Agree to Plea

"When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. ⁵⁹ I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite."

Luke 12:58-59

It cannot be emphasised enough the importance of studying the Bible in context.  Reading through a passage in its entirety aids greatly in understanding the meaning behind this statement of Jesus.  Themes woven through this chapter are God's coming judgement, the need of men to prepare and watchful, and to recognise the signs of the times.  With this in mind, the point Jesus made has profound application for everyone.

Jesus painted a picture with which we can all identify.  If a man received a subpoena to be judged in a court of law, his innocence or guilt would impact his feelings about going.  If  he is sure of his innocence or is going merely as a witness he could go to court without much trepidation.  But had he received counsel his case was a lost cause and he would be deemed liable and likely fined and imprisoned for years, he would desperately seek to settle out of court.  He would do his best to avoid steep penalties by accepting a plea bargain.  Jesus encouraged all to make every effort along the way to settle before facing judgment in court because the judge would be bound by the law to impose the most harsh, strict measures as a punishment.  There would be no leniency or reduction of punishment at that point.  The only chance a guilty man has to avoid further prosecution is to settle out of court.

All men stand condemned and guilty of breaking God's law.  All are deserving of death, and God has given every sinner an opportunity through the Gospel to "settle out of court," so to speak.  The previous passage Jesus talked about how men noticed weather patterns and planned their days accordingly, yet it was entirely hypocritical for them to ignore the eternal implications of their guilt before God.  If we see wisdom in arranging a schedule or planning a holiday, how much more important is it to consider and prepare when our eternal future is at stake?  Jesus came to this world as a sacrifice for sin so our fine could be paid and our permanent record of sin expunged.  Won't you make every effort along the way to settle accounts with God and men so we might be deemed righteous before the Judge of all the earth?  There is no bargaining with God, but we can plead.  If we take the plea of the Gospel God will plead our case against all our accusers.

All who repent and trust in Christ can echo the words of David in Psalm 35:1-3:  "Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me. ² Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. ³ Also draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me. say to my soul, "I am your salvation."