Lectionary Calendar

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024
the Third Week after Easter

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Luke 12

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Introduction

Introduction
Pray…
1. Last week we spoke of how we as a church need to take God, the church and our role very seriously.
2. Jesus told us to be a light on a hilltop and not cover it over or hide it …then He spoke of hypocrisy. We’re going to hear about that this morning briefly…
3. But I believe the Lord would have us to be encouraged if we are truly seeking to follow Him…if we have placed our faith in Him alone as our Saviour and Lord.
4. It’s easy to become discouraged and today can be a time of encouragement if we’ll humble our hearts before the Lord and say, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening”.

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Verses 1-3

The Warning
Luk 12:1-3 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. 2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 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.
1. “In the mean time…” >> points back to the last two verses of chapter 11: Luk 11:53-54 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things: 54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
2. Understand the scene…there are people beyond counting – so many that they’re stepping on each other and He begins to speak to His disciples:
3. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees… (leaven {or yeast} is a picture of sin in the Bible)
  1. Beware – be wary! Be cautious…be guarded…be careful…
  2. LEAVEN: Gal 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
4. The sin of the Pharisees was their hypocrisy – their “putting on the mask” to look holy before the people yet their hearts were far from Him…
5. Their sinful activities that surrounded feeding their egos and filling the pockets with riches were done in secret (they thought), yet Jesus says it will all be revealed.
6. And the negative, critical, judgmental & hateful things they had said – they’ll be proclaimed from the rooftops!
7. The warning for us is to take care we don’t become complacent and drift into a comfort level that doesn’t include our relationship with Jesus!.

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Verses 4-5

The Guidance
Luk 12:4-5 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. 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.
1. Don’t be afraid of those who can kill you (because that’s all THEY can do…):: Remember:
  1. Heb 13:14 (NLT) For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
2. But (rather), fear the One who can cast your soul into HELL!
3. Our attitude, our vision and our ministry should be focused upon our eternal home and not our temporary dwelling place!
4. Our fear, our reverence and our love should be towards God!
5. We fear for those who are perishing, we understand our great God’s severity and walk in fear of His chastisement.
6. We reverence the Holy One of Israel because of His great love, care, compassion and mercy. Side Note: This leads us to obedience…
  1. Luke 7:47 tells us that the person who is forgiven much, loves much! Why?
  2. Rom 2:4b the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
  3. And if, seeing our great forgiveness, we love much; then we will keep Jesus’ commandments! Why? John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
  4. And what are His commandments? Joh 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
7. Finally, to sum this up…Tit 2:11-15 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

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Verses 6-12

The Comfort
Jesus concludes this discussion by sharing some comforting thoughts with His disciples…
1. Our Value
  Luk 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
  1. Two farthings was the equivalent of a penny – and God cares for them…YOU ARE of more value than many of them in God’s eyes!
  2. He cares for us so much that He has even numbered the hairs on our heads (note: not counted – this is more work because they have been labeled).
  3. Psa 139:17-18 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
2. His Confession
  1. As we get to these next two verses…remember that He is talking to His disciples, not the crowd in general.
    Luk 12:8-9 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 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.
  2. Jesus knows they have confessed Him & that they believe in Him as much as they are capable this side of the cross.
  3. This word confess, in the Greek, means: “Should be avowing” and avow means:
    1. To declare openly, with a view to justify, maintain or defend; or simply to own, acknowledge or confess frankly; as, a man avows his principles or his crimes.
  4. We think of: Rom 10:9-10 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
  5. In Rom 10:9, confess means to declare openly (similar to Luke 12:8)…the addition here is the word “Lord” which means “Supreme Authority”!
  6. Verse 9 in the Greek, however, means that “he who disowns me before men will be being renounced before the messengers of God”. Be-being means continually!
  7. Verse 10: blasphemy is: to vilify; to defame, rail on, revile, or speak evil.
  8. In other words…if the wooing work of the Holy Spirit is attributed to Satan and as evil…then that won’t be forgiven. Thus, rejecting Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God and therefore not receiving Him as Lord and Savior will send a person to Hell.
3. The World’s Persecution
  Luk 12:11-12 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: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
  1. And…the continuation of the thoughts of how God cares for you…
  2. “When” they bring you before leaders and question your faith…the Holy Ghost shall teach you what to say when you need to say it.
  3. Heb 13:5b-6 …for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Conclusion
1. Eph 3:14-21 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

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Verses 13-21

Introduction
Read: Luke 12:13-14
1. Last week we found Jesus warning His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees…and as He did that, He also encouraged us:
2. He told us that we should fear God and not Satan or man…as they can’t effect our eternal salvation,
3. He told us how important we are to the Father and said we are of great value…
4. And He told us to not worry when we face persecution as the Holy Spirit will teach us what to say at the appropriate time…
5. As He was finishing us this last point He was interrupted by the man in v. 13…and this question will drive all of today’s teaching.
The Heart of the Issue
1. Covetousness
  Luk 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.
  1. Jesus jumped right into the heart of this issue: the man was coveting!
  2. The heart of the issue is always the issue of the heart! The man wanted what he didn’t have – that’s the bottom line of coveting…
  3. We can covet cars, jobs, spouses, money, toys, houses – you name it!
  4. When something becomes a greater priority for us than God…it has become an idol. Paul tells us in Col 3…
    1. Col 3:5-6 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
    2. (Rather) Col 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
2. A Parable
  Luk 12:16-20 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 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. 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. 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?
  1. The man uses the term “I” six times – 6 is the number of man and this parable speaks to us of a man who was very successful and yet, very self focused and very much in his flesh.
  2. In fact, this man was so surprisingly successful he hadn’t planned big enough to hold his crops and so he was reacting to the situation.
  3. All of the “I”’s speak to his lack of acknowledgment that God was the reason for his success…”what shall ** I ** do, not God what would YOU have me to do.
  4. Note, as well, that the man’s end goal was to eat, drink and be merry. He had no Kingdom focus – He was not seeking the Lord and His will, He was not giving to the poor and needy or tithing – his end goal was to fulfill the lusts of his flesh, eyes and his pride.
  5. God gives us the answer to this man’s motivation – He didn’t believe in God. Jesus said, “Thou fool” – and in Psalm 14 we read, “the fool has said in his heart that there is no God!”
  6. This man was his own worst enemy as he worshipped himself! …he held the truth of God in all unrighteousness (Rom 1:17).
3. The Result
  Luk 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
  1. When we are focused on building our own empire, our own riches, our own success and comfort…we are like this man.
  2. The opposite is one who is focused on glorifying God in all of His actions…let’s remember:
    1. Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
    2. Isa 43:6-7 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; 7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
  3. We are to be living sacrifices as Paul describes in Rom 12:1, we are to be ambassadors as we read in 2Cor 5:20.
  4. 2Co 9:6-7 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
  5. Paul quoted Jesus in the book of Acts where He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. As we see all that Jesus gave us…we should see that we are called to give with the same heart as He.
  6. We are to be in an abiding relationship with the God of the universe and as a bond-slave, following His will for our lives and not living for our own will. Shining our light for HIM!

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Verses 22-34

Seek the Lord
1. Take No Thought
  Luk 12:22-23 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. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
  1. THEREFORE…in light of this parable and the call to be rich towards God…
  2. Don’t worry about the basic necessities of life…God has it handled, planned and His provision is in process.
  3. Why? Life is more than meat – our bodies are for more than showing off clothing.
2. 4 Examples
  1. Luk 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?
  2. Luk 12:25-26 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
  3. Luk 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.
  4. Luk 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
3. Seeking the Kingdom
  Luk 12:29-32 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
  1. Don’t strive…don’t stress; worry and fear are of no value – rather, trust God!
  2. Seek God first, seek Him most – seek Him above all else!
    1. Isa 55:1-2 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
    2. Isa 55:6-7 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
    3. Rev 3:17-19 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Conclusion
Jesus provides our conclusion today…Luk 12:33-34 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. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1. Being rich towards God encompasses our entire lives…God wants all of us – our fears, our insecurities, our time, our talents, our money and resources: why?
2. They are all His anyway and we are simply His managers of them – since they are His, shouldn’t we ask Him what He wants done with them and trust Him for our provision?
3. After all…He is a “good, good Father”!

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Verses 35-48

Introduction
Read: Luke 12:1-3, 32-34
1. In the discourse of chapter 12, so far, Jesus has warned His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees…and as He did that, He also told us:
2. We should fear God and not Satan or man…as they can’t effect our eternal salvation,
3. And, yet, we ended last week with the understanding that we should also trust God for our very lives, our provision, our finances and that we should be rich towards God and not live in fear of the unknown…
4. And finished in v. 21 that we should be rich towards God because, in v. 34…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
5. All of these differing areas speak to one main idea in the chapter…our attitude towards God!
6. Today, we will continue addressing our attitudes by looking at how Jesus says we should live in expectation of His return…namely: Waiting, Watching, Ready, and “Wise & Faithful”!
Faithful Steward
1. Be Waiting
  Luke 12:35-36 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
  1. Jesus begins this section by telling us to be waiting for our Lord’s return…that we are “LIKE” servants who should be waiting for their Lord! (and yet, we are His servants and He is our Lord and we are waiting for His return)
  2. Look at the terms…be girded: be dressed and ready. The analogy is that we should already have our white robes of righteousness – that comes from being saved.
    1. Isa 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
    2. Many people think they’ll get right with Jesus at the 11^th hour, only find themselves dying at 10:30…
  3. Have your lights burning…meaning, be able to see clearly.
    1. Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
    2. We should be walking and living according to God’s Word…what does it say and what does it mean to me?
    3. The Word gives us illumination so that we don’t stumble and light in the distance to see our path and direction.
  4. And then…Be waiting at the door to open it IMMEDIATELY!
  5. Immediately is the key word…not, just a minute till I’m ready; until I get the right clothes and light my lamp!
  6. Servants are to be obedient to their masters…the idea of the imminent return of Christ is what is being conveyed and our responsibility is to not allow ourselves to be side-tracked!
2. Be Watching
  Luke 12:37-38 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
  1. The blessing for us is that when the Lord returns…He is planning on serving us – giving us a banquet table of food.
    1. Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
    2. Even if He comes for us later than we think…in the evening or late at night. The analogy is that even if we think He should have come already, we need to keep watching!
    3. Isa 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
3. Be Ready
  Luk 12:39-40 And this know, that if the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
  1. He is coming soon…that’s the mindset and the heart attitude we must cultivate.
    1. 1Jn 2:28-3:3 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4. Faithful & Wise
  1. Blessed
    Luke 12:41-44 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 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? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
    1. (parable of the talents) Mat 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
  2. Chastised
    Luk 12:45-47 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; 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. 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.
    1. Pro 3:11-12 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
    2. Mat 25:26-30 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
    3. Rom 11:21-22 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
    4. Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
  3. Principle
    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.
    1. 2Co 5:9-10 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
    2. 1Co 3:12-15 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
    3. Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

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Verses 49-53

Introduction
Read:
1. In the discourse of chapter 12, we have been learning about attitudes…ours & others.
2. Jesus has warned us about hypocrisy, about not fearing God, about trusting God for all areas of our lives – and before we got to the section last week, our key passage was in v. 34…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
3. Last week, we learned that we should live with the expectancy that Jesus is coming back very soon – and we should be found waiting for Him, watching for Him and ready spiritually and physically as the rapture can occur at any time!
4. Today, we will continue addressing our attitudes learning that a purified church will bring division; and as we discern the times we should be seeking to live holy lives focused on Jesus and not the world.
5. Again, as last week: We should be Waiting, Watching, Ready, and “Wise & Faithful”!
Sending Fire
1. Purifying the Church
  Luk 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
  1. “I am come to send fire on the earth…” :: He’s speaking of separating those who have chosen to reject Jesus and the false Christians from the true church…the ecclesia or called out ones.
  2. Mat 3:8-12 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 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: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
  3. Mat 13:24-30 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
2. Jesus’ Baptism
  Luk 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
  1. Jesus’ baptism, here in context, is His death on the cross. He is speaking future tense and has already been baptized with water; the Holy Spirit has already descended upon Him…
  2. As a side note: this speaks of total immersion – He was going to fully be immersed in death, that the Father might raise Him up on the third day…thus, a sprinkling wouldn’t have cut it.
  3. A corresponding passage to this is found in Mar 10:35-40 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. 38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: 40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
3. Division not Peace
  Luk 12:51-53 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 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.
  1. There are two main aspects that I see in this issue…
  2. People’s pride – People don’t want to hear (or know) that they are sinners…they want to think they’re good, kind and probably good enough to get into heaven on their own…
  3. When they think this and say that the Bible is wrong…they are holding the truth of God in all unrighteousness (Rom 1:18) and worshipping the creation instead of the creator:
  4. Rom 1:18-22, 25 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
  5. Unfortunately, this similar issue of not wanting to see our sin applies to some Christians as well and can cause friction because they don’t want the conviction that comes from those seeking to live a pure life.
  6. The second aspect is this: Paul says that those who are saved have the smell of death to those who are perishing…
  7. 2Co 2:15-16 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
  8. People don’t like to be reminded that they are dying physically and spiritually – thus, contention arises between the prideful dying people and those who are living for Christ with the promise of eternity!

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Verses 54-56

Discerning the Times
Luk 12:54-56 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. 55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 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?
1. “Red sky at night…sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning…sailor’s take warning”.
2. Jesus is chiding them because they can discern the weather better than the prophetical signs of the times…
  1. Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
  2. Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
3. Similarly, we should be looking at the times and the signs and coming to our own conclusions…
4. Mat 24:3-8 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
5. Mat 24:36-39 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
6. 2Ti 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

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Verses 57-59

Judge Yourselves
Luk 12:57-59 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? 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. 59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
1. If we were to judge ourselves…examining ourselves, not condemning ourselves; seeking purity and holiness instead of worldliness, pride, contention and covetousness…we will be placing ourselves in the correct position with God.
2. If we will submit ourselves to the God of the universe and ask and allow Him to change us into Christ’s image, seeking to abide and bear fruit…we will be in the
3. Remember…1Pe 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?
4. 2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

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Brown's Commentary on the New Testament is reproduced by permission of author. All other rights reserved.

Bibliographical Information
Brown, Jim. "Commentary on Luke 12". "Brown's Commentary on the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnc/luke-12.html. 2017.

Bible CommentariesLuke 12

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Luke 12