12:49–53 These related sayings suggest that Jesus is almost impatient for the crisis of division to come that his death and resurrection will instigate. Jesus understands his mission in terms of setting the earth on fire, which he wishes were already kindled. Ellis (p. 182) and other commentators think that the fire refers to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 2:3, where the Spirit manifests itself as “tongues of fire.” This may be, but it seems hardly suitable for the context here. The context seems to call for an understanding of this fire in terms of judgment (recall 3:16–17). Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and subsequent proclamation by his followers will …