Luke 12

      32. Fear not, little flock. The flock is safe only because of the Shepherd's care. The Lord is the Shepherd, and it is his pleasure to give not only food and raiment, but the kingdom to his children.

      33. Sell what ye have. Lay up treasure in heaven. The true way of investing wealth is to consecrate it to good purposes. Better to sell in order to have wherewith to give, than to hoard like the rich fool. See notes on Matt. 6:19-21.

      35-46. Let your loins be girded. The long Oriental robe had to be taken up and girded before one was ready to travel. See notes on Matt. 24:42-51. Lights burning. See Matt. 25:3-8 . May open unto him immediately. Be ready when the Lord's summons come. In the second watch. The Jews divided the night into four watches. The second and third covered the midnight hours. The thief would come. See notes on Matt. 24:43, 44. Who then is the faithful and wise steward? See notes on Matt. 24:45-51.

      47, 48. That servant, which knew his lord's will. This is the wilfully disobedient servant. The man who sins in the face of knowledge is such a servant. His neglect of known duty shall aggravate his punishment. He that knew not. The man who sinned in ignorance shall have lighter punishment. Certainly degrees of punishment for degrees of guilt are taught. All will not be punished alike.

      49. I am come to cast fire on earth. Conflict and persecution. This was the effect of preaching the gospel. It aroused opposition. See notes on Matt. 10:34-37. If it is already kindled. The conflict had already begun. The enemies were seeking his death.

      50. I have a baptism. Of suffering. That of the cross. Straitened. Feeling the burden in anticipation.

      51-53. Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? See notes on Matt. 10:34.

      54-57. When ye see a cloud rising. See notes on Matt. 16:2, 3. Why even of yourselves? Why not judge what is right without any external signs?

      58, 59. As thou art going with thine adversary. See notes on Matt. 5:25, 26.