Jesus regularly says things we find surprising, even shocking. It keeps us from thinking we have him under control or that we can shape him after our own preferences. Here, Jesus shocks us awake to spiritual reality by making it impossible to stay neutral when it comes to his identity. He presses us to see that he is God in the flesh, making claims no one else makes. He will bring fire—cleansing justice to create a new and perfect world. And he will step into that fire himself on the cross so we might be forgiven and enjoy that new world ourselves.

1. What about Jesus is surprising to you? How do you deal with that surprise?
2. Have you experienced Jesus bringing division?
3. Do you have a sense of the importance of spiritual reality in your daily life?
4. How does the distress of Jesus about the cross demonstrate his love for you?