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Commentary on Luke 12 verses 54–59
54 ¶ And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points
Having given his disciples their lesson in the foregoing verses, here Christ turns to the people, and gives them theirs, Luk 12:54. He said also to the people: he preached ad populum - to the people, as well as ad clerum - to the clergy. In general, he would have them be as wise in the affairs of their souls as they are in their outward affairs. Two things he specifies: -
I. Let them learn to discern the way of God towards them, that they may prepare accordingly. They were weather-wise, and by observing the winds and clouds could foresee when there would be rain and when there would be hot weather (Luk 12:54, Luk 12:55); and, according as they foresaw the weather would be, they either housed their hay and corn, or threw it abroad, and equipped themselves for a journey? Even in regard to changes of the weather God gives warning to us what is coming, and art has improved the notices of nature in weather-glasses. The prognostications here referred to had their origin in repeated observations upon the chain of causes: from what has been we conjecture what will be. See the benefit of experience; by taking notice we may come to give notice. Whose is wise will observe and learn. See now.
1.The particulars of the presages: "When you see a cloud arising out of the west" (the Hebrew would say, out of the sea), "perhaps it is at first no bigger than a man's hand (Kg1 18:44), but you say, There is a shower in the womb of it, and it proves so. When you observe the south wind blow, you say, There will be heat" (for the hot countries of Africa lay not far south from Judea), "and it usually comes to pass;" yet nature has not ties itself to such a track but that sometimes we are mistaken in our prognostics.
2.The inferences from them (Luk 12:56): "Ye hypocrites, who pretend to be wise, but really are not so, who pretend to expect the Messiah and his kingdom" (for so the generality of the Jews did) "and yet are no way disposed to receive and entertain it, how is it that you do not discern this time, that you do not discern that now is the time, according to the indications given in the Old Testament prophecies, for the Messiah to appear, and that, according to the marks given of him, I am he? Why are you not aware that you have now an opportunity which you will not have long, and which you may never have again, of securing to yourselves an interest in the kingdom of God and the privileges of that kingdom?" Now is the accepted time, now or never. It is the folly and misery of man that he knows not his time, Ecc 9:12. This was the ruin of the men of that generation, that they knew not the day of their visitation, Luk 19:44. But a wise man's heart discerns time and judgment; such was the wisdom of the men of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, Ch1 12:32. He adds, "Yea, and why even of yourselves, though ye had not these loud alarms given you, judge ye not what is right? Luk 12:57. You are not only stupid and regardless in matters that are purely of divine revelation, and take not the hints which that gives you, but you are so even in the dictates of the very light and law of nature." Christianity has reason and natural conscience on its side; and, if men would allow themselves the liberty of judging what is right, they would soon find that all Christ's precepts concerning all things are right, and that there is nothing more equitable in itself, nor better becoming us, than to submit to them and be ruled by them.
II. Let them hasten to make their peace with God in time, before it be too late, Luk 12:58, Luk 12:59. This we had upon another occasion, Mat 5:25, Mat 5:26. 1. We reckon it our wisdom in our temporal affairs to compound with those with whom we cannot contend, to agree with our adversary upon the best terms we can, before the equity be foreclosed, and we be left to the rigour of the law: "When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, to whom the appeal is made, and knowest that he has an advantage against thee, and thou art in danger of being cast, thou knowest it is the most prudent course to make the matter up between yourselves; as thou art in the way, give diligence to be delivered from him, to get a discharge, lest judgment be given, and execution awarded according to law." Wise men will not let their quarrels go to an extremity, but accommodate them in time. 2. Let us do thus in the affairs of our souls. We have by sin made God our adversary, have provoked his displeasure against us, and he has both right and might on his side; so that it is to no purpose to think of carrying on the controversy with him either at bar or in battle. Christ, to whom all judgment is committed, is the magistrate before whom we are hastening to appear: if we stand a trial before him, and insist upon our own justification, the cause will certainly go against us, the Judge will deliver us to the officer, the ministers of his justice, and we shall be cast into the prison of hell, and the debt will be exacted to the utmost; though we cannot make a full satisfaction for it, it will be continually demanded, till the last mite be paid, which will not be to all eternity. Christ's sufferings were short, yet the value of them made them fully satisfactory. In the sufferings of damned sinners what is wanting in value must be made up in an endless duration. Now, in consideration of this, let us give diligence to be delivered out of the hands of God as an adversary, into his hands as a Father, and this as we are in the way, which has the chief stress laid upon it here. While we are alive, we are in the way; and now is our time, by repentance and faith through Christ (who is the Mediator as well as the magistrate), to get the quarrel made up, while it may be done, before it be too late. Thus was God in Christ reconciling the world to himself, beseeching us to be reconciled. Let us take hold on the arm of the Lord stretched out in this gracious offer, that we may make peace, and we shall make peace (Isa 27:4, Isa 27:5), for we cannot walk together till we be agreed.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 54–59. Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
Against Marcion Book IV
But then who could know the times of him of whom he had no evidence to prove his existence? Justly also does He upbraid them for "not even of themselves judging what is right." Of old does He command by Zechariah, "Execute the judgment of truth and peace; " by Jeremiah, "Execute judgment and righteousness; " by Isaiah, "Judge the fatherless, plead for the widow," charging it as a fault upon the vine of Sorech, that when "He looked for righteousness therefrom, there was only a cry" (of oppression).
Origen of Alexandria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 253
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
But had it not been implanted in our nature to judge what is right, our Lord would never have said this.
Basil of Caesarea (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 379
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(in Hexam. Hom. 6, 4.) Now we must observe, that conjectures concerning the stars are necessary to the life of man, as long as we do lot push our searches into their signs beyond due limits. For it is possible to discover some things with respect to coming rain, still more concerning heat and the force of the winds, whether partial or universal, stormy or gentle. But the great advantage that is rendered to life by these conjectures is known to every one. For it is of importance to the sailor to prognosticate the dangers of storms, to the traveller the changes of the weather, to the husbandman the abundant supply of his fruits.
Basil of CaesareaAD 379
THE MORALS 17
Having recognized the nature of this present time from the signs revealed to us by the Scriptures, we should dispose our affairs accordingly.
Apostolic ConstitutionsAD 380
CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES
And elsewhere, "Why do ye not even of yourselves judge what is right? "
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
Commentary on the Gospel of Luke, Sermon 95
"And why even of yourselves judge you not what is just? For while you are going with him who has a suit against you, in the way to the magistrate, give diligence that you may be delivered from him; lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the exactor, and the exactor cast you into prison. I tell you, you shall not come out thence, until you have made compensation unto the last mite."
Now perhaps it may be imagined that the sense of this passage is difficult to comprehend: but it will become very easy if we examine the metaphor by what takes place among ourselves. For let there be supposed, He says, some one who has brought a charge against you before one of those in authority, and has pointed you out to those whose office it is to carry the accused into court, and is causing you to be taken thither. "While therefore, He says, you are still with him on the way," that is, before you have come to the judge, "give diligence," that is, weary not, in using all your earnestness that you may be delivered from him. For otherwise he will give you up to the judge; and then, when you have been proved to be indebted to him, you will be delivered to the exactors, to those, that is, whose office it is to exact the money; and they will cast you into prison, and make you pay the last mite.
Now all of us, without exception, upon earth are guilty of offences: he who has a suit against us and accuses us is the wicked Satan: for he is "the enemy and the exactor." While therefore we are in the way: that is, ere yet we have arrived at the termination of our life here, let us deliver ourselves from him: let us do away with the offences of which we have been guilty: let us close his mouth: let us seize upon the grace that is by Christ, which frees us from all debt and penalty, and delivers us from fear and torment: lest if our impurity be not cleansed away, we be carried before the judge, and given over to the exactors, that is, the tormentors, from whose cruelty no man can escape: yea, rather, who will exact vengeance for every fault, whether it be great or small.
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Or, they who from the change of the elements can easily when they like predetermine the state of the weather, might if they wished also understand the time of our Lord's coming from the words of the Prophets.
But lest any of the people should allege their ignorance of the prophetical books as a reason why they could not discern the courses of the times, He carefully adds, And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right, showing them that although unlearned they might still by their natural ability discern Him, who did works such as none other man did, to be above man, and to be God, and that therefore after the injustice of this world, the just judgment of the creation would come.
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Luke
But why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? Showing them, as rational creatures, and even if they are illiterate, they can by natural instinct discern, either that one who has done works among them which no one else could have done should be understood as beyond human and therefore believed to be God, or that after so many injustices in this age, the just judgment of the Creator is going to come. No one, therefore, from what has been said above, should presume that a servant ignorant of the master's will shall receive few stripes, while in sinning, he avails himself of the excuse of ignorance. For, if I keep silent about other things, from the very fact that he is human, he can neither be ignorant of the evils which he must avoid, nor of the goods which he must seek.
Theophylact of Ohrid (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1107
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
When He spoke about preaching, and called it a sword, His hearers may have been troubled, not knowing what He meant. And therefore our Lord adds, that as men determine the state of the weather by certain signs, so ought they to know His coming. And this is what he means by saying, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower. And when ye see the south wind blowing, ye say, There will be heat, &c. As if He says, Your words and works show me to be opposed to you. Ye may therefore suppose that I came not to give peace, but the storm and whirlwind. For I am a cloud, and I come out of the west, that is, from human nature; which has been long since clothed with the thick darkness of sin. I came also to send fire, that is, to stir up heat. For I am the strong south wind, opposed to the northern coldness.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In Luke 12:57, Jesus poses a pointed rhetorical question, challenging His audience—and by extension, all humanity—to employ their inherent capacity for moral and spiritual discernment. He confronts their inconsistency in readily interpreting natural signs while failing to recognize and act upon the profound spiritual realities unfolding before them, particularly His own presence and teachings. This verse serves as an urgent call for self-examination and a demand for individuals to independently assess and align themselves with what is truly righteous and just in God's eyes.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Luke 12:57 concludes a specific segment of Jesus' extensive discourse in Luke 12, which primarily focuses on themes of discipleship, watchfulness, and the urgency of responding to God's kingdom. Immediately preceding this verse, in Luke 12:54-56, Jesus rebukes the crowds for their ability to accurately predict weather patterns based on natural observations (e.g., a cloud rising in the west signifying rain, or a south wind indicating heat) yet their utter failure to discern the "present time"—the spiritual significance of His ministry and the dawning of God's kingdom. The rhetorical question of verse 57 acts as a climactic challenge, pressing them to apply the same logical reasoning and discernment they use for mundane matters to the infinitely more crucial spiritual realities. Following this, Luke 12:58-59 extends the call for discernment into a practical parable about settling with an adversary quickly, underscoring the urgency of spiritual reconciliation and righteous living before the inevitable "judge" (God) is encountered.
Historical & Cultural Context: First-century Judea was a land steeped in religious tradition, yet also under Roman occupation. The Jewish people, particularly the Pharisees and scribes, were meticulous in their adherence to the Law and traditions, often focusing on external observances. However, Jesus frequently challenged their spiritual blindness and hypocrisy, highlighting a disconnect between outward religiosity and true inward righteousness. The ability to interpret weather signs was a practical necessity for an agrarian society, deeply reliant on rainfall and seasonal changes. Jesus' analogy would have resonated strongly with His audience, making their spiritual dullness all the more glaring. The expectation of the Messiah was prevalent, yet many failed to recognize Him when He appeared, often due to preconceived notions or a lack of genuine spiritual openness. Jesus' question in Luke 12:57 therefore critiques a culture that was adept at earthly wisdom but spiritually obtuse, failing to discern the unparalleled divine intervention occurring in their midst.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and Jesus' teachings. It highlights Spiritual Discernment, emphasizing the need for individuals to move beyond superficial observations and engage in deeper spiritual understanding, recognizing the signs of God's presence and activity. This aligns with Jesus' broader call for spiritual insight, as seen in passages like Matthew 16:3. Another crucial theme is Self-Examination and Accountability. The phrase "of yourselves" underscores personal responsibility, challenging individuals to utilize their inherent capacity for moral and spiritual judgment without external prompting, thus highlighting individual accountability for one's spiritual condition and choices. Finally, the verse implicitly conveys Urgency and Righteous Action. The rhetorical question implies a critical need to "judge what is right" now, before it is too late. This theme is reinforced by the subsequent warning to settle quickly with an adversary, emphasizing the pressing need for reconciliation and righteous living in light of impending divine judgment or consequences, echoing the urgency found in Matthew 5:25.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Luke 12:57 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey Jesus' urgent message. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question, "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?" This is not a question seeking information, but one designed to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and elicit self-condemnation. It forces the audience to confront their own inconsistency and spiritual negligence. Closely related is Irony, as Jesus highlights the stark contrast between their practical wisdom in predicting weather and their spiritual foolishness in failing to recognize the Messiah and the signs of the kingdom. There is also an Implicit Rebuke embedded in the question, as Jesus' tone suggests disappointment and a challenge to their spiritual lethargy. Furthermore, the use of Analogy (implied from the preceding verses) between discerning weather and discerning spiritual truth serves to make His point relatable and convicting, drawing a parallel between two seemingly disparate areas of judgment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:57 profoundly underscores the biblical theme of human accountability and the universal expectation that humanity possesses an innate capacity for moral discernment, even apart from explicit divine revelation. This capacity, often referred to as conscience or natural law, is a gift from God, enabling individuals to distinguish between right and wrong. Jesus' challenge implies that this inherent moral compass should lead people to recognize and respond to divine truth, especially when it is clearly manifested. The failure to "judge what is right" is therefore not merely an intellectual oversight but a moral failing, indicating a willful blindness or spiritual apathy that renders one culpable before God. This verse compels us to consider the seriousness of our own discernment and the urgency of aligning our lives with God's revealed will, recognizing that opportunities for repentance and righteous living are not indefinite.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:57 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting back to us the critical importance of self-examination and spiritual discernment in our daily lives. In a world saturated with information, competing ideologies, and constant distractions, Jesus' question remains profoundly relevant: "Why do we not, of ourselves, judge what is right?" This isn't merely about intellectual assent to theological truths, but about the active, ongoing process of aligning our thoughts, words, and deeds with God's righteous standards. It calls us to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity that allows us to discern God's will amidst the clamor of the world, to recognize the "signs of the times" in our own era, and to respond with urgency and integrity. This requires more than passive observation; it demands intentional prayer, diligent engagement with Scripture, and a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding and empower our obedience. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to take personal responsibility for our spiritual state, to actively pursue righteousness, and to live lives that reflect the truth we claim to believe, before the inevitable consequences of unrighteousness are realized.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Jesus mean by "judge what is right" in this context?
Answer: In Luke 12:57, when Jesus asks, "why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?", He is challenging His audience to use their inherent capacity for moral and spiritual discernment. The Greek word for "judge" (krínō) implies making a sound, informed decision or evaluation, not merely passing a verdict. "What is right" (díkaios) refers to what is just, righteous, proper, and aligned with God's will. Jesus is essentially rebuking them for their inconsistency: they are adept at interpreting natural signs (like weather patterns, as mentioned in Luke 12:54-56), but they fail to apply this same discernment to the profound spiritual realities unfolding before them, specifically His presence as the Messiah and the dawning of God's kingdom. He expects them to recognize and respond to divine truth based on the evidence presented to them and their own innate moral compass.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:57, with its piercing question about discerning "what is right," finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in Jesus Christ. He is not only the one who exposes humanity's failure to judge rightly but also the very standard and embodiment of all that is righteous. In Him, the perfect will of God is fully revealed, and through Him, humanity is enabled to truly discern and live "what is right." Jesus Himself is the "light of the world" (John 8:12), illuminating the path of righteousness that the world, "of itself," often fails to see or chooses to ignore (John 3:19). Furthermore, Christ's atoning work on the cross provides the means for sinful humanity to be declared righteous before God (Romans 3:21-26). Through faith in Him, believers are not only forgiven but also indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to truly "judge what is right" and to live in accordance with God's will, transforming their hearts to desire and pursue righteousness as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Thus, Jesus is both the perfect example of righteousness and the divine enabler of it, fulfilling the very discernment He demands.