Read the Passage: Luke 12:1–34

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Luke 12:1–34

Fear of God (12:1–12)

Since He had just confronted the Pharisees and lawyers for their hypocrisy (cf. Luke 11:37–54), when a large crowd had gathered around, Jesus exhorted the people, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). The teaching here is two-fold: first, to watch out for the duplicity of the religious leaders; and second, to be aware of the tendency of hypocrisy to spread like leaven. In Luke 12:2–3 Christ warns and assures the crowd that all hidden words and actions will eventually be revealed—whether in this life or in the next. Yet, given that the Pharisees and lawyers were religious leaders, some in the crowd may still have been tempted to fear their temporal power. This is why in Luke 12:4–5 Jesus’ exhortation to the crowds was to not fear man, but to fear God (cf. Prov. 29:25; Heb. 13:6). The fear in view here is not panic or terror, but respect and reverence.

In Luke 12:6–12 Jesus continues His teaching about fearing God. Indeed, in this passage Christ gives four reasons why His followers should fear God and not be anxious about hypocritical religious leaders. First, in appealing to God’s care for the sparrows, Jesus explains that God is aware of the intimate details of the lives of all people, and that He values mankind (cf. Luke 12:6–7). Second, Luke records the teaching that confessing or denying Christ before men will yield the parallel result of Christ confessing or denying men before God (cf. Luke 12:8–9). Third, Jesus informs His hearers that hypocritically fearing man rather than God is blasphemy, and “to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven” (Luke 12:10). Fourth, Christ teaches when believers are brought before leaders, the Holy Spirit will provide words to say (cf. Luke 12:11–12).

View of Wealth (12:13–21)

The theme that unites this larger passage is having a godly mindset. In Luke 12:13–21 Jesus addressed something that oftentimes works against a holy frame of mind—that is, a preoccupation with material wealth. In Luke 12:13–15 Christ refused to settle a dispute over an inheritance, as He taught, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). Next, in Luke 12:16–21 Jesus gave the so-called parable of the rich fool to illustrate His teaching on wealth. In this story a farmer with a bumper-crop resolves in his heart to store up his goods, to take it easy, and to eat, drink, and be merry. In the parable, the man is confronted for his self-centered mindset. Of course, God is not opposed to storehouses, nor is He against gladness. Rather, the farmer’s error here is that he was viewing wealth as an end unto itself, not as a means to foster godly living.

Anxiety of Man (12:22–34)

One of the more well-known passages in Scripture is Jesus’ message in the Sermon on the Mount about the relationship between anxiety, wealth, and the kingdom of God (cf. Matt. 6:25–33). In Luke 12:22–34 Christ gives a very similar teaching. Jesus’ words here are familiar when He exhorts His readers to not worry about food or clothing, as He refers to God’s provision for the flowers of the field and the birds of the air. Of course, Christ is not encouraging a cavalier attitude about the material world, for God expects mankind to use labor and wisdom, among other means of grace, to satisfy his basic needs. In sum, then, Jesus’ message is that mankind is not to worry over nor to be anxious about his life, for if God takes care of lesser things in creation, how much more will He provide for mankind. Indeed, mankind is loved by God and is made in His image.

In Luke 12:29–34 Jesus gives five clear imperatives that summarize and explain a right relationship between anxiety, wealth, and the kingdom of God. These commands are: first, do not obsess over material needs (cf. Luke 12:29a); second, do not have an anxious mind (cf. Luke 12:29b); third, seek the Kingdom of God (cf. Luke 12:31); fourth, do not fear (cf. Luke 12:32); and fifth, sell what you have an be generous toward to poor (cf. Luke 12:33). Embracing these imperatives is both safe and logical, explains Christ, for God has intimate knowledge about the needs of mankind (cf. Luke 12:30). Furthermore, in keeping these commands man will gain treasure in heaven that cannot be stolen nor destroyed. Perhaps the last imperative in the above list is most intriguing, as it does not appear in the Sermon on the Mount; yet, it does appear in the narrative of the rich, young ruler (cf. Matt. 19:21).

Application Questions:

1. Why is anxiety and worry a recurring problem for most people? How have you overcome anxiety and worry in your own life?
2. Are you ever tempted to fear man more than God? In what areas of life is the fear of man more prevalent?
3. What does it mean to speak blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (cf. Matt. 12:31–37)? Is this sin forgivable?
4. Are worry and anxiety always sinful? What are some key passages in Scripture that address anxiety (cf. Ps. 94:19; Prov. 3:21–26; Phil. 4:6)?
5. Which of the five imperatives given in Luke 12:29–34 is most challenging for you to keep?