In his book Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes Kenneth Bailey works through the parable of the barn builder (Luke 12). He notes that right from the beginning Jesus balks at the appeal for justice made by the younger brother against the elder brother. The younger brother appeals not for reconciliation over the dispute involving his father’s estate, but rather for his brother to divide the estate and pay out. It is a righteous appeal, but Jesus balks. Justice by our own hands is seldom done. Bailey quotes from Leslie Newbigin.

If we acknowledge the God of the Bible, we are committed to a struggle for justice in society. Justice means giving to each his due. Our problem, as seen in the light of the gospel, is that each of us overestimates what is due him compared with what is due to his neighbor. If I do not acknowledge a justice which judges the justice for which I fight, I am an agent, not of justice, but of lawless tyranny. Leslie Newbigin The Open Secret p. 124