Luke 12:57

Commentary on Luke 12:57 (KJV)

Luke 12:57, "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?" is a rhetorical question posed by Jesus, challenging His audience to apply the same discernment they use in everyday life to spiritual and moral matters. This verse concludes a passage where Jesus rebukes the crowds for their inability to interpret the "present time" despite being adept at predicting weather patterns.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' broader discourse on watchfulness, preparedness, and accountability. Immediately preceding it, in Luke 12:54-56, Jesus criticizes the people for being able to forecast weather based on clouds and winds, but failing to discern the spiritual significance of the era they were living in – the very presence of the Messiah. He challenges their spiritual blindness and urges them to open their eyes to the truth that was unfolding before them. The subsequent verses (Luke 12:58-59) extend this call for discernment into a practical warning about making peace with an adversary while there is still time, underscoring the urgency of spiritual reconciliation and righteous living.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Discernment: Jesus calls for a self-assessment of one's ability to recognize and respond to God's truth. It's a challenge to move beyond superficial observations and engage in deeper spiritual understanding, much like He urged about discerning the signs of the times.
• Self-Examination and Accountability: The phrase "of yourselves" emphasizes personal responsibility. Jesus asks why they don't use their own inherent capacity for judgment to determine what is morally and spiritually correct without external prompting. This highlights individual accountability for one's spiritual condition and choices.
• Urgency and Righteous Action: Implied in the question is the critical need to "judge what is right" now, before it's too late. This aligns with the subsequent warning to settle quickly with an adversary, emphasizing the urgency of making peace and doing what is just before facing inevitable consequences. This echoes themes of reconciliation and preparedness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "judge" is krinete (κρίνετε), which means to discern, decide, or evaluate. It's not merely about passing a verdict, but about making a sound, informed judgment. The word "right" is dikaion (δίκαιον), meaning what is just, righteous, proper, or equitable. Together, Jesus is asking why they fail to use their innate capacity for moral and spiritual reasoning to recognize what is truly righteous and aligned with God's will, especially given the clear evidence of His presence and teachings among them.

Practical Application

Luke 12:57 serves as a timeless challenge for believers today. We are called to:

• Exercise Spiritual Discernment: In a world full of competing voices and ideologies, we must actively seek to understand God's truth and apply it to our lives. This requires more than passive observation; it demands active spiritual understanding through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• Engage in Honest Self-Reflection: Instead of quickly judging others or external circumstances, we should first examine our own hearts and actions. Are we living in alignment with what we know to be right? Are we responding appropriately to God's call in our lives?
• Respond with Urgency: The call to "judge what is right" is not merely an academic exercise but an urgent summons to action. Recognizing God's truth should lead to immediate repentance, reconciliation, and righteous living, understanding that opportunities to do so may not last indefinitely.

This verse reminds us that God has given humanity the capacity for moral reasoning and spiritual insight, and He holds us accountable for using it to discern and follow what is truly right.