Luke 12:57
“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 12:57
“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus is gently calling out their passive observation. He's saying, "You readily analyze the weather from the clouds, so why don't you apply that same discerning eye to the spiritual signs pointing to God's kingdom right in front of you?" He implies they possess the capacity for discernment but are failing to exercise it when it truly matters.
Jesus has just described how the crowds readily interpret signs in nature to predict weather, yet they fail to discern the spiritual significance of the times. He then directly challenges their inability to judge what is right, questioning why they don't apply the same common sense to recognizing God's visitation. This leads into a parable about settling disputes before being dragged before a judge, emphasizing the urgency of dealing with spiritual matters immediately.
You're pretty good at reading the weather, so why can't you read the spiritual signs around you? Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of those who missed the most important message of their lives.
Jesus confronts the crowd with a pointed question: "Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?" He draws a parallel between their everyday ability to interpret natural signs and their failure to interpret the spiritual signs of God's visitation.
Ordinary Wisdom vs. Spiritual Blindness
You might know what's right, but are you acting on that knowledge? Jesus highlights the crucial difference between intellectual understanding and lived obedience.
Jesus's question isn't just about intellectual capacity; it's about the failure to act on what is known. The people had the capacity to discern truth, but they weren't applying it to their relationship with God.
The Gap Between Knowing and Doing
Understand the original words
krinō · Greek Verb
To discern, distinguish, or decide between good and evil; in a legal or moral sense, it refers to making a sound judgment based on truth or divine standards.
Jesus is challenging his listeners to use the same common sense they apply to predicting the weather to discern the spiritual significance of his ministry and the imminent judgment of God, rather than waiting for external signs.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins teaching and healing, gathering followers and challenging religious authorities.
c. 27-30 AD
Growing Opposition
Religious leaders increasingly view Jesus as a threat, leading to tension and conflict.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Teachings on Judgment
Jesus delivers parables and warnings about impending judgment, emphasizing the need for discernment.
c. 30 AD
Jerusalem's Impending Doom
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foretelling its destruction and the scattering of its people.
c. 30 AD
The Passover Plot
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees for being able to discern the weather but not the signs of His coming, highlighting their failure to use natural discernment for spiritual truth.
1 Samuel 15:22This passage emphasizes that obedience and understanding God's will are more crucial than outward religious rituals, echoing Jesus' call for internal discernment of what is right.
Hebrews 5:14The author encourages believers to move beyond basic teachings and develop discernment through practice, so they can distinguish between good and evil, mirroring Jesus' challenge to the people.
Romans 12:2This verse calls for transformation through the renewing of the mind, so that believers can discern God's will, aligning with Jesus' plea for the people to judge what is right for themselves.
jfbLuke 12:54-59: "And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is."
Lu 12:54-59. Not Discerning the Signs of the Time.54. to the people—"the multitude," a word of special warning to the thoughtless crowd, before dismissing them. (See on [1653]Mt 16:2, 3).
clarkeLuke 12:57: "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?"
And why - judge ye - Even without the express declarations of the prophets, ye might, from what ye see and hear yourselves, discern that God has now visited his people in such a manner as he never did before.
Jesus is gently calling out their passive observation. He's saying, "You readily analyze the weather from the clouds, so why don't you apply that same discerning eye to the spiritual signs pointing to God's kingdom right in front of you?" He implies they possess the capacity for discernment but are failing to exercise it when it truly matters.
Jesus has just described how the crowds readily interpret signs in nature to predict weather, yet they fail to discern the spiritual significance of the times. He then directly challenges their inability to judge what is right, questioning why they don't apply the same common sense to recognizing God's visitation. This leads into a parable about settling disputes before being dragged before a judge, emphasizing the urgency of dealing with spiritual matters immediately.
Jesus has just described how the crowds readily interpret signs in nature to predict weather, yet they fail to discern the spiritual significance of the times. He then directly challenges their inability to judge what is right, questioning why they don't apply the same common sense to recognizing God's visitation. This leads into a parable about settling disputes before being dragged before a judge, emphasizing the urgency of dealing with spiritual matters immediately.
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Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and tried, culminating in his crucifixion.
70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman army under Titus destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecies.
"“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?" — Jesus is gently calling out their passive observation. He's saying, "You readily analyze the weather from the clouds, so why don't you apply that same discerning eye to the spiritual signs pointing t…