Grace and Space

Lk 12:54-59
Interpreting the present: Jesus exhorts people to interpret correctly the “present time,” that is, the meaning of his mission. People look at the clouds in the sky and take careful notice of the direction that the wind is blowing and correctly determine the weather. Likewise, they should be able to look at the ministry of Jesus and determine that the kingdom of God is in their midst. If they cannot do this, then they are hypocrites (cf v 56).
Then Jesus exhorts people to respond correctly to the challenge of the moment. While people have the chance, they should be as concerned about the reality of God’s judgment as they are about settling a matter with an opponent on the way to the magistrate (cf v 58).
If they wait until the last possible minute, then they will become liable to the decision of the judge, who will hand them over to the constable, who in turn will throw them into prison (cf v 58). In other words, Jesus warns the crowds that it is wise to be reconciled with God before the day of judgment.