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Book of Luke - Chapter 12 - Verse 14

12:14
And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

Meaning

When Jesus says, "And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?" he is responding to a man who asked Him to intervene in a family dispute over an inheritance. In his reply, Jesus is making it clear that His primary mission on Earth is not to settle earthly disputes or be a judge in human matters. Rather, His purpose is to preach the message of salvation and guide people towards the Kingdom of God. By asking this question, Jesus is teaching us that He is not here to enforce human laws or pass judgment on trivial matters. Instead, He is here to offer spiritual guidance and bring people closer to God. This verse serves as a reminder for us to focus on the spiritual aspects of life and seek God's will above all else.

Theological Overview

Jesus' response to the man who asked Him to arbitrate a dispute between him and his brother in Luke 12:14 is significant in terms of theological interpretation. By questioning who made Him a judge or divider over them, Jesus emphasizes that His earthly ministry is not focused on settling temporal matters but rather on ushering in the Kingdom of God. This highlights the spiritual mission of Jesus and His role as the ultimate judge of all humanity. Additionally, this verse underscores the importance of not allowing earthly concerns to distract from seeking first the kingdom of God. In terms of word studies, the word "judge" in this context carries connotations of not just making legal decisions but also of discerning right from wrong. Similarly, the word "divider" implies a role of separating or distinguishing truth from falsehood. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal matters over worldly disputes and to acknowledge Jesus as the ultimate authority and judge in our lives.

American Standard Version

But he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
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