it alone or with Christ by your side?

[Luke 12.8-9]

8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

[Matthew 7:21-23]

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?