*Luke 12:1-21
Jesus addresses a massive crowd and his disciples, warning them about hypocrisy, urging them to prioritize spiritual wealth, and recounting a parable that underlines the folly of greed.
- Warning Against Hypocrisy:
- Jesus begins by cautioning his disciples to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which symbolizes hypocrisy.
- He emphasizes that everything hidden will eventually be revealed and advises his followers to fear God rather than fearing those who can harm only the body.
- Encouragement to Confess Christ:
- Jesus reassures his disciples that acknowledging him openly will result in their acknowledgment by God in the heavenly realm.
- Conversely, denying Christ before men will lead to denial before the angels of God.
- Parable of the Rich Fool:
- Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who, upon experiencing a bountiful harvest, decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store his excess crops.
- The rich man plans to relax and enjoy his wealth for many years to come.
- However, God admonishes him, calling him a fool, as he will lose his life that very night, leaving behind his accumulated wealth to others.
- Lesson on True Wealth:
- Jesus concludes by teaching his disciples the importance of seeking true wealth, which is not measured by material possessions but by being rich toward God.
- He encourages them not to worry about earthly needs but to seek God’s kingdom first, promising that all necessary things will be provided to them.
Luke 12:1-21 reminds us not to live for the approval of others or place our trust in wealth. Jesus teaches that God sees everything, so we should live with honesty and faith, not fear or greed. Instead of worrying about having more possessions, we should focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and how we treat others. True security comes from trusting God, not from storing up treasures for ourselves. This passage encourages us to live wisely, with generosity and faith, knowing that God provides for our needs.
Luke 12:1-21 (WEB)
12:1 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.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 counted. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.8 “I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man will 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 God’s angels. 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.”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 produced 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, 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, and 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.”