Notes on Luke 12:19-34

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).

Luke 12:31-32

Seeking God's kingdom means looking for the saving reign of God in every area of our own life, but also in the lives of others (11:1-4, 20; 17:21). added. Not strived for, but given by God. If he gives the kingdom, he will surely also meet our everyday physical and spiritual needs (see Rom. 8:29-32).

Luke 12:31

Pharisees. See note on 5:17. Herod. See note on 3:1. leave. Though many Pharisees were antagonistic toward Jesus (6:7; 7:30; 16:14), others followed him (John 19:38-40). Thus, this could have been a sincere warning. Or, it could have been ploy to get him to leave because of his strong teaching (vv. 22-30).

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