He also said to the crowds, "When you see (a) cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain– and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot– and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? "Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." (Lk 12:54-59)
Jesus acknowledges the ability of the people who forecast the rain and the dry weather. They do it well and it happens as they say. They are able to put two and two together and predict the things rightly. They are able to read the nature and use cause and effects to judge the things rightly.
In the same measure they should read the signs of times of the things that happen around them. What things are happening around? Romans are round the corner. Herod and his regime are oppressive. High priests are wealthy, arrogant and play politics. The Pharisees have their own agenda. With all these Jesus is preaching the kingdom of God. Why can the people read these events?
They should take action while they are still in time. Delay will only lead them to a crisis. Israel who is the chosen one of God should fall back to God. Violent uprising will only lead them to court and then they will be made to pay the last penny – that is the lose the land.
