Notes on Luke 12:1-14

Luke 12:1

thousands. Jesus was popular with average people. disciples first. Jesus's teaching was to his disciples though many others were present. Pharisees. See note on 5:17. yeast. An ingredient in bread which makes it rise (Exod. 12:39). A small amount works its way throughout the entire loaf. This was a picture which showed how even a little sin could spread throughout the entire community (see Matt. 16:6). hypocrisy. The disconnect between what we say we believe and how we live. For the Pharisees, it meant having the appearance of godliness while having wicked, unbelieving hearts (11:37-54).

Luke 12:2-3

Sin hidden by hollow religion (v. 1) will not stay hidden. It will be revealed on the final day of judgment (Eccl. 12:14; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:16).

Luke 12:4-5

When threatened by persecution, Jesus's disciples should not fear those who can only kill the body. They should persevere by fearing God who can destroy people in hell. God alone has eternal authority. fear. Fear towards God is not hopeless dread, but worshipful reverence (Deut. 10:12; Ps. 111:10).

Luke 12:6-7

sparrows. Small birds that were the cheapest thing sold in the market place in that day. coins. Small copper coins from ancient Rome worth about 1/16 of a denarius, or about 1/16 of a day's wage. not . . . forgotten. Despite their low worth, God was still aware of them. Likewise, Jesus's disciples were watched even more closely by God who valued them even more than sparrows (Matt. 6:26). hairs. The sovereign Lord cares for his people to the smallest detail (21:18; 1 Sam. 14:45; 2 Sam. 14:11; 1 Kgs. 1:52).

Luke 12:9

Disciples are tempted to deny Jesus in order to escape persecution. Yet, true believers confess their faith in Jesus (v. 8), even in the face of suffering (see 1 Pet. 1:6-9; 3:13-17).

Luke 12:10

Son of Man. Jesus; see note on 5:22-24. Words spoken against Jesus will be forgiven (see 22:54-62; John 21:15-19). However, there is an unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. blasphemes. All who truly repent will be forgiven and saved (Acts 2:21; 3:18-19; Rom. 10:13; 2 Cor. 7:9-10). But this sin is unique in that it attributes the work of the Holy Spirit to demons. In the immediate context, Luke recorded religious leaders who saw God's power in Jesus's life but refused to believe. They saw the Holy Spirit working through Jesus, but blasphemed by calling it the work of Satan (11:14-20; Matt. 12:22-32). This was evidence of their evil intentions (see Acts 7:51). Thus, what is unforgivable is clearly seeing God's saving work but continuing to deny and oppose it (see Matt. 28:11-15).

Luke 12:11-12

Believers enduring persecution and facing martyrdom need not worry about what to say. The Holy Spirit will help their previous study of God's Word so they can give a defense of their faith (21:14-15; see Acts 4:8-13; 6:10; 7:2-60).

Luke 12:13-14

See WCF 31.5.

Luke 12:13

It was not uncommon for Jewish people to come to the rabbis and ask for help solving family disputes. They were supposed to know the Law of God and therefore be able to apply it to the various situations in life.

Luke 12:14

Jesus's response might seem surprising. But he was careful to not be distracted from his mission (9:51). Moreover, he knew the man's heart. His request for help was driven by greed (v. 15), not justice (Deut. 21:15-17; Num. 27:1-11; 36:7-9).

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