Luke 12

Yeast spreads through dough until it is entirely leavened. Leaven became a symbol of sin's spreading power (Exodus 12:14–20; 1 Corinthians 5:6). Like yeast, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees would spread until it affected all the people.

These verses warn against hypocrisy (pretending to be good or righteous). All thoughts will be revealed by God, who knows all things and will judge every human being (Job 10:4–7; 11:11; Psalms 11:4; 33:15; 139:12; Proverbs 15:3).

hell (Greek Gehenna): Gehenna was the Valley of Hinnom, a ravine on the southwest side of Jerusalem. It became a picture of hell because some Israelites had sacrificed their children there to false gods (Jeremiah 32:35).

Jesus taught his disciples to never be afraid of enemies who can only take away their life on earth. Instead, they should fear God, who alone has authority over final judgment.

Each of the two pennies was worth about half an hour of work for a person who earned a living by working day jobs.

will also confess him before the angels of God: At the final judgment (see Daniel 7:7–14).

The Holy Spirit guides people to God. A person who speaks against (blasphemes) the Holy Spirit and rejects the Spirit’s witness about Jesus also rejects God. This is the unforgivable sin (see study notes on Matthew 12:31–32).

brought before synagogues: Jesus predicted persecution from Jews in the synagogues and from Gentile rulers and authorities. Paul and other apostles faced both kinds of persecution throughout Acts.

tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me: In Judaism, the oldest son received twice as much of the family estate (Deuteronomy 21:17). He was responsible for dividing up the rest after his father’s death. This younger brother wanted his share of the estate (compare Luke 15:11–32).

This parable shows the danger of trusting in riches instead of in God.

Guard yourselves against every form of greed: See Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21; Job 31:24–25; Psalm 49; Ecclesiastes 2:1–11.

On the surface, the rich man’s plan seemed wise. But he thought only about himself (compare Ecclesiastes 5:10). He did not think about giving any of his crops to people in need. He assumed that his wealth would last. He only wanted a place to store it and did not include God in his plans (see James 4:13–17). So God’s judgment against him was just.

• myself (Literally soul): The man was speaking to himself.

• You fool! In Scripture, a fool is not someone with low intelligence, but someone who dishonors and disobeys God (Psalm 14:1–5).

• your life will be required of you: The man believed his soul was secure, but God was not pleased with him.

After Jesus warns against greed (not being content), he teaches about living in dependence on God (12:13–21). The disciples of Jesus were to focus on God’s kingdom and his purpose in this world rather than being obsessed with possessions.

Consider the ravens: Ravens were ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 11:15; Deuteronomy 14:14). But God cared even for them (Psalm 147:9).

add a single hour to his life (literally add a single cubit to his length): Worry cannot make life any longer.

King Solomon was one of the wealthiest kings in the world during his time (see 2 Chronicles 9:13–22).

the Gentiles: The Greek word ethnē can mean “the nations” or “the Gentiles.” To a Jewish audience, it meant all who were not God’s people.

seek His kingdom: Live God’s way, follow his purpose, and obey him.

little flock: God is the shepherd of his people (Psalm 23; Jeremiah 13:17; Ezekiel 34; Zechariah 10:3). Israel’s leaders were also known as shepherds. The prophets criticized them for harming or neglecting their people ("flock"; Ezekiel 34; Zechariah 10:3).

• Sell your possessions and give to the poor: This is not a command to sell everything a person owns, because other parts of the Bible assume that believers may own property. Instead, it means recognizing that everything we have belongs to God and should be used to serve him and his people (see Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–34). Believers are responsible for helping the poor, especially other believers (Galatians 6:10).

• treasure in heaven: See Luke 16:1–13 and Matthew 6:19–21. When God gives wealth, he also gives an opportunity to help people in need.

keep your lamps burning: This is a picture of being ready and staying watchful (Exodus 27:20–21; Leviticus 24:2; Psalm 18:28; Matthew 25:1–13).

Jesus compared his faithful followers to servants in a master's house. These servants were always ready for his return and did a good job managing the resources he left with them.

The master could return from the wedding banquet at any time of day or night. The followers of Jesus should always remain faithful and prepared for his return.

• he himself will come and wait on them: In Middle Eastern culture, the master would never serve his servants. Jesus changed the master's role by serving his disciples, offering himself for them, and providing for all their needs (see 22:24–27).

• he will dress himself to serve: In this culture, servants often tied up or adjusted their long robes before working so they could move freely. The picture here is surprising because the master takes the place of a servant and personally cares for his guests. This shows the generosity and humility of the master.

the Son of Man will come: See “The Son of Man” Theme Note.

The faithful, sensible servant was a household manager. Wealthy homeowners appointed gifted and educated slaves as chief executive officers over their affairs.

in charge of all his possessions: In the Roman world, many servants were slaves and were legally considered the property of their masters. Even so, some slaves were given great responsibility. They could manage the household, oversee property, and act with the authority of the master.

• He will cut him to pieces: Harsh physical punishment like this was known in the ancient world. It is not clear whether Jesus was describing punishment in this life or final judgment.

• assign him a place with the unbelievers: This could mean treating him like an unbeliever in this life, or condemning him with unbelievers in the final judgment. The meaning depends on whether Jesus was speaking about discipline for an unfaithful believer or condemnation of an unbeliever. In either case, the warning is clear: an unfaithful servant will face severe judgment.

• Who knows ... who unknowingly: Sins committed in ignorance receive less punishment than deliberate sins (Numbers 15:22–26; Psalm 19:13; compare Luke 23:34).

• From everyone who has been given much: Believers will be held responsible for the knowledge and resources they have been given (James 3:1). A sin in ignorance is still a sin.

I have come to ignite a fire: The ministry of Jesus brought great change. It brought judgment on the wicked and purification for the righteous (see 3:16–17; 9:54; 17:29; Deuteronomy 4:24; Amos 5:6; Hebrews 12:29).

a baptism to undergo: The Scriptures often describe God's judgment as an overwhelming flood (Psalms 18:4; 42:7; 69:1–2; Isaiah 8:7–8; 30:27–28; Jonah 2:5).

No, I tell you, but division: The ministry of Jesus demands a decision for or against God that divides even family members.

Jesus quotes Micah 7:6, which was interpreted by the rabbis as the crisis and persecution that would lead to the Messiah’s coming.

Clouds beginning to form in the west brought rain from the Mediterranean Sea.

The hot south wind blows into Israel from the Arabian Desert to the south and east (Job 37:17; Jeremiah 4:11).

on your way to the magistrate: This case involved an unpaid debt and could lead to prison for the debtor. The officer was either a court official or a prison guard. It was wise to settle matters with your accuser before reaching the court. In the same way, people should make things right with God before the final judgment.