What does Luke 12:53 mean?

Jesus teaches His disciples to anticipate the fulfillment of the kingdom of God. They think it means He will gather an army, overthrow the Romans, and become king of a united, independent Israel. They don't know that Jesus isn't interested in just saving the Jews from the Romans. He wants to save the world from their sin and eternal damnation.

He is anxious to get there, but He and His followers will face difficult situations. He will have to die on the cross (Luke 12:50). The disciples will have to choose faithfulness to Him over their own lives (Luke 12:4–5). Before God's kingdom arrives in full, the world will be judged (Luke 12:49). God-followers will be separated from those who rebelled against Him (Luke 12:52).

The disciples—and we—need to recognize that this division will split families. Our loved ones can be the best and sweetest people, but they will not be saved unless they repent (Luke 13:1–5). No one can ensure their spouse will accept Christ. No one can force their parents or their children to repent of their sins. On earth, this often leads to incredibly difficult choices. In some cultures, parents disown their children who convert to Christianity, or threaten to kill themselves, or even kill their children. In God's kingdom, it means eternal separation from those we loved on earth.

Jesus wants His disciples to await His arrival but do so understanding the consequences so that we are faithful with the work He has given us: to spread the gospel (Romans 10:14–15). Every moment Jesus is delayed from returning is a moment someone comes to faith in Him (Luke 13:6–9). God is patient, and we should be, too (2 Peter 3:9).