Words Of Truth

Luke Chapter Twelve

Luke 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.”

• We concluded chapter eleven with the scribes and Pharisees urging Jesus vehemently to speak more so that they could attempt to catch Him in something to accuse Him (Luke 11:53-54). Now, after that….
• There is an innumerable multitude gathered (cf. Matthew 14:14, Luke 5:1, Luke 6:17, etc.).
• So many that they were stepping on one another. Think about how there was such a crowd at one time wherein the only way to Jesus was to descend upon Him from the roof (Mark 2:1-4).
• The Greek that is translated “innumerable multitude” [μυρίας] (Strong’s # 3461) is later translated: “fifty thousand” (Acts 19:19), “thousands” (Acts 21:20), “innumerable company” (Hebrews 12:22), “ten thousands” (Jude 1:14), “ten thousand times ten thousand” (Revelation 5:11), and “two hundred thousand thousand” (Revelation 9:16).
• Focusing His attention on His disciples first, in front of this large gathering of people, He taught them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees (Matthew 16:6-12; cf. Matthew 5:20, Matthew 15:1-14, Matthew 19:1-12, etc.).
• Beware in general (Matthew 7:15-20, Matthew 10:17, and Luke 20:46).
• Leaven (I Corinthians 5:1-8 and Galatians 5:7-9).
• The Pharisees were known for hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-14, Matthew 23:25-28, and Luke 11:44).
• Don’t allow hypocrisy to spread because of what hypocrisy is and does (Job 15:34, Proverbs 11:9, Isaiah 32:6, Matthew 23:15, and I Timothy 4:1-2).

• This is not saying that men, on earth, will eventually know everything that is done in secret (I Timothy 5:24).
• In simplicity, we should understand that things secret will not always, forever remain secret (Psalms 90:8, Proverbs 15:3, Isaiah 29:15, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Jeremiah 23:24, Matthew 10:17-26, Luke 8:17, Romans 2:12-16, and I Corinthians 4:5).

• The darkness here would be in reference to being in secret (Isaiah 45:19).
• The light is that which makes known (Ephesians 5:13).
• The contrast of the closet and the housetop is about privacy vs. openness (Matthew 6:6; Matthew 10:27).
• The point being, what you say privately is not going to stay hidden (Matthew 12:36-37).

• Who are the friends of Jesus (John 15:14)?
• Man has limitations on what we can do to one another that is limited even in length of time (I Peter 1:6-9 and Revelation 2:10).
• Fearing what man can do to us is a trap (Proverbs 29:25).
• Think about what fearing the ungodly can do (John 9:1-22).
• Think about Jeremiah’s mindset (Jeremiah 26:14-15) and Paul’s mindset (Acts 20:17-24; Acts 21:8-13).
• As we get down to verses 6-7, our God is the reason we should not fear man (Hebrews 13:5-6).
• Does this mean there is to be no fear of man, ever for any reason? NO, not necessarily (Romans 13:1-7 and Ephesians 6:5).

• There is one whom you should fear (Proverbs 14:26-27, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, and I Peter 1:17; I Peter 2:17).
• Fear and obedience tie together (Exodus 20:18-20, Deuteronomy 13:4, Psalms 2:11, Philippians 2:12, and I Peter 4:12-19).
• The fear of God is not for our hurt, but our good (Proverbs 14:16).
• The fear we are to have is to be towards Judgment for sin (Psalms 119:120 and Hebrews 12:28-29), not of physical death and what is to come thereafter (Hebrews 2:9-18).
• God’s love and our love for God should eventually bring us away from carnal fear towards God (I John 4:14-19).
• Fear is a good starting point (Psalms 111:10), but not our daily mindset towards God (Psalms 119:165 and John 14:27).
• Those who obey the Lord do not have to be in fear of the wrath that is to come (Hebrews 10:26-31 and I Thessalonians 1:7-10; cf. Colossians 3:6).

• Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 10:16-39, Luke 12:22-34, and I Peter 3:14-17
• The figure of speech about the numbering of the hairs pertains to the thought of safety (cf. I Kings 1:52, Luke 21:10-19, and Acts 27:22-34).
• This did not mean that Christians would not face physical harm (Psalms 37:12, Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-26, John 15:20, Acts 7:51-8:4, Acts 12:1-2, Acts 14:19-22, Romans 8:28-39, Philippians 1:28, II Timothy 2:8-13, and II Timothy 3:12).
• Remember, it is the contrast of what man could do vs. what God could do. So, don’t compromise the right out of fear of man (Acts 5:28-42).
• What are the disciples of our Lord to the Father (I John 3:1-2)?

• You have to confess Christ before conversion (Acts 8:25-39) and continually afterward (Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 10:9-10, I John 2:22-23, and I John 4:15).
• When faced with earthly consequences, some have decided not to confess our Lord (Luke 22:54-62, John 7:12-13, John 9:15-23, John 12:42-43, and Acts 26:11).

• This verse is NOT justifying speaking against or sinning against Jesus (Hebrews 2:1-4 and Hebrews 10:26-31).
• The point that one could speak against Christ (cf. Luke 22:65), and even much worse, and be able to be forgiven (repentance and conversion required of course; cf. Luke 13:1-5 and Acts 26:18-20) is seen throughout the New Testament (Acts 2:36-41, Acts 3:14-19, and Acts 9:1-20).
• “Blasphemeth” meaning: “to vilify; specifically to speak impiously: - (speak) blaspheme (-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil” (Strong’s # 987). Also translated, “slanderously reported” (Romans 3:8), “evil spoken of” (Romans 14:16 and I Corinthians 10:30), “defamed” (I Corinthians 4:13), etc.
• Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Matthew 12:22-32 and Mark 3:22-30). *Going back in our context (Luke 11:14-23).

• Remember, Jesus is talking to His disciples “first of all” as an innumerable multitude was gathered (Luke 12:1).
• They were sure to face persecution (Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-26, and John 15:18-20).
• We see they did right from the start being brought before those in authority (Acts 4:5-5:42).
• Through the work of the Holy Spirit, they did not have to be concerned what they would say or do in such situations (Matthew 10:16-20, Mark 13:11-13, and Luke 21:14-15).
• The Apostles were directly led by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, John 16:1-13, and Acts 16:5-10).

• The children of Israel certainly cared about their physical inheritance (Numbers 33:54, Proverbs 13:22, Proverbs 17:2, and Proverbs 19:14).
• There were laws and cautions (Numbers 27:6-17 and Proverbs 20:21).
• In Christ however, there is an entirely different mindset especially in regard to debates over such things (Matthew 6:19-21 and I Timothy 6:5).

• Jesus didn’t want earthly rule over matters of carnal things (John 5:41, John 6:15, John 8:15, and John 18:35-36).

• Take heed is Jesus saying they should see something. This same word is translated as: “beholding” (Luke 23:49), “saw” (John 1:34), “having seen” (John 4:45), etc.
• Beware of covetousness [greediness] (Ephesians 4:17-19, Ephesians 5:3-5, and Colossians 3:5).
• As it related to this situation (Proverbs 23:4 and Proverbs 28:20).
• Israel’s past issues (Jeremiah 6:13).
• Life is not about an abundance of earthly possessions (Psalms 37:16, Proverbs 15:16, Ecclesiastes 5:10-16, Philippians 4:10-13, and I Timothy 6:6-10).

• It should not be assumed that one’s “good fortune” is from God (Psalms 73:1-28 and Matthew 5:45).
• His mindset was not how his abundance could help others (Leviticus 19:10, Acts 20:33-35, Philippians 2:3-5, and I Timothy 6:17-19).
• He was all about himself and his own interests, which is the opposite of how God would have us thinking (I Corinthians 10:24).

• Like the erring saints in Laodicea, he is taking no thought for his soul because his wealth has blinded him (Revelation 3:14-22).
• Think about Solomon’s inspired words of wisdom (Proverbs 13:7).

• He was spiritually complacent, only setting his mind on earthly things (Amos 6:1-6, Philippians 3:18-19, I Thessalonians 5:6, and Hebrews 6:10-12).

• Don’t think you have tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1, Matthew 24:42-25:13, and James 4:13-17).
• When you physically die, what happens to the things you have possessed on earth (Psalms 39:6, Psalms 49:10-19, and Ecclesiastes 5:14-16)?

• Psalms 10:3, Proverbs 11:28, Luke 16:19-31, and Luke 18:18-30

• Consider also: Matthew 6:19-34
• Jesus is talking to His disciples whom He has previously instructed to depend on those they are teaching for the physical needs they had (Luke 9:1-6; cf. Luke 10:1-8, I Corinthians 9:14, and Philippians 4:10-18).
• Consider what temptations wanting to be a “rich preacher” can bring about (I Timothy 6:6-10 and II Peter 2:1-3).
• What part does worldly, carnal anxieties have in the lives of faithful Christians (Psalms 127:1-2, Proverbs 12:25, Proverbs 15:13, Proverbs 17:22, John 14:1-3, Philippians 4:6-8, II Timothy 2:3-4, and I Peter 5:6-7)?
• As far as desires and loves towards earthly possessions, those in Christ ought to know better than such (I John 2:15-17).
• When earthly concerns, over which we have no control occur, we should be able to bring those thoughts into subjection (Proverbs 16:3, Isaiah 55:6-9, Romans 12:1-3, II Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 4:22-23, Colossians 3:1-2, and I Peter 1:13).
• That does not mean that Christians and teachers of the Gospel have zero anxieties (i.e. II Corinthians 11:28)!

• “The life” or “your life” (Matthew 6:25).
• What about spiritual things (Galatians 2:20)?
• How can even necessary carnal things (food, clothing, shelter, etc.) become a distraction (Matthew 8:19-20)?
• Remember, Jesus is talking to His disciples (vs. 22). They are going to be entrusted with the Gospel (I Thessalonians 2:4). What does a teacher of the Gospel have to keep in mind (I Timothy 6:3-12)? What if carnal needs became a distraction to one needing to teach the Gospel?
• When we think of “this life” (Luke 21:34 and I Corinthians 15:19) where does the provisions for “eternal life” come in (Titus 3:7-8)?
• Think about the points of John 6:26-27 and Romans 14:17.
• Godliness focuses on the life and that which is to come (I Timothy 4:8).

• The times and seasons are not in our control (Leviticus 26:4, Job 37:6, Psalms 65:9-13, Jeremiah 5:24, Matthew 5:45, and Acts 14:17).

• You cannot make yourself taller through taking thought [being anxious about] of your height. Fact is, things are left to time and chance without our control one way or another (Ecclesiastes 9:11).
• The word translated “stature” can mean height (Luke 19:1-3) or maturity [of age] (John 9:21, John 9:23, and Hebrews 11:11).

• Know your role (Psalms 9:20, Isaiah 2:22, and Ezekiel 28:9).
• We are mere humans, we cannot know or control tomorrow (James 4:13-16).
• Even the mighty (Psalms 22:29 and Isaiah 31:1-3).

• Cf. Matthew 6:28-30.
• This is like the point in Luke 12:24.
• If God created provisions for the temporary, the disciples needed to realize how much more God has provided for them. Even beyond the natural provisions we discussed in verse 24 (Matthew 10:5-10).
• The charge Jesus makes of them being of little faith (Matthew 8:23-27, Matthew 14:22-33, and Matthew 16:5-12).
• So that we understand this, remember that God directed the Apostles on where to go miraculously (Acts 16:1-10).

• A repeat instruction (Luke 12:22).
• In the future… Luke 22:35
• Not to be of a doubtful mind (Acts 10:19-20, Romans 14:23, I Timothy 2:8, and James 1:8; James 4:8).
• Consider the miraculous implications for the Apostles (Matthew 21:18-22).
• Faith and doubt are opposites (Mark 11:23).
• Just think of what believers did through faith (Hebrews 11:1-40).
• What do believers walk by (II Corinthians 5:7)?
• In connection to all these points, consider this: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalms 37:25).

• Disciples of our Lord then and now cannot pattern our lives after the world (John 15:19, John 17:4, Romans 12:1-3, II Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 5:15-17, James 1:21-27, James 4:4, I Peter 1:13-16, and I John 2:15-17).
• God knows what we need (Psalms 38:9 and Matthew 6:32).
• Think about what God did from the beginning (Genesis 1:27-30; Genesis 9:1-3).
• Most importantly, as the context will lead to, is the spiritual needs we have (Luke 12:32).

• At the time this was stated originally by Jesus the kingdom as we know it now was not yet in place (Matthew 3:1-2, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 10:7, and Luke 21:31-32).
• Even when Jesus ascended into Heaven, the kingdom was not yet in place (Acts 1:6-11).
• Soon thereafter, the prophesies concerning the kingdom (Isaiah 2:1-3, Daniel 2:31-45, Joel 2:28-32, and Micah 4:1-2) were fulfilled (Acts 2:1-47).
• With all certainty, we know now the kingdom is in place (Colossians 1:12-13, Hebrews 12:22-29, and Revelation 1:9).
• Therefore, having said all of that, their seeking the kingdom is not the same as we today. The application for us is more so in the wording of Matthew 6:33 “ye first” as it relates to priorities. The Greek word “πρῶτον” meaning: firstly (in time, place, order, or importance): - before, at the beginning, chiefly, (at, at the) first (of all)” (Strong’s # 4412).
• Think about this all in context, rather than worrying about and working towards the physical, focus FIRST on the spiritual (John 6:26-27).
• In regard to the kingdom, the thought then and now is spiritual over the physical (Romans 14:17).
• Set your mind on what is truly beneficial (Psalms 119:166, Psalms 119:174, Lamentations 3:26, John 14:1-3, II Corinthians 5:14-17, Philippians 3:4-20, Colossians 3:1-4, I Thessalonians 5:8, Hebrews 11:8-16, I Peter 1:1-16, I Peter 4:1-5, and II Peter 3:11-12).
• Do not have your affections on earthly things (Proverbs 23:5, John 6:63, Romans 8:1-11, II Timothy 2:1-4, and I Peter 2:11).
• Think about the “first commandment” (Mark 12:28-34).

• In contextual consideration of all Jesus just said to His disciples about not worrying about the physical but to seen the near coming kingdom, He then makes this promise to reassure them. Seek the kingdom first, but understand it is not beyond grasp too. It was not going to be hidden (Luke 9:23-27).
• Think about the “little flock” point (Matthew 18:12-14).
• They were in the plans (Luke 22:24-30).

• Talking to His disciples (Luke 12:22), sell all ye have (Luke 9:1-6).
• There are other times and contexts wherein this instruction is given or the action occurs (Luke 18:18-30, Acts 2:41-46, and Acts 4:32-5:11).
• Does this mean all Christians have to sell everything and give to the poor?
• Priscilla and Aquila were faithful saints that had a business and a home that was even used for the congregation there to assemble in (Acts 18:1-3 and Romans 16:3-5).
• Philemon had a home, servants, etc. and yet was a faithful brother (Philemon 1:1-25).
• Lydia owned a business and had a home, yet when converted was never told to forsake it all. The fact is, she was hospitable after her conversion and then again later towards Paul and Silas (Acts 16:13-15 and Acts 16:40).
• Evangelists, whom were/are not Apostles, did some traveling and teaching. However, they ultimately were permitted to have homes in a certain location (Acts 8:26-40 and Acts 21:8).
• There are things saints are expected to do that require us to have a place we call home and stable funds (Luke 10:25-37, Romans 12:13, I Corinthians 11:22; 11:34, I Corinthians 16:1-4, Colossians 4:15, II Thessalonians 3:10, I Timothy 5:8, I Timothy 6:17-18, I Peter 4:9, etc.).
• Treasures in Heaven that are incorruptible (Matthew 6:19-21).

• What do you value as treasure (Psalms 119:127, Proverbs 3:13-18, Matthew 13:45-46, Ephesians 3:8, and Hebrews 11:24-26)?
• It matters where your heart is (Psalms 78:8, Hosea 4:1-19, Hosea 10:1-2, Mark 12:28-34, and Luke 8:4-15).
• It is not sinful to be wealthy (Ecclesiastes 5:19). It is not sinful to enjoy one’s wealth either (Ecclesiastes 2:24 and I Timothy 6:17). The problem we’re discussing arises when people make earthly wealth their goal (Matthew 19:16-22 and Philippians 4:11-13) and their trust in life (Psalms 52:7 and Revelation 3:17-19).
• Earthly wealth is temporary (Psalms 39:6, Psalms 49:10, Proverbs 23:5, Proverbs 27:24, Ecclesiastes 2:18-19, Ecclesiastes 5:13-16, and I Timothy 6:6-8).
• Earthly wealth cannot do anything in the day of wrath (Psalms 49:6-8 and Proverbs 11:4).

• This is a “be dressed and ready to go” type of instruction. It is about waiting on the Lord. The Parable of the Ten Virgins and the context of that are the fitting explanation of this instruction (Matthew 24:35-25:13).

• Watching, being prepared to meet the Lord at all times (Mark 13:32-37).

• The thief in the night illustration (I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 and II Peter 3:7-14).
• So, be in the right mind [sober] (I Peter 4:7).

• There were times when the disciples of Jesus didn’t ask questions (Mark 9:31-32, John 4:27, and John 16:19).
• Then there were times, like here, when they did (Matthew 13:10).
• Jesus was willing to explain (Mark 4:33-34).
• Sometimes they misunderstood and chose to selectively ask questions (Mark 9:10-11).
• The disciples were not alone with Jesus (Luke 11:29; Luke 11:37; Luke 11:53-54; Luke 12:1), so the question makes sense.

• Matthew 24:45-46; Matthew 25:13-30  
• The reward and the work are tied together (Matthew 16:27, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 2:4-11, I Corinthians 3:8, Galatians 6:7-10, and Revelation 22:12-14).

• As addressed earlier in this context (Luke 12:37), be at work at all times and there is not fear of when the Lord comes (I Corinthians 15:58 and I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11).

• Being ruler over all that He hath (Luke 19:11-27).

• Israel of old serves as an example as to why people should not think the Judgment is always afar off (Ezekiel 12:27-28).
• To then eat, drink, and abuse (Isaiah 56:10-12)… DUMB (Matthew 24:48-51).
• Unfortunately, there were/are those that have dismissed the return of our Lord and Judgment to come (II Peter 3:1-14).

• Under the Law of Moses, which the audience would have familiarity with, certain offenses were met with beatings (Deuteronomy 25:1-3 and Proverbs 19:29).
• As Jesus continues to illustrate His lesson, the point of expectations are made. If you know to do good… (Matthew 11:20-24, John 15:18-24, Acts 17:30, and James 4:17).

• Though we just referenced this in verse 42; the Parable of the Talents is the ultimate point here (Matthew 25:14-30; cf. I Peter 4:10-11).
• Think about what Paul said about the mercy shown to Him (I Timothy 1:13).
• Consider the level of accountability for those who lead (James 3:1 and Hebrews 13:17).
• Think of how the Corinthians were to help their poor brethren “according to that a man hath” (II Corinthians 8:12; cf. Luke 21:1-4).

• When you think of the Lord sending fire, some form of Judgment comes to mind (Ezekiel 39:6, Hosea 8:14, Amos 1:4; Amos 1:7; Amos 1:10; Amos 1:12, etc.). In fact, the final Judgment comes to mind (II Thessalonians 1:7-9 and Hebrews 10:26-31).
• Contextually, the Judgment Day is not what is under discussion. Rather, the Lord being the source of division is the contextual point (cf. Matthew 10:34-39). Not in the immediate though, it is more about what will come about as the Gospel spreads.
• John said Jesus was going to bring fire (Luke 3:16).
• Think of the trials faced by the faithful as being faith tried in fire (I Peter 1:7).
• The fire was not started already or else Jesus wouldn’t be the source. While the faithful have always faced trials, greater was to come and not just for those who teach (Acts 14:22 and II Timothy 3:12; cf. Matthew 10:22).
• This is not the intent of Jesus or of the faithful. Remember, we are to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). The fact is, darkness hates light so the fire ignites as a reaction regardless of the intent of Christ or of us (John 3:19-21).

• Jesus is not talking about His being baptized in water, that is past already (Luke 3:21-22).
• He is talking about what He is going to face going forward in suffering that, like the contextual point, even His disciples will face similar too (Mark 10:32-40).
• By saying He was “straitened” till it be accomplished He was essentially saying, as the word is translated in another context, that He was pressed (Acts 18:5). Think of it as constraint (II Corinthians 5:14) or being in a strait (Philippians 1:23). Cf. Luke 9:51 and John 4:31-35

• Division has and will occur because of our Lord and the truth that He brings to this world (John 3:19-21, John 7:40-52, John 9:1-41, John 10:1-21, Acts 13:26-51, Acts 14:1-4, I Corinthians 1:18-24, and I Peter 2:6-8).
• On the other hand, Christians have peace in and through Jesus Christ (Acts 10:36, Romans 5:1, I Peter 5:14, and II Peter 1:2).
• Saints have this peace from God (Romans 8:6, I Corinthians 14:33, II Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:6-8, and Colossians 1:20) as has been the case since long ago (Psalms 119:165 and Isaiah 26:3).
• Here is the thing for us in Christ, we have to want peace for ourselves (I Peter 3:11) and with others (Hebrews 12:14).

• Jesus is not the only reason this has ever or will ever happen (Micah 7:5-7).
• Division among physical family members because of Christ (Matthew 10:21-25, Matthew 10:34-39, Mark 13:12-13, Luke 14:25-33, and Luke 21:16-17).
• Why? Simple, the division between godliness and ungodliness, light and darkness, etc. (John 15:18-21).

• Matthew 16:1-4
• John had come and prepared the way (Matthew 3:1-12) just as the prophets foretold (Isaiah 40:1-5 and Malachi 4:4-5; cf. Matthew 11:12-14).
• Through the words of the prophets, they could see Jesus was the Messiah if they so chose to (Matthew 4:12-17 [cf. Isaiah 9:1-7], Matthew 12:15-21 [cf. Isaiah 42:1-4], Luke 4:16-21 [cf. Isaiah 61:1-3], etc.).
• Through His works they could have seen Him for who He is if they wanted to (John 10:25 and John 14:11; cf. Luke 7:21-23, John 7:43-46, Acts 2:22, etc.).
• In this specific charge, what made them hypocrites was they had the ability to reason but chose not to do so when it came to Jesus (Luke 13:10-16).

• The idea of being able to judge what is right (cf. Luke 7:36-43).
• Where is the righteous judgment here (John 7:24)?
• They cannot judge properly regarding spiritual matters (I Corinthians 2:14).
• How could they since they could not see clearly (Matthew 7:1-5)?
• Seeing as how we need to be able to properly discern good from evil to know what to hold to (I Thessalonians 5:21), it is of the upmost importance that we use godly wisdom that is impartial and without hypocrisy (James 3:17; cf. I Timothy 5:20-21).

• Wisdom to settle rather than put one’s life in the hands of worldly authorities (Proverbs 25:8-9, Matthew 5:25-26, and I Corinthians 6:1-11).
• In general, be wise among sinners (Colossians 4:5-6; cf. Psalms 10:4-11, Psalms 37:32, Psalms 38:12, Psalms 39:1, Jeremiah 5:26-28, Amos 5:12-13, Luke 11:53-54, and Luke 20:20).

• God is merciful (Psalms 116:5 and Joel 2:13), but don’t expect the world to be so.
• If brought before sinners, don’t expect mercy (Isaiah 3:14-15, Isaiah 5:22-23, Amos 2:6-7, Micah 3:1-3, Luke 16:10, Luke 23:20-25, and James 2:6).