We're talking about the end times here. I mean, look at the context. It tells you everything you need to know about this passage. This 12th chapter of Luke is filled with end times and warnings. Here's just a few of the things Jesus says: "Be watchful. The Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. You don't know when he's coming. Repent or perish." And in this gospel today, Jesus makes it plain, painfully so. The gospel is exclusive. It's dangerous to say that today. It's not a popular word. Exclusive. Hopelessly unpopular to say that. But there it is.
In one house, there will be five divided, three verses two, two versus three, a father against his son and vice versa, a mother against her daughter and vice versa, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Well, maybe that one you and I can understand. But you get the picture. Not everyone will embrace the gospel. The gospel, in the end, is exclusive. Not everyone will be included. Some will choose of their own volition to be out, to reject God's love, to reject his wooing, to reject his invitation completely. Mary gives her yes. Herod gives a resounding no. Nicodemus, a religious leader, says yes. And the other religious leaders make sure that Jesus is crucified and dies in the end. This is the gospel, and some will reject it.
The path of love isn't always popular. Look around your family or your workplace or your school. Look at the world around you, and it's probably not hard to see that Jesus is right. Some people are going to choose to say yes, and others will not. What do you do when you say yes, but the people around you don't. It can be painful. What do you do? Four simple things: be kind, listen, love, and invite. Be kind. It's not a sign of weakness. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. Kindness shows that you care deeply about the human beings around you. After all, they also are made in the image of God, just like you. Be kind, listen. Patience and gentleness are your friends. In a world where everybody talks or worse, tweets, listening is a rare gift. Giving someone your undivided attention demonstrates real love. Be kind, listen, love. Kind of speaks for itself, doesn't it? Jesus was adamant. Love God. Love your neighbor. Love your enemies. Just love. Be kind, listen, love, and invite.
Jesus has invited you on the way, the marvelous way, and he asks you to bring along all who will come with you. Hear me, a kind invitation issued by someone who listens and loves, it's not forgotten. It may be rejected, but it won't be forgotten. That's why I end my Bible study on YouTube every week the exact same way. I love you and there's nothing you can do about it. I say that because in the end, that's who we are. People who love. People who love even those who reject us. Oh, by the way, I love you and there's nothing you can do about it.
