12:1,2As Jesus watched the huge crowds waiting to hear him, he warned his disciples against hypocrisy—trying to appear holy when one’s heart is far from God. The Pharisees could not keep their attitudes hidden forever. Their selfishness would act like yeast, and soon they would expose themselves for what they really were—power-hungry impostors, not devoted religious leaders. It is easy to be angry at the blatant hypocrisy of the Pharisees, but each of us must resist the temptation to settle for the appearance of respectability when our hearts are far from God.
Life Application Study BibleLukeChapter 12
Luke 12
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
12Luke 12
1Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy. 2The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 3Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear! 4"Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. 5Yes, he’s the one to fear. 6“ What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins*? Yet God does not forget a singte one of them. 7And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. 8"I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man* will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. 9But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels. 10Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 1t“And when youare brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, '2 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” Jesus Tells the Parable of the Rich Foo! (140) 13Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” 14Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” SThen he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18Then he said, ‘I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19And I'll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for year's to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” ’ 20“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ 21“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Jesus Warns about Worry (141) 22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 22For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! 25Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? 27“Lookat the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 29“And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 32“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. 33“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. 34Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Jesus Warns about Preparing for His Coming (142) 35“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, 36as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. 3’The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! 3¢He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn.* But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. 38Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. 40You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” 41Peter asked, “LORD, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?” 42And the LORD replied, “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 4SIf the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 441 tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 45But what if the servant thinks, ‘My master won't be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 46The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful. 47“And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. 48But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. Jesus Warns about Coming Division (143) 49T have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! 50I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. 51Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! 52From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against.
53‘Father will be divided against sonand son against father;mother against daughterand daughter against mother;and mother-in-law against daughter-in-lawand daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’*”Jesus Warns about the Future Crisis (144)
54Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said,“ When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you Say, ‘Here comes a shower.’ And you are right. 55When the south wind blows, you say, ‘Today will bea scorcher.’ And it is. 56You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times. 57“ Why can't you decide for yourselves what is right? 5’When you are on the way to court with your accuser, try to settle the matter before you get there. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. 59And if that happens, you won’t be free again until you have paid the very last penny.*” Jesus Calls the People to Repent (145)
Textual footnotes
- is a title Jesus used for himself.
- 12:5 Greek Gehenna.
- 12:6 Greek two assaria [Roman coins equal to 1/16 of a denarius]. 12:8 “Son of Man”
- 12:38 Greek in the second or third watch.
- 12:53 Mic 7:6.
- 12:59 Greek fast lepton [the smallest Jewish coin}.
Life Application Notes 16 notes
12:1,2What are the signs of hypocrisy? (1) Hypocrisy is knowing the truth but not obeying it. People can say they follow Jesus, but not be obedient to his Word. (2) Hypocrisy is living a self-serving life. People may desire leadership only because they love position and control, not because they want to serve others. (3) Hypocrisy reduces faith to rigid rules. People can end up worshiping their own rules and regulations about what they think God wants instead of worshiping God himself. (4) Hypocrisy is outward conformity without inner reality. People can obey the details but still be disobedient in general behavior. For example, a person may carefully tithe his income, but be rude and obnoxious to his co-workers. Many non-Christians use the supposed (or real) hypocrisy of Christians as an excuse to stay away from God and the church. Look carefully at your life. You are not perfect; therefore, at times an action or behavior might provide the ammunition for someone to label you a hypocrite. However, you must discern your own heart. Consider the signs of hypocrisy noted above and make sure you are not guilty. Then ask God to help you live rightly.
12:4,5Fear of opposition or ridicule can weaken our witness for Christ. Often we cling to peace and comfort, even at the cost of our walk with God. Jesus reminds us here that we should fear God who controls eternal, not merely temporal, consequences. Don’t allow fear of a person or group to keep you from standing up for Christ.
12:7Our true value is God’s estimate of our worth, not our peers’ estimate. Other people evaluate and categorize us according to how we perform, what we achieve, and how we look. But God cares for us, as he does for all of his creatures, because we belong to him. Thus, we can face life without fear; we are very valuable to God.
12:8,9We deny Jesus when we (1) hope no one will find out we are Christians, (2) decide not to speak up for what is right, (3) are silent about our relationship with God, (4) blend into society, and (5) accept our cuiture’s non-Christian values. By contrast, we acknowledge him when we (1) live moral, upright, Christ-honoring lives, (2) look for opportunities to share our faith with others, (3) help others in need, (4) take a stand for justice, (5) love others, (6) acknowledge our loyalty to Christ, and (7) use our lives and resources to carry out his desires rather than our own.
12:10Jesus said that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable. This has worried many sincere Christians, but it does not need to. The unforgivable sin is attributing to Satan the work that the Holy Spirit accomplishes (see the notes on Matthew 12:31, 32; Mark 3:28, 29). Thus, it is the deliberate and ongoing rejection of the Holy Spirit's work and even of God himself. A person who has committed this sin is far from God and totally unaware of any sin at all. If you fear you have committed this sin, be assured that your very concern shows that you have not sinned in this way.
12:11,12The disciples knew they could never get the upper hand ina religious dispute with the well-educated Jewish leaders. Nevertheless, they would not be left unprepared. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give them the appropriate words in their time of need. The disciples’ testimony might not make them lock impressive, but it would still point out God’s work in the world through Jesus’ life. We need to pray for opportunities to witness for Christ, and then trust him to help us with our words. This promise of the Spirit's help, however, does not compensate for lack of preparation. Remember that these disciples had three years of personal instruction and practical application. We need to study God’s Word. Then God will bring his truths to mind when we most need them, helping us present them in the most effective way.
12:13ffProblems like this were often brought to rabbis for them to settle. Jesus’ response, though not directed to the topic, is not a change of subject. Rather, Jesus is pointing to a higher issue— a correct attitude toward the accumulation of wealth. Life is more than material goods; far more important is our relationship with God. Jesus put his finger on this questioner’s heart. When we bring problems to God in prayer, he often responds in the same way, showing us how we need to change and grow in our attitude
12:34If you concentrate your money in your business, your thoughts will center on making the business profitable. If you direct it toward other people, you will become concerned with their welfare. Where do you put your time, money, and energy? What do you think about most? How should you change the way you use your resources in order to reflect Kingdom values more accurately?
12:35-40Jesus repeatedly said that he would leave this world but would return at some future time (see Matthew 24-25; John 14:1-3), He also said that a Kingdom was being prepared for his followers. Many Greeks envisioned this as a heavenly, idealized, spirituat Kingdom. Jews—like Isaiah and John, the writer of Revelation—saw it as a restored earthly Kingdom.
12:40Christ's return at an unexpected time is not a trap, a trick by which God hopes to catch us off guard. In fact, God is delaying his return so more people will have the opportunity to follow him see 2 Peter 3:9). Before Christ's return, we have time to live out our beliefs and to reflect Jesus’ love as we relate to others. People who are ready for their LORD’s return are (1) not hypocritical but sincere (12:1). (2) not fearful but ready to witness 12:4-9), (3) not worried but trusting (12:25, 26), (4) not greedy but generous (12:34), (5) not lazy but diligent (12:37). May your ife be more like Christ's so that when he comes, you will be ready to greet him joyfully.
12:42-44Jesus promises a reward for those who have been aithful to the Master. While we sometimes experience immediate and materiat rewards for our obedience to God, this is not always he case. If so, we would be tempted to boast about our achievements and only do good for what we get. Jesus said that if we look for rewards now, we will lose them later (see Mark 8:36). Our heavenly rewards will be the most accurate reflection of what we have done on earth, and they will be far greater than we can imagine.
12:48Jesus has told us how to live until he comes: We must watch for him, work diligently, and obey his commands. Such attitudes are especially necessary for leaders. Watchful and faithful leaders will be given increased opportunities and responsibilities. The more resources, talents, and understanding we have, the more we are required to use them effectively. God will not hold us responsible for gifts he has not given us, but all of us have been given enough gifts and duties to keep us busy until Jesus returns.
12:50The “baptism of suffering” to which Jesus referred was his coming crucifixion. Jesus was dreading the physical pain, of course, but even worse would be the spiritual pain of complete separation from God that would accompany his death for the sins of the world.
12:51-53in these strange and unsettling words, Jesus revealed that his coming often results in conflict. Because he demands a response, families may be split apart when some choose to follow him and others refuse to do so. Jesus allows no middle ground. He demands loyalty and commitment, sometimes to the point of severing other relationships. Are you willing to risk your family’s disapproval in order to follow the LORD?
12:54-57For most of recorded history, the world’s principal occupation was farming. The farmer depended directly on the weather for his livelinood. He needed just the right amounts of sun and rain—not too much, not too little—to make his living, and he grew skilled at interpreting natural signs. Jesus was announcing an earthshaking event that would be much more important than the year’s crops—the coming of God’s Kingdom. Just as dark clouds forewarn of a rainstorm, there were signs that the Kingdom would soon arrive. But Jesus’ hearers, though skilled at interpreting weather signs, were intentionally ignoring the signs of the times.
Charts, profiles & sidebars from the printed pages
Study feature · page 1713
toward the problem. This answer is often not the one we were looking for, but it is more effective in helping us trace God’s hand in our life. 12:15 Jesus says that the good life has nothing to do with being wealthy, so be on guard against greed (desire for what we don’t have). This is the exact opposite of what society usually says. Advertisers spend millions of dollars to entice us to think that if we buy more and more of their products, we will be happier, more fulfilled, more comfortable. How do you respond to the constant pressure to buy? Learn to tune out expensive enticements and concentrate instead on the truly fulfilled life—tiving in a relationship with God and doing his work. 12:16-21 The rich man in Jesus’ story died before he could begin to use what was stored in his big barns. Planning for retirement—preparing for life before death—is wise, but neglecting life after death is disastrous. If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed. 12:18-20 Why do you save money? Are you saving for retirement? to buy more expensive cars or toys? to be secure? Jesus challenges us to think beyond earthbound goals and to use what we have been given for God’s Kingdom. Faith, service, and obedience are the way to become rich toward God. 12:22-34 Jesus commands us not to worry. But how can we avoid it? Only faith can free us from the anxiety caused by greed and covetousness. Working and planning responsibly is good; dwelling on all the ways our planning could go wrong is bad. Worry is pointless because it can’t fill any of our needs; worry is foolish because the Creator of the universe loves us and knows what we need. He promises to meet all our real needs but not necessarily all our desires.
Overcoming worry requires: (1) Simple trust in God, your heavenly Father. This trust is expressed by praying to him rather than worrying. (2) Perspective on your problems. This can be gained by developing a strategy for addressing and correcting your problems. (3) A support team to help. Find some believers who will pray for you to find wisdom and strength to dea! with your worries. 12:31 Seeking the Kingdom of God above all else means making Jesus the LORD and King of your life. He must control every area—your work, play, plans, relationships. Is the Kingdom only one of your many concerns, or is it central to all you do? Are you holding back any areas of your life from God’s control? As LORD and Creator, he wants to help provide what you need as well as guide how you use what he provides. 12:33 Money seen as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy. The key to using money wisely is to see how much we can use for God's purposes, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves. Does God's love touch your wallet? Does your money free you to help others? If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven. If your financial goals and possessions hinder you from giving generously, loving others, or serving God, sell what you must to bring your life into line with his purposes.
Study feature · page 1715
17135 12:53 tMic 7:6
🗺 This feature includes a map, chart or picture — view the original page image.
Study feature · page 1715
SEVEN SABBATH MIRACLES
Jesus sends a demon out of aman..... 6... eee cee eee Mark 1:21-28 Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law... 0... cee eee Mark 1:29-31 Jesus heals a lame man by the pool of Bethesda..................0-5 John 5:1-18 Jesus heals a man with a deformed hand............. 2.0.00 00 ee eee Mark 3:1-6 Jesus restores a crippled woman.......... 000.0 ccc eee cee eee Luke 13:10-17 Jesus heals a man with swollen arms and legs................222+055 Luke 14:1-6 Jesus heals a man born blind John 9:1-16
Over the centuries, the Jewish religious leaders had added rule after rule to God’s law. For example, God’s law said the Sabbath is a day of rest (Exodus 20:10, 11). But the religious leaders added to that law, creating one that said, “You cannot heal on the Sabbath” because that is “work.” Seven times Jesus healed people on the Sabbath. In doing this, he was challenging these religious leaders to look beyond their rules to their true purpose—to honor God by helping those in need. Would God have been pleased if Jesus had ignored these people?
🗺 This feature includes a map, chart or picture — view the original page image.