*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.
12:1 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.
12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
12:3 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.
12:4 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.
12:5 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.
12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
12:10 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.
12:11 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: 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
12:13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
12:14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 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.
12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 12:18 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.
12:19 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.
12:20 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? 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.