Thirdmill Study Bible

Notes on Luke 12:25-48

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).

Luke 12:33

Putting treasure in the heavens means spending money, not hoarding it. The Bible is filled with instructions for giving away the money God has entrusted to you: Giving to the poor, giving to the church, giving to support gospel missions. God blesses us with abundance beyond what we need so we can alleviate the spiritual and physical misery of others. Work to provide for ourselves and our families, but also to have in order to give to others—this is the pattern both Luke and Paul outline (cf. Eph 4:28).

Luke 12:34

The way to get your heart set on the right things is to treasure the right things. When you treasure God above all else, then everything else will be held with a loose grip (5:11, 28). It's easy to be generous when God is your treasure.

Luke 12:35-48

Jesus shifted his emphasis from not worrying to be watchful and ready according to God's plans.

Luke 12:35-36

See WCF 31.5

Luke 12:35

clothing tucked. For activities like running or fighting, long robes would be pulled up and tucked in one's belt. This became a common picture of readiness (Exod. 12:11; 1 Kgs. 18:46; 1 Pet 1:13). lamps . . . burning. Another picture of readiness. Specifically, he spoke of the quick ability to move around in the dark (Exod. 27:20; Lev 24:2; Matt. 25:1-3).

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