Notes on Luke 12:14-34

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).

Luke 12:15

Greed is not limited to the wealthy. One can be poor and still covet for more. Greed is idolatry (Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:5) — wanting, loving, desiring our possessions more than God. See WLC 142; HC 110.

Luke 12:16-21

Jesus told a parable to warn about greed and explain his response to the man who sought his help (vv. 14-15). WLC 142; HC 110.

Luke 12:16

parable. See note on 8:4.

Luke 12:19

Rest easy, eat, drink, be merry. Sometimes such action is the result of God's blessings (see Ecc. 2:24; 3:13; 5:18; 8:15). Here, it shows that the man is self-centered. He is not mindful of God's blessing and does not live accordingly (v. 20-21; see Exod. 32:6; 2 Sam. 11:11; Isa. 22:12-13; Jer. 16:8).

Luke 12:20

Foolish. The man was foolish because he planned without thinking about God (Ps. 14:1). required. Jesus taught that our life is not our own, but a loan from God our Creator.

Luke 12:21

The man who desired to be rich died poor. He missed out on knowing God, which matters most in this life and the life to come (see Matt. 6:19-21).

Luke 12:22-34

See HC 26.

Luke 12:22

disciples. The promises given by Jesus in these verses (vv. 22-34) are for those who have put their faith in him. Therefore. The negative example of the parable (vv. 16-21) is the basis for Jesus's teaching about trusting God, not possessions (vv. 13-21). do not worry. The basic theme for this section (vv. 22-34). Jesus used several examples of God's provision for lesser things to show he would surely care for his people.

Luke 12:23

The reason we need not worry (v. 22).

Luke 12:24

ravens. Unclean birds under the law of ancient Israel (Lev. 11:13-15; Deut. 14:11-14). If God cares for them (Ps 147:9; Job 38:41), he will surely care for his people.

Luke 12:25

cubit. Unit of measure equaling about 18 in (46 cm). It could also be symbolic for an hour of time.

Luke 12:27

lilies. An unknown kind of a flower. Perhaps, the purple anemone, which reflected a royal color. Solomon. Ancient Israel's king after David (1 Kgs. 2:10-12). His reign was renowned for its splendor (1 Kgs 10:4-5; 2 Chron. 9:5).

Luke 12:28

oven. When wood was unavailable in ancient Israel, grass was often used to burn in fires.

Luke 12:29

Jesus did not mean it was wrong to work and plan to provide for oneself (see 1 Thess. 4:11-12). Instead, he warned against acting like anxious pagans who continually fret over mundane things. God is a Father who provides for his people's needs.

Luke 12:29

Though some Jews will be shut out from the promised kingdom (v. 28), God will offer salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 11:15-18; see Isa. 59:19; Mal. 1:11; Matt. 28:19-20; Rev. 7:9-10).

Luke 12:30

important. Some Jews expected to be saved because they were part of God's covenant people, Israel (Rom. 9:3-5). However, they did not trust God and would not be saved (Rom. 9:30-33; 11:1-10). least. Gentiles, who were far from God, would be humble and beg God for mercy. Through faith in Christ, they would be saved (Rom. 9:24-29; 11:11-16, 25; 1 Pet. 2:9-10).

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