Luke 12 Study Notes

12:22-26 Jesus’s advice to his disciples was not to be overcome with anxiety over the basic needs of life. Worrying won’t change even a little thing. Since God feeds the ravens, who have no storeroom, will he not care for humans, his most valuable and beloved creatures?

12:27-32 If God “dresses” (clothes) nature so beautifully, he will certainly meet a disciple’s basic needs. Unbelievers (the unsaved Gentile world) pursue provision and wealth as if life were all about these things and as if God is unconcerned about their needs, but this is not to be the focus of the Christian. In the parallel passage in Mt 6:33, Jesus declared, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” Thus at least a key part of seeking God’s kingdom for the believer is to strive to live by his standards. In regard to other benefits of the kingdom, believers can rest assured that the Father will give them to his children with joy.

12:33-34 When disciples are living for God’s glory and his kingdom (v. 31), they will choose priorities for this life that are designed to reap inexhaustible heavenly dividends. These become the treasure of one’s heart. Wealth on this earth can be stolen or destroyed, but heavenly treasures are eternally secure.

12:35-40 The point of this story is that we must practice constant readiness. Waiting for the master to return means waiting for Christ’s second coming. It is not known when the return will take place, so it is necessary to be constantly vigilant. If a thief can come unexpectedly, how much more can the coming of Christ catch his servants by surprise?

12:41-44 Jesus previously told his disciples that his parables held secrets that were only for his followers (see note at 8:9-10). Jesus did not answer Peter’s question directly. Instead, he told another story about a master and his manager. The story in vv. 35-40 emphasized that the master’s servant should be watching, but this story made it clear that the servant must also be working. Disciples who persevere in faithfulness will be rewarded by the master.

12:45-48 If a servant of the master does not faithfully watch and work, there will be severe consequences when the master comes. The reason for the difference in punishments is the principle of accountable stewardship. More is expected of those who have been given much.

12:49-50 Fire in these verses symbolizes judgment on the earth at the second coming of Christ. A baptism to undergo refers to the suffering of Christ, specifically his agony on the cross (Mk 10:38). Consumes expresses how focused Jesus was on completing his mission. It is finished are the words Jesus used on the cross to signal that redemption was accomplished (Jn 19:30).

12:51-53 Jesus Christ made peace with God possible for anyone who will choose to follow as his disciple (Rm 5:1). Unbelievers, however, remain at odds with God and his requirements for holiness. There will be such division over the gospel of Christ that some families will be split down the middle. The spiritual family of God is more important than family bloodlines.

12:54-56 Storms in Palestine usually blow in from the west, off the Mediterranean Sea, or from the deserts to the south. A cloud coming from the west usually brought rain or a storm, while a south wind was dry and hot. In this context, interpret means “to discern.” Time refers to “the opportune moment,” in this case the presence of Messiah in their midst.

12:57-59 The need to settle accounts before undergoing judicial punishment pictures the need to be reconciled to God (Rm 5:10) before facing his judgment. At that point, it will be too late to seek reconciliation.