Luke 12

Sins revealed

Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

In the mean time, as the Pharisees asked him question after question looking for a reason to condemn him. A great crowd assembled. They were stepping on each other to be where the action was. This was the entertainment of that time: Jesus speaking to the Pharisees. Jesus spoke to his close disciples: beware of the leaven, the sin of the Pharisees. What sin? Hypocrisy. They wished to trick Jesus, they were not sincere in their questions.

Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

Jesus knew their hearts, all sins will be revealed.

Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

You can't hide your sins from God, they all will be made public.

Luke 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Jesus speaks to his close friends, saying, do not be afraid of these hypocrites, they cannot touch your soul. They will pass away as will all flesh, then they will cry out to God, and he will not hear them, because they rejected His Son. So proud they are now, but they will see their lack. Fear them not.

Luke 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Fear God, not man. Receive Jesus by faith and become children of God. This is a better way for you then the way of the legalizing Pharisees and lawyers. In Jesus we are free, in him we are forgiven of sins. No other kind of law keeping will bring eternal life, but instead, judgment and separation.

Confession

Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Do not fear the Pharisees or men of power, but fear God who shall bring everything to His light of truth to be examined. God is concerned for all life, it is precious to him; including the lowly sparrows. How much more are you loved and known of God who made you for his fellowship and glory? He even knows the number of hairs on your head. What then? We respond with intimate words of love to the one who knows us so well. We tell Him of our love and worship of him. We cannot fool God.

Luke 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

I confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is God's Son, sent to redeem me from satan's bondage. Through him I am become an adopted son of God with all the rights and privileges. The LORD God is my Father, my daddy who loves me and wants me to come to him. Jesus is our savior who acknowledges us before the Father in the presence of the angel witnesses.

Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

We confess Jesus here, before men and Jesus confesses us to the Father, before angel witnesses.

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Luke 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Do not deny Jesus even if it is your feelings at the moment. He is your hope and way to eternal life with the Father. Jesus has grace to forgive you if you have spoken against him. The Pharisees could repent and be forgiven after being convicted by God through His Spirit. Saul of Tarsus, later called the apostle Paul is an example of a repentant Pharisee, who was convicted of God, repented and was received by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

This is called blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
Mark 3:30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

For example saying that the power that Jesus had was of the devil. Refusing the conviction of the Holy Spirit, which leads you to repentance and the forgiveness of Christ Jesus. No Holy Spirit conviction means no repentance and a heart hardened towards God's only way to be forgiven. You cannot be forgiven if you ignore or reject the Spirit of God. Come to Jesus and become a child of God, what an awesome miracle this is.

2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Take no thought

Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
Luke 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

When dangerous times come, from the Pharisees and lawyers, from enemies of God, do not worry or rehearse what to say. God's Holy Spirit goes with you and will teach you what to say. Our words are not inspired, His words are. When brought to trial and you are innocent, when being persecuted for Christ Jesus' sake, let Him speak truth to you through the Spirit of truth.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
John 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.

The battles that come because of our connection to God, are spiritual battles, that need the sword of the Spirit, the inspired word of God through you in time of need. Some of what comes to us is through our own doing, we also should receive the truth if we have failed to obey the law.

1 Pet 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
1 Pet 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1 Pet 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

The Inheritance

Luke 12:13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
Luke 12:14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you

Who decides who receives the inheritance? Is it not the one who made the will or testament? Jesus did not want to interfere with another mans covenant. Perhaps it was the will that one should receive all or as the law, two thirds going to the older son? Some say it is not fair that God would send some to hell. God has made a covenant through the blood of Jesus. All must come through the blood of the Lamb to receive forgiveness. If a person refuses the covenant he cannot legally receive of the will. The will or testament is through the blood of Jesus and no other way. Like this man who desired that he be given the inheritance, it is not lawful, unless the man gives him grace. As the old covenant excluded the Gentiles, the New Covenant receives all who come through the blood. This is God's grace for you, yet it must be received through His covenant. No man can overrule his will and testament. The covenant stands. Will you come lawfully through the door that is Jesus to gain all things of God. Why look for another way? There is no other way.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

The true problem with the man was covetousness.

Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Treasure

Luke 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

A rich man, a man already wealthy is blessed with a large harvest.

Luke 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

He thought within himself, he did not consult God, because he was rich and trusted in his riches. A rich man is a covetous man, never having enough. This parable was for the man who wanted more of his brothers inheritance, he too was covetous and only spoke to Jesus because he wanted him to make him have more money. It is not wise to seek God only for material wealth, he knows what you need.

Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

He wanted a building program so that he could have more room for all his goods. God is not interested in buildings or warehouses, he wants your heart. There are many big expensive church buildings with few people in them. Why waste God's money? Why build a warehouse to store wealth if your heart is not rich towards God? Who are we pleasing?

Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

It was all flesh, the desires of the flesh.

Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Who are you building for? Who will inherit your wealth? You can't take it where you are going. Is God impressed with your worldly splendor? Your soul will be required of you. What have you waiting for you, did you think of eternity?

Luke 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

This is a warning to those seeking the riches of this world with no thought of God and his judgment. What does God want from you?

Thoughts

Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Luke 12:23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Life is more than existing. Most have food and clothing so this is not to be our concern. Life should have more meaning than this.

Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

Ravens are fed by God, they do not build barns; perhaps referring to the man in the parable, who had planned to build a bigger barn to store all of his increase in food. This man's soul would be taken, so what use was all of his planning? A raven is fed and God can even use ravens to feed another, as with Elijah in time of need.

1 Ki 17:4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.
1 Ki 17:5 So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
1 Ki 17:6 And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

God provides for his servants.

Luke 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

All of our thoughts and concerns, cannot change our physical stature. Many spend much time trying to change the way they look, to be more accepted by the world. Few are satisfied with how they look. What about character and moral values? How much time do we spend in God's word and doing his will to please him? How many are satisfied with their spiritual life? How many give this no thought at all, until their soul is required?

Luke 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Forget the worldly concerns and put your focus on the things of God. This does not mean that we are to cease from working. We have worldly responsibilities so that we may bless others in this world.

1 Tim 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
1 Tim 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
1 Tim 5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

We have physical responsibilities and we have responsibilities that are spiritual. Often they are close together. Sometimes they are distinctly different.

Mat 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
Mat 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Mat 22:19 Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
Mat 22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
Mat 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

We must be responsible in all of our affairs, for God is faithful to us.

Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Lilies are beautiful and do not last long. God clothed them and he will clothe you. They did not toil to earn clothing. Nor do they spin. I know that when lilies grow that they spin, as evidenced by time lapse photography. Spinning lilies probably refers to spinning yarn to make clothing.

Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
Luke 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

God is the source of all of our needs.

Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Do not be afraid for you shall not perish if you trust in Jesus. The kingdom of God is yours.

Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Again he said to sell, and give alms to the poor and needy. How hard this is to do, especially for a rich man. Our heart is with what we value most.

Servants

Luke 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Luke 12:43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

The faithful servant shall be blessed and will be rewarded.

Luke 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

In the millennium, he will be a king and or a priest.

Luke 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
Luke 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

The unfaithful servant will be cut off and placed with the unbelievers to be judged at the second resurrection.

Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

The unfaithful servant who knew God's will, will have a more severe punishment.

Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

The servant who knew not the will of the Lord and who sinned, will not receive as great a punishment. They both are judged by what they knew and what they were given from God and what they did. The Lord is a just judge and no sin may enter heaven. Those not in heaven will be judged according to a righteous judgment. The most severe judgment would be as for satan, to be cast into the lake of fire to be tormented forever.

Fire

Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

The fire of his judgment; for his word shall judge the nations, but first he will judge individuals and the church as to sins needing to be repented of. John the Baptist spoke:

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Chaff, can refer to that which is not of God, including unrepentant sinners. He also will prepare his church, his bride, to purify her.

1 Pet 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1 Pet 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
1 Pet 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Baptism is to be immersed, he would be immersed in the thing which he is compelled to finish. Baptism for us is symbolic of what he was about to accomplish for us. He was to shed his blood on the cross for the remission of our sins. He was to be buried in the cave tomb, and he would arise from the grave. This was the baptism that he was to accomplish for us so that we may be identified with him as children of God. By receiving Jesus by faith we are kept from the eternal fire of God's judgment for sins. We are baptized with him and receive the Holy Ghost, His seal on us until we are with him. He was "straitened" until his work was accomplished. He had a specific plan to follow and as a man he had to obey the Father. The Spiritual Son of God was bound in a human body, much like the babe was bound in swaddling cloths. He was kept straitened until the fullness of time, his crucifixion and then he was free to be as He was with the Father. Jesus, by being straitened to the purpose he was sent to do, accomplished our redemption. He is the strait way that all must travel to enter into the presence of God.

Division

Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

No division of those who are his, but division of those who trust in him from those who do not.

Luke 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

In the end, the sheep will be separated from the goats. Being in a family does not save you. Each must receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

The sword of truth will divide.

Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Signs of the times

Luke 12:54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
Luke 12:55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
Luke 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Why did they not discern who Jesus was and that it was the time of his visitation? There were prophecies, had they not learned them? What of our times? Are we aware that Jesus is coming again, soon? What are the signs of his return?

Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luke 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Luke 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Paul mentions one more sign; the man of sin who will be revealed, seating himself in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.

2 Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

All has come to pass but the rebuilding of the temple, yet that is in the news too.

Settle it

Luke 12:57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

This can be understood in our dealings with others over disputes. Also, it can apply to discerning that the time is short and we need to get right with God.

Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
Luke 12:59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Settle disputes before going to court.

1 Cor 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
1 Cor 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1 Cor 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
1 Cor 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
1 Cor 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
1 Cor 6:6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
1 Cor 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
1 Cor 6:8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

Who knows, you may receive an ungodly judge and be sent to prison. In the eternal perspective, we are to get our lives right before Jesus returns. First we are to receive him as Lord and savior, then when he comes we will be received by him as his beloved. If we trust in our own works, when he comes we will not be received and be as an infidel. Be wise and settle things now.

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