What does Luke 12:57 mean?

Over the course of teaching the disciples their responsibilities and priorities while He is away, Jesus was interrupted. A member of the large crowd wanted Jesus to order the man's brother to share the family inheritance. Jesus refused, saying, "Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?" (Luke 12:14). He then told a parable about the foolishness of spending all your time accumulating riches instead of focusing on your relationship with God. Riches are only for this life; your standing with God determines your place for eternity (Luke 12:13–21).

Jesus has just told the crowd that although they know how to predict the weather by watching a single cloud or feeling a warm breeze, they aren't paying attention to what's in front of them (Luke 12:54–56). The kingdom of God has come! It's not time to argue with family members or try to bring in an outsider to judge over family disputes. In fact, adults should be mature enough to handle such squabbles on their own. Those in the wrong should humble themselves and work out an agreement before it reaches court. If they don't, they could lose everything (Luke 12:58–59).

Even more important, they should think about their relationship with God. Like the farmer in the parable, people die unexpectedly all the time. At the time of Jesus' teaching, several had just been killed by violence and accidents. These things can't be predicted, and they happen to the good and the evil. The crowd members should make peace with their neighbor and repent to God. Delaying could mean a broken relationship on earth and eternity in hell (Luke 13:1–9).