Luke Chapter Twelve
Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees
[Verse 1 parallels Matthew 16:6, 12; Mark 8:15]
12:1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
A large crowd of many thousand (Greek ‘myriadōn’,[1] meaning many, innumerable, large number, first appearance in New Testament, the English word ‘myriad’ is derived from this word, can also mean ten thousand) people were gathering. So many and large that some were even being trampled. While the crowd was still moving in, Jesus warned His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. After publicly proclaiming the woes to the Pharisees (see Luke 11:37-52), Jesus now explains, using the metaphor of leaven being corruptive,[2] that the teachings of the Pharisees were wrong and deceptive. He further notes that everything will be exposed, nothing that is covered up or hidden that will not be made known. Everything said in the dark will be heard in the light and what was said privately will be shouted from housetops. Hypocrites will one day be seen and heard for what they are, self-righteous liars.
Do Not Fear
12:4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Still speaking to His disciples, calling them friends,[3] Jesus tells them not to fear those who can kill the physical body, since once a person is dead nothing more can be done to them. Instead, He warns them that they should fear the One who has the authority to cast someone into hell. To emphasize that no one can fool God, Jesus tells them that all things are known by God using the illustration that even though five sparrows are sold for two pennies, not one is forgotten or neglected by God. Jesus then adds that God knows everyone intimately including knowing the number of hairs on a person’s head. Therefore, they should not have any fear as they are certainly more valuable than many sparrows.
Considerations
Who Has the Authority to Cast Someone to Hell?
To answer that question one should first understand why would someone be sent to hell. The short answer is that since all human beings are born into sin and because they are sinners everyone continues to sin (disobeying God).[4] Since the punishment for sin is death and ultimately the separation from God, instead of heaven, the final destination for unrepentant sinners is an eternity in hell (see Matthew 13:40-42; 18:8-12; 25:41; Luke 16:24; Romans 6:23; 2 Peter 2:4-10; Jude 6-7). Meaning all humans are destined to hell. But knowing that man cannot do anything to change that destination, God sent His Son to live a sinless life, suffer, die, and rise to life again, so that those that choose to spend eternity with Jesus can accept His free offer of salvation, and instead of going to hell will go to heaven. But, being a Christian, you already know that! So who has the authority to send someone to hell? Well it isn’t Satan. After Jesus conquered death and sin on the cross, God the Father gave all authority to Jesus (remember the Great Commission, see Matthew 28:18-20).
On Judgment Day Jesus will use that authority to sentence unbelievers to hell. We read in Revelation where John saw Jesus on a throne, “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15) The lake of fire is another name for hell.[5] Paul wrote, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” As all believer’s names are written in God’s book of life (see Revelation 3:5), none will be sent to hell.[6] The answer to the question is Jesus.
Acknowledge Jesus Before Men
[Verse 10 parallels Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-30]
12:8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
After clarifying that He has the authority to send someone to hell, Jesus tells them that everyone who acknowledges (Greek ‘homolegēsē’,[7] to agree with) Him before others, He will acknowledge them before the angels of God and before all those in heaven. But for those who deny Jesus before men will be denied before those in heaven. Jesus is explaining how God’s plan for salvation works. If someone accepts what He says and promises (as being the truth), they will have eternal life with Jesus in heaven. If someone speaks against Jesus they can be forgiven, but if they blaspheme (Greek ‘blasphēmēsanti’,[8] to slander, speak evil of or against) the Holy Spirit (not just in words spoken, but truly reject the Holy Spirit) they are denying the power and authority of the Holy Spirit.[9]
Jesus, tells them that when they are brought before people in synagogues, rulers, and those in authority, they are not to be anxious about how to defend themselves or what to say. The Holy Spirit will instruct them on what to say at that time. While these instructions were given to Jesus’ disciples, they are still valid for Christians today. This should not be used as a reason to not study the Bible as understanding the Bible is a requirement for Spiritual growth, it is, however, comforting to know all a Christian needs to be is willing to be used by God. He will take care of the rest.
The Parable of the Foolish Rich Man
12:13 Someone in 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 arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Someone from the crowd asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him. Jesus replied by asking, “Who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Turning to the crowd, Jesus told them to be on their guard against all covetousness, as life is not about owning things or have an abundance of possessions. To illustrate, He tells them a short parable which begins with a wealthy man whose land was very productive. So much so that he wondered where he was going to store all his bounty. Then he decided to tear down his barns and build larger ones so that he will be able to store all his grain and all his goods. Then at that time he could say to himself, “You have ample goods laid up for many years, so relax, eat, drink and be merry.” But God said to him, “Fool!” This night your life will be taken from you, and now all these things you have prepared, whose will they belong to now? “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God” (verse 21, NLT). This parable is not suggesting that all possessions are bad, but when they create a false sense of security negating the need for a relationship with God, they are not only temporary, but can also result in eternal condemnation.
It is interesting to note that the reason that this unidentified man that asked Jesus to instruct his brother, was likely requested because Jesus was seen to be a person with great authority and wisdom. Someone whose decision would have carried significant weight. It is also likely He was asked several similar types of questions during His ministry. For this occasion Jesus used it to introduce His lesson. However, note that Jesus did not answer the request. As God, He could have given the man a direct answer, but didn’t. His focus was always on the kingdom of God, just as Christians should also always be focused on His kingdom.
Do Not Be Anxious
[Verses 22-31 parallel Matthew 6:25-33]
12:22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
After telling the crowd the parable of the foolish rich man that concluded with the understanding that instead of focusing on the pursuit of wealth, believers are to rely on God for their needs. Jesus tells His disciples to therefore not be anxious about their own lives, including not worrying about what they are going to eat, about their bodies, and what they are going to wear. Jesus tells them that life is more than just food and the body is more than just clothing.[10]
12:24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, 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 are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
Jesus uses the example of a raven (the word can also be a reference to a crow), these birds don’t plant crops nor reap them, they don’t have any storehouses or barns, but yet God feeds them. He tells them that they are far more valuable than the birds and then asks if someone does worry, can they add a single hour to their life? If that is not possible then why worry about the rest? Using lilies as another example, Jesus calls their attention to how they grow, they neither toil (Greek ‘kopia’,[11] become weary from labor) nor spin (to twist fiber into yarn or thread), yet even King Solomon in all his glorious clothes was not arrayed like a lily. He asks if God so clothes the grass (Greek ‘chorton’,[12] can be any plant in a field, including lilies), which is alive in the field today and then tomorrow thrown into the oven (can also be translated as a furnace), how much more will He clothe them? He tells them that they must have faith as they are not to seek for what to eat, drink, or even be worried! For all the people and nations of the world seek after these things, but for them God the Father knows that they need them, and while pursuing the kingdom of God, all these things will be given to them.[13]
Just as the parable emphasized, the pursuit of obtaining food, drink, clothing, and other possessions for oneself is not what life on earth is about. Jesus is not only saying God will take care of these things, He is preparing them to understand that life is about serving others and to help them find salvation.
12:32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Jesus tells them again to not fear, as His Father is delighted to give them the kingdom of God. They are to give to those that are in need, that by doing so they are providing for themselves ’moneybags’ (Greek ‘ballantia’,[14] a pouch or purse) that does not wear out, in which they can store in heaven their efforts in helping others. As heavenly treasures will not breakdown, be stolen, or be destroyed by pests. Jesus is not referring to actual moneybags nor physical treasures, but those things that are important, namely efforts done to help others, especially in alignment with the Great Commission. Note that these instructions given to His disciples apply to every Christian today, Jesus reminds us in verse 34 that where our treasure is, those things that are important to us, that is where our hearts are.
While there is plenty in the world today to be concerned over, perhaps more today than any other time in history, Christians should never be distracted from what is important. God has not and will not change His commission to us until we are with Him in heaven. So don’t stop!
Be Ready
12:35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.
While one is involved in helping others and serving God, Jesus tells them to also “stay dressed” for action and keep their lamps burning and be like servants who were waiting for their master to come home.[15] So that they may open the door for Him as soon as He comes back and knocks. Jesus is calling all disciples to be ready for His return. He is not asking His disciples and Christians to remain clothed at all times, nor is He saying that lights must remain on, but they should be active doing what God has called them to do. Jesus will use several parables to illustrate in the following multi-part lesson regarding the need to be prepared (although He gets interrupted several times extending this lesson into chapter 13).
12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Jesus notes that those that are awake and serving Him when He returns at His second coming will be blessed. Plus, they will be served by Him! He will come and dress Himself in servant’s clothing and serve them, even if He comes in the middle of the night or early in the morning, they will still be blessed and rewarded for being ready. Jesus says that if the master of a house knew what day or time a thief was going to break into the house, he would not have left the house. Just like the master of that house, no one knows when Jesus will return, everyone needs to be active in the kingdom and be ready.
12:41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?”
Since Jesus may have appeared to be primarily talking to Peter and the other disciples, but still being surrounded by a large crowd, Peter asks Jesus who is He talking to, who is He teaching? Jesus indirectly answers with another parable.
12:42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
In this next parable, Jesus identifies two different servants. The first one being a faithful and wise manager that is actively involved in feeding his household at the proper time and is found continuing doing that when the Master returns. He will be rewarded and given responsibility over all of the Master’s possessions. The other servant is identified as one who says to himself, “My master is delayed in coming,” and begins to beat the other servants. Instead of feeding others, he is eating, drinking, and getting drunk himself. When the master comes back at an hour he is not expected, he will cut that servant into pieces and be sent out with others who have been unfaithful. Since that servant knew what the Master wanted done, but did not do it, he will receive a severe beating. But those that did not know the Master’s will, and even though they also did what would deserve a severe beating, they will get a lighter beating.
This second parable is another widely-interpreted and somewhat controversial lesson. The first servant is described as being a faithful (Greek ‘pistos’,[16] meaning to win over, worthy of belief, trusting) and wise manager (Greek ‘oikonomos’,[17] a manager who handles business affairs for a family or business) who is doing what they were called to do. Referring to a Christian who understands their role in the kingdom and is actively doing just that, such as taking care of others (feeding, teaching, evangelism, etc., reminiscent of what Jesus later will tell Peter what to do, see John 21:15-19). The faithful and wise manager is any Christian doing what they were called to do and remain faithful in that endeavor until either they are unable to do that any longer, either due to death or when Jesus returns, this is not just limited to the apostles.
The second servant thought that since they could not perceive any urgency to comply with their Master’s wishes, they were going to do what they wanted to do. So they treated others poorly and partied, taking care of only themselves. The controversy begins with the punishment of this ‘unwise’ servant, that he will be cut into pieces and put with the unfaithful (Greek ‘apistōn’,[18] without belief, without faith), along with other unbelievers, namely sent to hell. The question that is most often raised is, “Who is Jesus talking about?” A believer who disobeys Scripture and God’s wishes or someone who may know of Jesus but is not a believer? Since all that is required to enter heaven is the belief that Jesus will save them and even though they may not be a disciple,[19] they will be saved. So this person is an unbeliever, someone who may have grown up in a Christian family, been involved with a church that did not encourage a relationship with Jesus, followed a man-made religious protocol instead of Jesus, or never knew or had faith in Jesus as their Savior.[20] Sadly, resulting in eternal condemnation in hell.
But there is another element to the controversy. If this second servant is to receive a ’severe’ beating and a person who did not accept Jesus’ offer for salvation, were also sent to hell but will only receive a ‘light’ beating. Some believe that this is a reference to people who never heard the gospel message, and since they are still guilty of sin, end up in hell. In either scenario, the question that is then asked is, “Does that mean that there are different levels of punishment in hell?” Jesus says that, to those given much, then much will be expected and to those entrusted with much more, there will be even greater expectations. It does appear that the level of torment or punishment in hell will be directly proportional to their knowledge of the truth that was then rejected by them in life (see also John 3:36; Acts 17:30-34; Ephesians 4:17-24; 1 Peter 1:14). Some debate otherwise.[21]
Not Peace, but Division
[Verses 51-53 parallel Matthew 10:34-35]
12:49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father 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 mother-in-law.”
Continuing His response to Peter’s question, Jesus clarifies His role in what we might call His “First Coming.” In the parable He taught about the Master that left for a wedding feast and then came home unexpectedly, as well as the parable that followed, Jesus was telling them that He would be gone for a while. That there was a lot of work that needed to be done by His followers before He returned. They needed to understand that their expectations of the Messiah bringing worldwide peace was not going to happen just yet. Instead, Jesus points out that He came to “cast fire” on the earth, an often-used Biblical metaphor for judgment (see Deuteronomy 32:22; 2 Samuel 22:8-9; Psalms 21:8-10; 50:3; 78:21-22; 97:3; Isaiah 26:11; 29:5-7; 30:29-33; 33:14; 66:15-16; Jeremiah 4:4; 15:14; 21:12; Lamentations 2:3-4; 4:11; Ezekiel 21:31-32; 22:19-22, 31; Amos 1:1-2:5; 5:6; Nahum 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Hebrews 10:27). Jesus then said “and I wish it were already burning!” (verse 49b, NLT) as the event that will kindle that fire of judgment would be His death and resurrection. He adds that He has yet a ‘baptism’ (a reference to an ordeal involving severe suffering, see also Mark 10:38-39) to be “baptized with” and that He will be experiencing great distress until it was all completely finished, referring to His suffering, death on the cross, and resurrection.[22]
The event that would kindle the fire of judgment was His death, which Jesus described as a baptism He had to undergo. Baptism refers to His immersion under divine judgment (cf. Mark 10:38); before He judged unbelievers for their sin, Christ Himself was judged by God for the sins of believers. That took place at the cross when He “redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13; cf. Isa. 53:5–6, 11–12; Rom. 4:25; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). In that verse Paul expressed the essential, non-negotiable doctrine of penal substitution, which “states that God gave Himself in the person of his Son to suffer instead of us the death, punishment and curse due to fallen humanity as the penalty for sin.[23]
Jesus then states outright that He did not come to give peace on earth and that instead His ministry would bring division (Greek ‘diamerismon’,[24] can also be translated as ‘dissension’). Using several examples, Jesus points out that due to His ministry, accomplishments on the cross and victory over death, people will be divided as to what it means. Some will accept the truth while others will not be convinced, which in turn can cause hostility within families.[25]
Interpreting the Time
[Text parallels Matthew 16:2-3]
12:54 He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. 55 And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
Talking to the crowds, Jesus notes how well they know and understand the signs to predict the weather. He then calls them hypocrites for knowing how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but do not know how to interpret the present time. A similar statement is recorded in Matthew 16:2-3 when Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees after they asked for another sign from heaven,[26] He told them that they couldn’t interpret the times either. While the Pharisees and Sadducees should have been aware of Scriptural prophecy and knew the Messiah would be coming at this time,[27] Luke does not record their presence at this sermon (although being called hypocrites may imply their presence). It appears that Jesus is calling on all of His people to be Scripturally aware and not be ignorant of any signs of the times.
Settle with Your Accuser
[Text parallels Matthew 5:25-26]
12:57 “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58 As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. 59 I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.”
Jesus continues to speak to the crowds, asking them, “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?” This three-verse passage is often interpreted as a reference to Christians suing or otherwise accusing other Christians of some disagreement. While actions like that should be discouraged, these verses instead pertain to being able to self-examine one self. Through the understanding of the Word of God, we should be able to recognize our own sin and repent of those sins immediately. Jesus uses the example of someone being accused of reneging on paying what is owed and is en route to court to see the judge. That while on the way they should settle with their accuser before entering the court, where they will be formally charged with a crime and be put into prison until every penny owed the accuser had been paid. Jesus is saying the time for reconciliation is now, before judgment day (see also Isaiah 55:6; John 5:24; 6:37; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Colossians 2:13-14). It is interesting to note that some take these verses out of context to support the false doctrine of purgatory, a temporary ’holding’ area for final purification. The doctrine promotes the idea that people can be potentially pardoned from their sins after death through the prayers of those still alive.
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[1] Strong’s Greek 3461.
[2] See commentary under Matthew 13:33.
[3] First reference in New Testament where Jesus calls His disciples ‘friends’.
[4] See “The Problem of Sin” in the Introduction of the book.
[5] See also Considerations under Matthew 8:5-13 regarding "Hell By Any Other Name is Still Hell or Is it?"
[6] Remember believers will not face the Great White Throne Judgment. See commentary under Matthew 12:33-37, see also Considerations under Matthew 8:5-13 regarding “Hell By Any Other Name is Still Hell or Is it?”
[7] Strong’s Greek 3670.
[8] Strong’s Greek 987.
[9] See also commentaries under Matthew 12:30-32 and Mark 3:28-30 regarding blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
[10] See also commentary under Matthew 6:25.
[11] Strong’s Greek 2872.
[12] Strong’s Greek 5528.
[13] See also commentary under Matthew 6:26-33.
[14] Strong’s Greek 905.
[15] See Appendix 7 - "A Galilean Wedding" for additional information regarding how Jesus taught using local Galilean customs.
[16] Strong’s Greek 4103.
[17] Strong’s Greek 3623.
[18] Strong’s Greek 571.
[19] See commentary and Considerations under Matthew 8:18-22 "Disciples."
[20] See commentary under Matthew 7:21-23 and the commentary and Considerations under Matthew 18:10-14 "Are Christians Secure in their Salvation?"
[21] See Considerations under Matthew 8:5-13 "Hell By Any Other Name is Still Hell or Is it?"
[22] See commentary and Considerations under Mark 10:35-45.
[23] MacArthur, J. (2013). Luke 11–17 (p. 171). Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.
[24] Strong’s Greek 1267.
[25] See also commentary under Matthew 10:34-39.
[26] See commentary under Matthew 16:1-4.
[27] See commentary and Considerations under Matthew 21:6-11.