Notes on Luke 11:50-12:10

Luke 11:50

The rejection of Jesus and his apostles is part of a history of persecution of God's prophets (see note on vv. 47-48). However, this generation's persecution of Jesus is especially wicked as all the prophets pointed to him (24:26-27, 44-47; John 5:39).

Luke 11:51

Abel's blood . . . Zechariah. Adam's son, Abel, was the first person killed for his faith in God (Gen. 4:1-12). According to the Hebrew order of the Old Testament, 2 Chronicles is the final book. There, Zechariah is the last person shown being martyred for his faith in God (2 Chron. 24:20-22). Jesus is saying that from the beginning to end of the Old Testament history, Satan has been at work to stop the plan of God. He did this in many ways, but especially through death (John 8:44).

Luke 11:52

Woe. See notes on 6:20-26. taken away the key. Those who claim to be teachers of the God's Law pervert that teaching. They keep people from understanding as they should. hinder. They claimed to preach a message of salvation but were only blind guides because they had not entered God's salvation themselves. They prevent people from entering the kingdom.

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).

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