Luke 12

Luke 12 focuses on Jesus' teachings about various aspects of faith and discipleship. He warns His followers about hypocrisy, encourages them not to fear persecution, and addresses anxieties about material needs. The chapter also includes parables that emphasize vigilance and preparedness for His return, urging believers to remain faithful and attentive. It’s a call to prioritize God’s kingdom over earthly concerns and to trust in His provision.

Luke 12:1-3 (NKJV)
1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.
3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”

Jesus warns His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, likening it to leaven that spreads and affects everything it touches. He assures them that all hidden things, including their true intentions and actions, will one day be exposed. This encourages believers to live transparently and truthfully, knowing that God sees all, even what is concealed. Jesus’ words serve as a reminder of accountability before God and a call to reject hypocrisy.

Luke 12:4-7 (NKJV)
4 “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Jesus encourages His followers not to fear human threats but to hold a reverent fear of God, who has authority over both life and eternity. He reassures them of God’s deep care and attentiveness, even in the smallest details of their lives. The mention of sparrows, sold for a trivial amount yet remembered by God, underscores the profound value God places on each believer. This passage reinforces trust in God’s protective love and His omniscient care.

Luke 12:8-12 (NKJV)
8 “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.
9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
10 And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
11 Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.
12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Jesus assures His disciples that their loyalty and confession of faith will be honored in God’s presence. He warns about the gravity of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, emphasizing it as an unforgivable sin. This passage also provides comfort for those who face persecution, promising that the Holy Spirit will equip them with wisdom and words when they are questioned. It encourages courage and reliance on the Spirit’s guidance in times of trial.

Luke 12:13-21 (NKJV)
13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14 But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?”
15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.
17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’
18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’
20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’
21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

This parable illustrates the dangers of covetousness and materialism. The rich man, focused solely on accumulating wealth, ignores his spiritual responsibilities and fails to acknowledge his dependence on God. When his life ends abruptly, his amassed wealth proves useless. Jesus uses this story to emphasize that true life and security are found not in earthly riches but in a relationship with God and a focus on eternal values. It’s a call to prioritize spiritual wealth over material abundance.

Luke 12:22-31 (NKJV)
22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.
23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.
24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?
25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?
27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?
29 And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.
30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.
31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Jesus encourages His disciples to trust in God’s provision rather than worry about material needs. He points to God’s care for birds and flowers as evidence of His commitment to provide for His people, who are far more valuable to Him. This teaching invites believers to focus on God’s kingdom and righteousness, trusting that their needs will be met as they prioritize their relationship with Him. It is a reminder to let go of anxiety and rely on God’s faithful provision.

Luke 12:32-34 (NKJV)
32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus reassures His followers of God’s desire to grant them His kingdom, emphasizing His generosity and kindness. He urges them to place their treasures in heaven rather than clinging to earthly wealth. By encouraging them to give generously and invest in eternal riches, Jesus highlights that a person’s heart will be drawn to whatever they value most. This passage teaches that true security and joy come from storing treasures in heaven rather than in temporary possessions.

Luke 12:35-40 (NKJV)
35 “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning;
36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.
37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.
38 And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Jesus calls His followers to be vigilant and ready for His return, comparing it to servants awaiting their master’s arrival. He praises those who stay prepared and watchful, promising a blessing for their faithfulness. By emphasizing the unpredictability of His coming, Jesus underscores the importance of constant readiness. This passage teaches that spiritual alertness and dedication are essential for believers, as they do not know when they will meet the Lord.

Luke 12:41-48 (NKJV)
41 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?”
42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.
45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk,
46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”

Here, Jesus explains the responsibilities of a faithful steward, emphasizing that those entrusted with much must act responsibly and wisely. Faithful servants will be rewarded for their diligence, while those who abuse their power and neglect their duties will face severe consequences. Jesus also introduces the principle that those with greater knowledge and responsibility will be held to a higher standard. This passage highlights the seriousness of stewardship and the importance of fulfilling one’s duties to God.

Luke 12:49-53 (NKJV)
49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!
51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.
52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three.
53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Jesus speaks of the division that will arise because of His message. Although He is the Prince of Peace, His teachings will challenge people’s loyalties, even dividing families. This division reflects the difficult choices people must make in following Him, as His call requires total commitment. Jesus is aware of the cost of discipleship and the conflicts it may bring, yet He calls believers to remain steadfast, prioritizing their allegiance to Him above all else.

Luke 12:54-56 (NKJV)
54 Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is.
55 And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is.
56 Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?”

Jesus rebukes the crowd for being able to predict the weather while failing to recognize the spiritual signs of the times. He criticizes their lack of discernment regarding His message and the significance of His presence. This passage highlights the need for spiritual awareness, encouraging people to pay attention to God’s work and recognize His unfolding plan. It is a call to discernment, urging listeners to perceive God’s actions and respond appropriately.

Luke 12:57-59 (NKJV)
57 “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?
58 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.”

Jesus advises making peace with adversaries before facing judgment, using the example of settling disputes before reaching a judge. This teaching encourages humility, reconciliation, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. The imagery of being imprisoned until the last debt is paid reinforces the importance of resolving conflicts and being accountable. It’s a reminder to act wisely and seek peace in relationships, acknowledging that unresolved issues may lead to severe consequences.