Luke Chapter 12

The Leaven of the Pharisees

1In 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. 2For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3Therefore 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.

Fearing God Alone

(Matthew 10:26-31)

4And 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. 5But 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. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Confessing Christ

(Matthew 10:32-33)

8Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 10And 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. 11And 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: 12For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

13And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15And 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. 16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18And 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. 19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20But 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? 21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Do Not Worry

(Matthew 6:25-34)

22And 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. 23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24Consider 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? 25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27Consider 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. 28If 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? 29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33Sell 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. 34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Be Ready for Service

(Genesis 6:1-7; Matthew 24:36-51; Mark 13:32-37)

35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36And 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. 37Blessed 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. 38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

39And this know, that if the goodman 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. 40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42And 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? 43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45But 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; 46The 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. 47And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48But 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.

Not Peace, But Division

(Matthew 10:34-36)

49I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53The 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.

Interpreting the Present Time

(Matthew 16:1-4; Mark 8:11-13)

54And 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. 55And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 56Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

Reconciling with Your Adversary

(Matthew 5:21-26)

57Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? 58When 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. 59I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Leaven of the Pharisees
(Matthew 16:5–12; Mark 8:14–21)

1 Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, he began to tell his disciples first of all, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 But there is nothing covered up, that will not be revealed, nor hidden, that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Fear God Alone
(Matthew 10:26–31)

4 “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

Confessing Christ
(Matthew 10:32–33)

8 “I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, him will the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God; 9 but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God. 10 Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what you must say.”

The Parable of the Rich Fool

13 One of the multitude said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” 15 He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.” 16 He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man brought forth abundantly. 17 He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?’ 18 He said, ‘This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared—whose will they be?’ 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Do Not Worry
(Matthew 6:25–34)

22 He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they don’t sow, they don’t reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! 25 Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? 26 If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? 29 Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. 30 For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.

Treasures in Heaven
(Matthew 6:19–21)

32 Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

33 Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don’t grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn’t fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Readiness at Any Hour
(Matthew 24:36–51; Mark 13:32–37)

35 “Let your waist be dressed and your lamps burning. 36 Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the marriage feast; that, when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you, that he will dress himself, and make them recline, and will come and serve them. 38 They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so.

39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don’t expect him.”

41 Peter said to him, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?” 42 The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he comes. 44 Truly I tell you, that he will set him over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My lord delays his coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken, 46 then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he isn’t expecting him, and in an hour that he doesn’t know, and will cut him in two, and place his portion with the unfaithful. 47 That servant, who knew his lord’s will, and didn’t prepare, nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes, 48 but he who didn’t know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.

Not Peace but Division
(Micah 7:1–6; Matthew 10:34–39)

49 “I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled. 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, no, but rather division. 52 For from now on, there will be five in one house 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 her mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Interpreting the Present Time
(Matthew 16:1–4; Mark 8:11–13)

54 He said to the multitudes also, “When you see a cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it happens. 55 When a south wind blows, you say, ‘There will be a scorching heat,’ and it happens. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you don’t interpret this time?

Reconciling with an Adversary
(Matthew 5:21–26)

57 Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, try diligently on the way to be released from him, lest perhaps he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will by no means get out of there, until you have paid the very last penny.”

The Leaven of the Pharisees
(Matthew 16:5–12; Mark 8:14–21)

1 In the meantime, a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling one another. Jesus began to speak first to His disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.

Fear God Alone
(Matthew 10:26–31)

4 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. a Yes, I tell you, fear Him!

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? b Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Confessing Christ
(Matthew 10:32–33)

8 I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God. 9 But whoever 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 whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

11 When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. 12 For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

The Parable of the Rich Fool

13 Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

14 But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?” 15 And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

16 Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. 17 So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. 19 Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!” ’

20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’

21 This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Do Not Worry
(Matthew 6:25–34)

22 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds!

25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? c 26 So if you cannot do such a small thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27 Consider how the lilies grow: They do not labor or spin. d Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!

29 And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it. 30 For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek His e kingdom, and these things will be added unto you.

Treasures in Heaven
(Matthew 6:19–21)

32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Readiness at Any Hour
(Matthew 24:36–51; Mark 13:32–37)

35 Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. 36 Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. 38 Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night f and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed.

39 But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, g he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”

41 “Lord,” said Peter, “are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?”

42 And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

45 But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

47 That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.

Not Peace but Division
(Micah 7:1–6; Matthew 10:34–39)

49 I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!

51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on, five in one household will be 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 daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. h”

Interpreting the Present Time
(Matthew 16:1–4; Mark 8:11–13)

54 Then Jesus said to the crowds, “As soon as you see a cloud rising in the west, you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and that is what happens. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It will be hot,’ and it is. 56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don’t you know how to interpret the present time?

Reconciling with an Adversary
(Matthew 5:21–26)

57 And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? 58 Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny. i”

The Leaven of the Pharisees

1At which time the myriads of the multitude having been gathered together, so as to tread upon one another, he began to say unto his disciples, first, 'Take heed to yourselves of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy; 2and there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known; 3because whatever in the darkness ye said, in the light shall be heard: and what to the ear ye spake in the inner-chambers, shall be proclaimed upon the house-tops.

Fearing God Alone

(Matthew 10:26-31)

4'And I say to you, my friends, be not afraid of those killing the body, and after these things are not having anything over to do; 5but I will show to you, whom ye may fear; Fear him who, after the killing, is having authority to cast to the gehenna; yes, I say to you, Fear ye Him. 6'Are not five sparrows sold for two assars? and one of them is not forgotten before God, 7but even the hairs of your head have been all numbered; therefore fear ye not, than many sparrows ye are of more value.

Confessing Christ

(Matthew 10:32-33)

8'And I say to you, Every one -- whoever may confess with me before men, the Son of Man also shall confess with him before the messengers of God, 9and he who hath denied me before men, shall be denied before the messengers of God, 10and every one whoever shall say a word to the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven to him, but to him who to the Holy Spirit did speak evil, it shall not be forgiven. 11'And when they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not anxious how or what ye may reply, or what ye may say, 12for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that hour what it behoveth you to say.'

The Parable of the Rich Fool

13And a certain one said to him, out of the multitude, 'Teacher, say to my brother to divide with me the inheritance.' 14And he said to him, 'Man, who set me a judge or a divider over you?' 15And he said unto them, 'Observe, and beware of the covetousness, because not in the abundance of one's goods is his life.' 16And he spake a simile unto them, saying, 'Of a certain rich man the field brought forth well; 17and he was reasoning within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where I shall gather together my fruits? 18and he said, This I will do, I will take down my storehouses, and greater ones I will build, and I will gather together there all my products and my good things, 19and I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast many good things laid up for many years, be resting, eat, drink, be merry. 20'And God said to him, Unthinking one! this night thy soul they shall require from thee, and what things thou didst prepare -- to whom shall they be? 21so is he who is treasuring up to himself, and is not rich toward God.'

Do Not Worry

(Matthew 6:25-34)

22And he said unto his disciples, 'Because of this, to you I say, Be not anxious for your life, what ye may eat; nor for the body, what ye may put on; 23the life is more than the nourishment, and the body than the clothing. 24'Consider the ravens, that they sow not, nor reap, to which there is no barn nor storehouse, and God doth nourish them; how much better are ye than the fowls? 25and who of you, being anxious, is able to add to his age one cubit? 26If, then, ye are not able for the least -- why for the rest are ye anxious? 27'Consider the lilies, how do they grow? they labour not, nor do they spin, and I say to you, not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these; 28and if the herbage in the field, that to-day is, and to-morrow into an oven is cast, God doth so clothe, how much more you -- ye of little faith? 29'And ye -- seek not what ye may eat, or what ye may drink, and be not in suspense, 30for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father hath known that ye have need of these things; 31but, seek ye the reign of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32'Fear not, little flock, because your Father did delight to give you the reign;

33sell your goods, and give alms, make to yourselves bags that become not old, a treasure unfailing in the heavens, where thief doth not come near, nor moth destroy; 34for where your treasure is, there also your heart will be.

Be Ready for Service

(Genesis 6:1-7; Matthew 24:36-51; Mark 13:32-37)

35'Let your loins be girded, and the lamps burning, 36and ye like to men waiting for their lord, when he shall return out of the wedding feasts, that he having come and knocked, immediately they may open to him. 37'Happy those servants, whom the lord, having come, shall find watching; verily I say to you, that he will gird himself, and will cause them to recline (at meat), and having come near, will minister to them; 38and if he may come in the second watch, and in the third watch he may come, and may find it so, happy are those servants.

39'And this know, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief doth come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken through; 40and ye, then, become ye ready, because at the hour ye think not, the Son of Man doth come.'

41And Peter said to him, 'Sir, unto us this simile dost thou speak, or also unto all?' 42And the Lord said, 'Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the lord shall set over his household, to give in season the wheat measure? 43Happy that servant, whom his lord, having come, shall find doing so; 44truly I say to you, that over all his goods he will set him. 45'And if that servant may say in his heart, My lord doth delay to come, and may begin to beat the men-servants and the maid-servants, to eat also, and to drink, and to be drunken; 46the lord of that servant will come in a day in which he doth not look for him, and in an hour that he doth not know, and will cut him off, and his portion with the unfaithful he will appoint. 47'And that servant, who having known his lord's will, and not having prepared, nor having gone according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes, 48and he who, not having known, and having done things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few; and to every one to whom much was given, much shall be required from him; and to whom they did commit much, more abundantly they will ask of him.

Not Peace, But Division

(Matthew 10:34-36)

49'Fire I came to cast to the earth, and what will I if already it was kindled? 50but I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I pressed till it may be completed! 51'Think ye that peace I came to give in the earth? no, I say to you, but rather division; 52for there shall be henceforth five in one house divided -- three against two, and two against three; 53a father shall be divided against a son, and a son against a father, a mother against a daughter, and a daughter against a mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.'

Interpreting the Present Time

(Matthew 16:1-4; Mark 8:11-13)

54And he said also to the multitudes, 'When ye may see the cloud rising from the west, immediately ye say, A shower doth come, and it is so; 55and when -- a south wind blowing, ye say, that there will be heat, and it is; 56hypocrites! the face of the earth and of the heaven ye have known to make proof of, but this time -- how do ye not make proof of it?

Reconciling with Your Adversary

(Matthew 5:21-26)

57'And why, also, of yourselves, judge ye not what is righteous? 58for, as thou art going away with thy opponent to the ruler, in the way give diligence to be released from him, lest he may drag thee unto the judge, and the judge may deliver thee to the officer, and the officer may cast thee into prison; 59I say to thee, thou mayest not come forth thence till even the last mite thou mayest give back.'

Warnings and Encouragements

¹ During this time, thousands upon thousands of people pressed in around Jesus that they were actually trampling on each other to get closer. And He turned first to His closest followers, His voice urgent with warning: "Guard your hearts against the pretense of the religious elite! Like a tiny bit of yeast that spreads through dough, their false piety can infect everything. ² Remember this: Everything now hidden will eventually come to light. ³ The private conversations you have in darkened rooms, and the words you whisper behind closed doors, will one day be shouted from the rooftops for all to hear.

⁴ My dear friends, listen carefully: Don't fear those who can only harm your body and nothing else. ⁵ Let Me tell you who you should truly fear: Fear God, who after death has authority to cast souls into hell. Yes, I tell you plainly – He is the One worthy of holy fear!

⁶ Consider the small birds sold in the marketplace – five sparrows for two copper coins. In human economics, they're worthless! Yet in My Father's eyes, not one of them is forgotten. ⁷ And you? Every hair on your head has been counted by your Creator. You don't need to live in fear – you're worth more to Him than whole flocks of sparrows!

⁸ Here's a promise you can stake your life on: Anyone who publicly acknowledges their relationship with Me, the Son of Man, I will acknowledge them before My Father's angels. ⁹ But those who deny knowing Me before others, I will not recognize as My own before Heaven's court. ¹⁰ Even those who speak against Me, the Son of Man, can find forgiveness. But those who have persistently rejected and blasphemed the Holy Spirit's work will not be forgiven. ¹¹ When you're dragged before synagogue leaders, government officials, and authorities because of your faith in Me, don't rehearse your defense or worry about what to say. ¹² In that crucial moment, the Holy Spirit Himself will give you the exact words needed."

The Parable of the Rich Fool

¹³ Someone from the crowd called out, "Teacher, tell my brother to give me my fair share of our family inheritance!" ¹⁴ Jesus replied, "Friend, I haven't been appointed as your family's judge or arbitrator in property disputes." ¹⁵ Then He addressed the crowd: "Listen carefully – protect your heart from every form of greed. Life's true richness isn't measured by how much you own."

¹⁶ He illustrated this with a story: "There was a wealthy businessman whose investments and enterprises produced unprecedented profits. ¹⁷ He thought to himself, 'I have a problem – but it's a good problem. My warehouses can't hold all my wealth. What should I do?' ¹⁸ He decided, 'I'll tear down my existing warehouses and build massive new ones. Then I'll have room to store all my food and goods.' ¹⁹ Then he congratulated himself, saying, 'Well done! You've got the good life now! I've got enough stored away to last for years. Time to retire, relax, and enjoy this life!' ²⁰ But God said to him, 'Fool! Tonight your life is required of you; and who will own everything you've accumulated?' ²¹ This is what happens to those who build their life around gathering wealth for themselves while remaining spiritually bankrupt before God."

Do Not Worry

²² Turning to His disciples, Jesus continued, "This is why I tell you: Don't let anxiety rule your life. Don't obsess over food, drink, or clothing. ²³ Your life is so much more than meals, and your body means more than its wardrobe. There are deeper riches to pursue. ²⁴ Study the ravens – they don't plant fields or store harvests, they don't maintain barns or investment accounts. Yet your heavenly Father ensures they're fed. And you are infinitely more precious to Him than birds! ²⁵ Think about this, has anyone ever added a single hour to their life through worry? Of course not! ²⁶ If worry can't help you with something as small as that, why worry at all?

²⁷ Look at the wildflowers blooming in the fields. They don't exhaust themselves with work or worry. Yet even King Solomon in all his magnificent robes wasn't dressed as beautifully as these simple flowers. ²⁸ If this is how God clothes temporary wildflowers – here today, gone tomorrow – won't He do so much more for you? Why do you struggle to trust Him with such little faith? ²⁹ Stop obsessing over your next meal or drink. Don't let these concerns consume your mental and emotional energy. ³⁰ The people of this world, who don't know My Father, chase frantically after these things. But your Father knows exactly what you need."

³¹ Instead, invest your primary energy in pursuing His kingdom. When you do this, He'll ensure you have everything else you need. ³² Don't be afraid, My precious flock. Your Father delights in giving you His kingdom! ³³ Sell your possessions and give to those in need. Instead of earthly bank accounts, invest in heaven's eternal economy. Build up treasure that never loses value, that thieves can't steal and moths can't destroy. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, your heart will naturally follow."

Watchfulness

³⁵ "Stay alert and ready for action, like servants with their sleeves rolled up and lamps burning bright. ³⁶ Like staff waiting for their master to return from a wedding feast, ready to open the door the moment he knocks. ³⁷ Blessed are those servants whom the master finds alert and ready when he returns! I tell you this amazing truth: He will put on a servant's attire, seat them at his table, and serve them himself! ³⁸ Whether he returns at midnight or just before dawn, blessed are those he finds ready and waiting. ³⁹ But think about this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would stay alert and prevent the break-in. ⁴⁰ Similarly, you must stay ready, because the Son of Man will return at an unexpected moment."

Peter Asks About the Parable

⁴¹ Peter asked, "Lord, is this warning just for us, Your close disciples, or for everyone?" ⁴² The Lord replied, "Consider the faithful and wise manager whom the master puts in charge of his household staff and their food allowance. ⁴³ That servant will be blessed whom the master finds faithfully carrying out these duties when he returns. ⁴⁴ I tell you the truth: The master will promote that servant to manage all his assets.

⁴⁵ But what if that servant thinks, 'My master is taking his time returning,' and begins to abuse the other servants, male and female, while indulging in excessive eating and drinking? ⁴⁶ The master will return unexpectedly, at an hour that servant doesn't anticipate. He'll punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. ⁴⁷ The servant who knows his master's will but doesn't prepare or act accordingly will receive a severe punishment. ⁴⁸ But one who unknowingly does things deserving punishment will receive a lighter sentence. Much is required from those given much, and even more is demanded from those entrusted with more."

Not Peace, But Division

⁴⁹ "I came to ignite a fire on this earth – and how I wish it was already blazing! ⁵⁰ But first I must undergo a baptism of suffering – and what great distress I feel until it is completed! ⁵¹ Do you think I came to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. ⁵² From now on, families will be divided because of Me: three against two and two against three. ⁵³ Father will turn against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."

Interpreting the Times

⁵⁴ He then addressed the crowd: "When you see clouds gathering in the west, you immediately say, 'A rainstorm is coming,' and you're right. ⁵⁵ When the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be a scorcher,' and it is. ⁵⁶ Stop being pretenders! You're experts at interpreting weather signs, but how can't you interpret the obvious signs of the times you're living in? ⁵⁷ Why can't you judge for yourselves what is right? ⁵⁸ When you're headed to court with someone who's suing you, do everything possible to come to a settlement before you get there. Otherwise, you may be handed over to the judge, who will turn you over to the court officer, who will throw you into prison. ⁵⁹ I tell you, you won't get out until you've paid the very last penny you owe."

Footnotes:

Verse 5 (a) Greek Gehenna
Verse 6 (b) Greek two assaria ; an assarion was a Roman copper coin worth about 1-16 of a denarius.
Verse 25 (c) Or a single cubit to his height ; a cubit was approximately 18 inches or 45 centimeters.
Verse 27 (d) NE and Tischendorf Consider the lilies: They do not spin or weave.
Verse 31 (e) BYZ and TR God’s ; see Matthew 6:33.
Verse 38 (f) That is, between nine at night and three in the morning
Verse 39 (g) BYZ and TR include he would have stayed awake, and
Verse 53 (h) See Micah 7:6.
Verse 59 (i) Greek lepton ; that is, a Jewish coin of bronze or copper worth about 1-128 of a denarius

Special thanks to the BSB Translation for the above footnotes.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Luke 12?

1.1Context of Luke 12

1.2Ancient Key Word Study

1.3Luke 12 Unique Insights

1.4Question the Text:

1.5Luke 12 Connections to Yeshua

1.6Luke 12 Scriptural Echoes

1.7Luke 12 Devotional

1.8Did You Know

What is the meaning of Luke 12?

Facing the Fire: How Jesus Prepares Us for What Matters Most

Have you ever felt torn between what matters now and what matters forever? Like you’re juggling everyday pressures while deep down knowing there’s something eternal at stake? If so, Luke 12 was written with you in mind.

In this bold, eye-opening chapter, Jesus pulls His disciples aside—not for comfort, but for clarity. The crowds were massive, the tension was rising, and yet He zeroed in on His inner circle with raw, urgent truth. This isn’t just about ancient warnings—it’s about preparing your heart for real faith in a world full of distractions, fear, and false security.

Whether you’ve been worried about money, scared to speak up about your faith, or tempted to coast spiritually, Luke 12 speaks straight to the struggle. Through it, Yeshua reminds us what to fear (God), what to value, and what it truly means to live ready. Let’s walk through this together—and see how Jesus is still speaking to us today.

Context of Luke 12

Within the book of Luke, chapter 12 occurs during the later period of Yeshua’s ministry as He journeys toward Jerusalem. This section follows directly after His confrontations with the Pharisees and lawyers in chapter 11, where He exposed their hypocrisy. The mounting tension provides the backdrop for His teachings about authenticity in faith and the cost of discipleship.

The broader context places this chapter within Luke’s careful narrative of Yeshua’s journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). Luke’s account emphasizes Yeshua’s teachings about the Kingdom of God and the transformation it requires in His followers’ lives. This chapter particularly resonates with Luke’s theme of reversal – where worldly values are turned upside down in light of Kingdom priorities.

In the larger Biblical narrative, Luke 12 echoes numerous Old Testament themes about trust in God versus wealth (as found in Psalms and Proverbs), and the prophetic warnings about complacency (as seen in Amos and Isaiah). It also anticipates themes that will become crucial in the early church, as recorded in Acts, about facing persecution and maintaining faithful witness under pressure.

Ancient Key Word Study

Hypocrisy (ὑπόκρισις/hypokrisis): Originally referring to actors wearing masks in Greek theater, this term carried deep significance in Jewish thought where it represented the gap between external religious performance and internal reality. Yeshua uses it here to warn against spiritual deception that begins with self-deception.
Leaven (ζύμη/zymē): Beyond its literal meaning as yeast, this word carried powerful metaphorical weight in Jewish teaching. Used here to describe the Pharisees’ influence, it represents how a small amount of false teaching can permeate and corrupt the whole community, drawing from the Passover imagery of removing leaven.
Fear (φοβέω/phobeō): Used in dual context – both the fear of persecution and the fear of God – this word reveals different types of fear. The fear of God is portrayed as holy reverence leading to wisdom, while fear of man is shown as a snare leading to compromise.
Soul (ψυχή/psychē): More than just the immaterial part of a person, this term encompasses the whole of human consciousness and life. When Yeshua speaks of saving or losing one’s soul, He addresses the entire direction and destiny of human existence.
Treasure (θησαυρός/thēsauros): This word carries the concept of a stored-up collection of valuable items. Yeshua uses it to contrast earthly wealth with spiritual riches, emphasizing where one’s true security lies.
Anxious (μεριμνάω/merimnaō): The Greek term implies being drawn in different directions, painting a vivid picture of a divided mind. Yeshua uses this to address not just worry, but the fundamental issue of trust in God’s provision.
Watch (γρηγορέω/grēgoreō): This military term for staying alert on guard duty becomes a spiritual metaphor for maintaining constant readiness for the Master’s return. It implies active, intentional awareness rather than passive waiting.
Faithful (πιστός/pistos): Used to describe both reliability in service and steadfastness in belief, this term combines both practical dependability and spiritual fidelity, showing how faith manifests in actual living.
Servant (δοῦλος/doulos): While often translated as “slave,” this term in the first-century context represented complete dedication to a master’s interests. Yeshua uses it to illustrate the total commitment required in discipleship.

Luke 12 Unique Insights

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

The chapter contains several layers of meaning that would have resonated deeply with its original audience. The warning about hypocrisy comes in the context of a massive crowd where thousands were literally crushing against each other (Luke 12:1). This physical pressing created a powerful metaphor for the social pressure to conform to religious expectations rather than maintain authentic faith.

The Rabbinical literature of the period reveals that debates about providence versus human responsibility were common among different schools of Jewish thought. Yeshua’s teachings about anxiety and provision (Luke 12:22-31) enter into this discussion but transcend it by pointing to the character of God as Father. The early church father Tertullian noted how this teaching transformed the understanding of providence from philosophical speculation to personal trust.

The passage about the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) connects with several Jewish parables about death interrupting human plans, but adds the crucial element of accountability to God. The Greek text uses the present tense – “they are requiring your soul” – suggesting both immediacy and the involvement of angelic beings in this accounting, according to some early Christian interpretations.

The warnings about division (Luke 12:49-53) carry particular weight when understood against the background of first-century family structures where religious loyalty was inseparable from family loyalty. Yeshua’s words here would have been shocking, suggesting a realignment of fundamental loyalties around Himself.

Question the Text:

As you read Luke 12, take a moment to question the text. What stands out as puzzling or unexpected? Where do the characters act in surprising ways? What cultural or theological assumptions are being challenged? Instead of rushing to find definitive answers, let these questions guide you into deeper reflection about human nature, divine interaction, and the unspoken details within the passage.

Why does Yeshua begin with a warning about the “leaven of the Pharisees,” equating it to hypocrisy? What kind of subtle influence is He cautioning against? Luke 12:1
How does the promise that “nothing is covered up that will not be revealed” confront our tendency to keep appearances or hide our true motives? Luke 12:2
Why does Yeshua shift the conversation so quickly from fear of man to fear of God—particularly in such stark, almost frightening terms? Luke 12:4–5
How should we reconcile the fear of God’s authority with the tender image of His care for sparrows and knowledge of every hair on our head? What does this duality teach us about His nature? Luke 12:6–7
Why does Yeshua speak so directly about denying Him before others, and what might that have looked like for His early followers under threat? Luke 12:8–9
What exactly is the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit,” and why is it treated as uniquely unforgivable? How does this align with the broader message of mercy? Luke 12:10
Why does the Messiah advise His followers not to prepare their defense when they are brought before authorities? What kind of trust is He asking for? Luke 12:11–12
When someone asks Yeshua to settle a family inheritance dispute, why does He refuse and then tell a parable instead? What does this say about priorities? Luke 12:13–15
In the parable of the rich fool, what assumptions about wealth and security does the Messiah overturn? Why does He call the man a fool? Luke 12:16–21
How are Yeshua’s teachings on anxiety not just personal encouragements, but also critiques of self-sufficiency and misplaced trust? Luke 12:22–31
What does it mean to “sell your possessions and give to the needy” in a culture where possessions signified blessing? How radical would this have sounded? Luke 12:33
Why is the metaphor of servants waiting for their master so central to Yeshua’s teaching here? What does it say about readiness and responsibility? Luke 12:35–40
Why does Peter ask if the parable is for “us or for everyone”? What might his question reveal about the disciples’ expectations? Luke 12:41
How do we reconcile the Messiah’s statement, “I have not come to bring peace, but division,” with His role as the Prince of Peace? Luke 12:49–53
Why does Yeshua call out the crowd for their ability to interpret the weather but not the present time? What spiritual blindness is He addressing? Luke 12:54–56
What is the significance of the final verses urging people to settle disputes before reaching the judge? How might this be a metaphor for repentance and accountability? Luke 12:57–59

These questions invite you to wrestle with the text, seeing both its challenges and insights. As you reflect, how do these themes resonate with your own faith journey? Leave a comment with your thoughts and questions below.

Luke 12 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter powerfully reveals Yeshua’s divine authority and mission. His claim to be the proper object of ultimate loyalty, even above family ties, would be blasphemous if He were merely human. His teachings about providence rest on His intimate knowledge of the Father’s care, while His warnings about judgment flow from His role as the coming Judge.

The parallel between servants waiting for their master’s return and believers waiting for Yeshua’s return establishes His identity as the Divine Master of the household of faith. This connection becomes even more significant when compared with Old Testament passages about יהוה (Yahweh) visiting His people. Yeshua assumes this role, demonstrating His divine identity while maintaining the distinction between Himself and the Father.

The chapter’s emphasis on eternal consequences and judgment points to Yeshua’s role as both Savior and Judge, offering protection from eternal judgment while warning of its reality. His authority to forgive sins and declare people right before God underlies His teachings about authentic faith versus hypocrisy.

Luke 12 Scriptural Echoes

The teachings about anxiety and God’s provision echo Psalm 147:9 and Matthew 6:25-34, demonstrating God’s care for His creation. The warnings about hypocrisy resonate with Isaiah 29:13 where יהוה (Yahweh) condemns religious performance without heart devotion.

The parable of the rich fool connects with Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 regarding the futility of accumulating wealth without eternal perspective. The teachings about watchfulness parallel Daniel 12:12 and other apocalyptic passages about remaining faithful until the end.

The promise to the “little flock” echoes Ezekiel 34 where God promises to shepherd His people personally. The warnings about coming division fulfill Micah 7:6 regarding family loyalties being tested by ultimate allegiance to God.

Luke 12 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies. Are we, like the rich fool, putting our confidence in temporal security, or are we storing up “treasure in heaven” through faithful discipleship? The call to “seek first the kingdom” invites us to reorder our priorities and trust God’s faithful provision.

Yeshua’s teachings about anxiety speak powerfully to our stress-filled lives. His reminder of God’s care for ravens and lilies calls us to trust our Father’s detailed attention to our needs. This trust isn’t passive but active – we’re called to seek His kingdom while resting in His care.

The warnings about readiness for the Master’s return remain critically relevant. In a world of countless distractions, we’re called to maintain spiritual alertness and faithful service. This readiness isn’t about anxious waiting but about productive faithfulness in using what God has entrusted to us.

Did You Know

The “leaven of the Pharisees” (Luke 12:1) refers to a practice during Passover where Jewish homes would be thoroughly searched for any trace of leaven, making this metaphor particularly powerful for its original audience.
The expression “one of the company” or “someone” (Luke 12:13) likely refers to an individual seeking Yeshua’s authority as a rabbi to settle inheritance disputes, a common rabbinic function in first-century Jewish society.
The phrase “let your loins be girded” (Luke 12:35) refers to the practice of tucking long robes into a belt for freedom of movement, an image particularly relevant to both servants and soldiers in the ancient world.
The reference to fire (Luke 12:49) connects with numerous Old Testament prophecies about the purifying aspect of the Messiah’s coming, particularly Malachi’s prophecy about the refiner’s fire.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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