Here at the end of chapter 12, Luke begins to gather together Jesus' words describing the events he sees lurking in the future. In verses 49-53, the images of judgment and juggernauts are revealed only to his disciples the ones who have been privy to his private tutorings and his special attentions. Perhaps because he assumes they have the knowledge necessary to discern his true meaning, Jesus feels free to use rather cryptic images and arcane references.

Yet, everything about his language indicates Jesus' real sense of urgency for his mission and ministry. While he had made it clear that God's providence is behind all these imminent events, Jesus now claims his role as the designated agent of the divine will. Jesus speaks here of having been sent to set a fire, and he now longs to strike …