Luke 12 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Luke 12 meaning explained in AI Summary

Warnings, The Parable of the Fig Tree and the Importance of Prayer

Jesus warns His disciples about hypocrisy and the dangers of seeking honor.
He teaches about the importance of confessing faith in Him.
The parable of the fig tree and the importance of being ready for the coming of the Son of Man are presented.
Jesus teaches the parable of the fig tree, emphasizing the need for constant watchfulness and readiness for the kingdom of God.
He discusses the importance of prayer and persistence in seeking God's will.
Jesus warns about the coming judgment and the need to repent.

Luke 12 can be divided into several key sections, each with its own theme:

1. Hypocrisy and Fearlessness (1-12):

Jesus warns against hypocrisy, particularly that of the Pharisees, urging his followers to be open and honest about their faith.
He emphasizes that true discipleship requires acknowledging him publicly, even in the face of opposition.
He encourages his followers to be fearless, for God protects those who are faithful to him, even in the face of persecution and death.
The Holy Spirit will guide and empower believers in times of trial.

2. Greed and Materialism (13-21):

Jesus cautions against greed and materialism through the parable of the rich fool.
The man who stores up treasures for himself but is not rich toward God is ultimately empty and loses everything.
True wealth lies in our relationship with God and living a life focused on him, not on material possessions.

3. Anxiety and Worry (22-34):

Jesus addresses anxiety about material needs, urging his followers to trust in God's provision.
He reminds them that God cares for the birds and flowers, and he will certainly care for his children.
Seeking God's kingdom should be the priority, and material needs will be met.
He encourages generosity and detachment from material possessions.

4. Watchfulness and Readiness (35-48):

Jesus uses the imagery of servants waiting for their master to emphasize the importance of being watchful and prepared for his return.
He warns that those who are unprepared will face judgment.
Faithfulness and diligence are crucial, as God expects his followers to be responsible stewards of what he has entrusted to them.

5. Division and the Cost of Discipleship (49-59):

Jesus acknowledges that his message will bring division, even within families.
He emphasizes the urgency of his mission and the cost of following him.
True discipleship requires complete commitment and a willingness to prioritize Jesus above all else, even family ties.

Overall, Luke 12 presents a call to authentic discipleship characterized by:

Fearlessness: Standing up for Jesus even in the face of opposition.
Generosity: Sharing resources and living free from material attachment.
Trust in God: Relying on God's provision and not being consumed by worry.
Watchfulness: Living in a state of readiness for Jesus' return.
Commitment: Prioritizing Jesus above all else, even family.

Luke 12 bible study ai commentary

Luke chapter 12 presents a collection of Jesus' teachings on discipleship under pressure, focusing on the ultimate reality of God's judgment and the necessity of living with an eternal perspective. Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of religious leaders, commands fearless confession of His name, and cautions against the dangers of greed and anxiety. He calls His followers to be constantly watchful and ready for His return, warning that accountability will be based on the knowledge and responsibility given to each person. The chapter ends with a stark reminder that His coming brings not worldly peace but a necessary, righteous division, urging the crowd to discern the spiritual signs of the times and seek reconciliation with God before it is too late.

Luke 12 context

Luke 12 is situated within the "Travel Narrative" (Luke 9:51–19:28), a large section where Jesus is resolutely making his way toward Jerusalem and the cross. The audience is a massive crowd ("myriads," thousands), but the teachings are primarily directed at His disciples. This public-yet-intimate setting heightens the urgency of the message. The historical context is one of rising tension and opposition from the Jewish religious establishment (Pharisees and Scribes), making Jesus' warnings about hypocrisy and persecution particularly potent for his original followers. His teachings stand in stark contrast to the worldly concerns of both the Roman-Hellenistic culture (focused on wealth and status) and the legalistic externalism of the Pharisees.

Luke 12:1-3

In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.”

In-depth-analysis

The Crowd and the Disciples: The scene is one of immense popularity, yet Jesus turns to His disciples first. The message is for the committed, though the crowd overhears.
Leaven of the Pharisees: "Leaven" (Greek: zymē) is a powerful metaphor used throughout scripture for a pervasive, corrupting influence that grows from a small beginning. Here, it is explicitly defined as hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy: The Greek word hypokrisis comes from the world of theatre, meaning "to act a part." The Pharisees' "leaven" was their external show of righteousness that concealed internal corruption.
Ultimate Revelation: The core principle is that all secrets, both good and evil, will eventually be exposed. God's judgment is total and transparent. Words spoken in "private rooms" (the most secret place in a home) will be proclaimed from "housetops" (flat roofs used for public announcements).

Bible references

Matthew 16:6, 11-12: Jesus warns the disciples again, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Direct parallel defining leaven as teaching).
1 Corinthians 5:6-8: "…a little leaven leavens the whole lump. Cleanse out the old leaven…of malice and evil…" (Leaven as pervasive sin).
Ecclesiastes 12:14: "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Universal judgment).
1 Corinthians 4:5: "...the Lord comes... he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart." (Judgment reveals motives).

Cross references

Mar 4:22 (nothing is hidden), Matt 23:25-28 (woes to hypocrites), Job 34:21-22 (God sees all), Heb 4:13 (all is naked and exposed to God).

Luke 12:4-7

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

In-depth-analysis

My Friends: Jesus addresses his disciples with intimacy (philois mou), preparing them for a hard teaching on persecution.
Proper Fear: A distinction is made between fearing man and fearing God. Man's power is limited to physical death (apokteinontōn to sōma). God's authority is ultimate and eternal.
Hell (Gehenna): The Greek word is Geennan, transliterated from the Hebrew Ge-Hinnom (Valley of Hinnom). This was a literal valley outside Jerusalem associated with pagan child sacrifice and later used as a burning garbage dump. It became a powerful symbol for the place of final, fiery judgment.
God's Meticulous Care: Jesus uses an argument from the lesser to the greater. If God is aware of and cares for a cheap sparrow (the least valuable of birds), His care for His children, whose very hairs are numbered, is absolute and infinite. This profound care is the basis for not fearing man.

Bible references

Matthew 10:28-31: "And do not fear those who kill the body... Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Direct parallel).
Isaiah 8:12-13: "Do not fear what they fear... But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear..." (Fear the Lord, not man).
Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..." (The foundation of true knowledge).
1 Peter 3:14: "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled." (Exhortation to a persecuted church).

Cross references

Dan 3:16-18 (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's defiance), Rev 2:10 (be faithful unto death), Ps 139:1-4 (God's intimate knowledge), Isa 51:12 (why fear mortal man?).

Luke 12:8-10

“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”

In-depth-analysis

Public Confession: Acknowledging (homologeō) Jesus is not just a private belief, but a public allegiance. This confession on earth corresponds to Jesus' confession of the believer in heaven.
Denial and its Consequence: Denying Jesus before men leads to being denied by Jesus before God's heavenly court. The stakes are eternal.
Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit: This is the most severe warning. Speaking a word "against the Son of Man" (e.g., Peter's denial) could be done in ignorance or weakness and is forgivable. However, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is attributing the clear, undeniable work of the Spirit (done through Jesus) to Satan. It signifies a heart so hardened and committed to rebellion against God's ultimate testimony that it places itself beyond repentance and forgiveness.

Polemics

Many scholars see this not as a specific verbal sin but as a settled state of heart. It is the final, conscious, and unrepentant rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony about Jesus. This counters the fear some Christians have of accidentally committing it. The context in Matthew 12:22-32 makes it clear: the Pharisees saw a demon-possessed man healed and declared that Jesus did it by the power of Beelzebul (Satan). They saw the light of God and called it darkness.

Bible references

Matthew 10:32-33: "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven..." (Direct parallel).
Mark 8:38: "For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words... of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes..." (Confession tied to the Second Coming).
Matthew 12:31-32: "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." (Parallel context on the unforgivable sin).
Hebrews 6:4-6: It speaks of those who have tasted the heavenly gift... and have shared in the Holy Spirit... and then have fallen away, it is impossible to restore them again to repentance. (Describes a similar state of final apostasy).

Cross references

Rom 10:9-10 (confess with mouth), 2 Tim 2:12 (if we deny him, he will deny us), Heb 10:26-31 (willful sin after knowledge), 1 John 5:16 (sin that leads to death).

Luke 12:11-12

“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

In-depth-analysis

Promise in Persecution: Jesus anticipates the official persecution of his followers. The command is to not be anxious (mē merimnēsēte). This is not a call for unpreparedness, but a prohibition of fearful worry.
Divine Defense: The defense is not reliant on human cleverness or rhetoric. The Holy Spirit Himself will provide the words, turning a trial into a moment of divine testimony.

Bible references

Matthew 10:19-20: "do not be anxious how you are to speak... for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Direct parallel).
Acts 4:8-13: Peter, "filled with the Holy Spirit," speaks boldly to the rulers and elders, who are amazed by his wisdom. (Fulfillment of the promise).
2 Timothy 4:16-17: Paul notes that at his first defense no one stood by him, "But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed." (Divine assistance in trial).

Cross references

Mar 13:11, Luke 21:14-15 (parallel accounts), Acts 6:10 (Stephen's wisdom), Phil 1:27-28 (stand firm).

Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable... The Parable of the Rich Fool.

In-depth-analysis

The Catalyst: The teaching on greed is prompted by a real-world request. The man sees Jesus as an authoritative Rabbi who could settle a legal dispute.
Jesus' Refusal: Jesus rejects the role of earthly arbitrator. His mission is not to manage temporal finances but to address the heart condition behind the dispute: covetousness.
Covetousness (Pleonexia): The Greek pleonexia means a lust to have more, a rapacious greed that is never satisfied. Jesus warns against all forms of it.
The Rich Fool:
- The Folly: The man’s error was not his wealth or his successful harvest, but his worldview. His life revolved entirely around himself and his material possessions. His monologue is filled with "I" and "my."
- Ignoring God: He makes plans for his life without any reference to God, the giver of the harvest. He thinks his "soul" can find rest in material abundance.
- Sudden Judgment: "God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you...'" Death comes unexpectedly, rendering his hoarding useless. The question, "the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" highlights the transient nature of earthly wealth.
- Rich Toward God: The conclusion of the parable. True wealth is a right relationship with God, characterized by generosity and a heavenly focus, not earthly accumulation.

Bible references

1 Timothy 6:9-10: "...the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith..." (Defines the danger of greed).
Ecclesiastes 5:10: "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity." (The nature of covetousness).
Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." (The principle of being rich toward God).
James 4:13-15: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go... and make a profit'— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring... Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills...'" (Warning against godless planning).

Cross references

Ex 20:17 (commandment against coveting), Col 3:5 (covetousness is idolatry), Ps 49:10-12 (rich leave wealth to others), Jer 17:11 (one who gets riches unjustly).

Luke 12:22-34

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on... Consider the ravens... Consider the lilies... And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink... Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you... Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail..."

In-depth-analysis

Logical Connection: The word "Therefore" links this teaching on anxiety directly to the Parable of the Rich Fool. Because life isn't about possessions, do not be anxious about them.
Anxiety vs. Concern: The prohibition is against anxious, fretful worry (merimnaō), not prudent planning.
Two Illustrations:
1. Ravens: They don't sow or reap, yet God feeds them. The disciples are of far greater value.
2. Lilies: They don't toil or spin, yet their glory surpasses Solomon's. If God clothes temporary flowers so beautifully, He will surely clothe His children.
O Little Faith: Anxiety is presented as a failure of faith in the Father's loving, providential care.
The Kingdom Priority: The positive command is to "seek his kingdom." This reorients one's entire life purpose. When the primary pursuit is God's reign and righteousness, material needs are met by God as a secondary consequence.
Radical Discipleship: The call to "sell your possessions and give to the needy" is a practical outworking of not laying up treasures on earth. It is the ultimate act of being "rich toward God." This "treasure in the heavens" is secure from all earthly corruption and loss.

Polemics

This passage is a direct polemic against the materialism of the age. For a peasant culture living day-to-day, anxiety about food and clothing was a constant reality. Jesus' teaching radically subverts this worldly preoccupation, elevating faith in a providing Father above all earthly concerns. It is not an endorsement of laziness, but a call to re-prioritize life around God's kingdom.

Bible references

Matthew 6:25-34: "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life..." (The most complete parallel passage).
Philippians 4:6: "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication... let your requests be made known to God." (The NT prescription for anxiety).
1 Peter 5:7: "...casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (The basis for freedom from worry).
Acts 2:45, 4:34-35: The early church "were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." (An example of this principle in action).

Cross references

Ps 37:25 (never seen righteous forsaken), 1 Tim 6:17-19 (be rich in good works), Hag 1:5-7 (consider your ways), Prov 3:9-10 (honor God with your wealth).

Luke 12:35-40

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast... Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes... you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

In-depth-analysis

Watchfulness Metaphors:
1. Stay dressed for action: "Let your loins be girded." This refers to tucking the long outer robe into a belt to be ready for work or movement. It is an idiom for readiness.
2. Keep your lamps burning: This signifies being prepared for a task in the dark; a state of constant spiritual vigilance and alertness.
The Master's Return: The imagery is of servants waiting late into the night for their master to return. The blessing comes to those who are found awake and ready, not those who have fallen asleep on the job. The master's response of serving them is a shocking reversal of roles, showing the immense reward for faithfulness.
Thief in the Night: The metaphor shifts to emphasize the unexpectedness of the return. If a homeowner knew when a thief was coming, he would be ready. Since we don't know the hour of Christ's return, we must always be ready.

Bible references

1 Thessalonians 5:2-6: "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night... So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober." (Develops the "thief" and "wakefulness" theme).
Revelation 16:15: “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on..." (Direct echo of the watchfulness command).
Matthew 25:1-13: The Parable of the Ten Virgins, five of whom were wise (ready with oil) and five foolish (unprepared). (Elaborates on readiness for the bridegroom's coming).
Ephesians 6:14: "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth..." (Part of the spiritual armor, echoing the "girded loins" image).

Cross references

Mar 13:33-37 (be on guard!), Rev 3:3 (if you will not wake up...), 2 Pet 3:10 (the day of the Lord will come like a thief).

Luke 12:41-48

Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager... Blessed is that servant... But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed...’ and begins to beat the male and female servants... that servant will be cut in pieces... And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required...”

In-depth-analysis

Peter's Question: Peter asks if the call to readiness applies only to the apostles ("us") or to everyone ("for all"). Jesus answers with another parable that clarifies accountability.
The Faithful vs. The Wicked Manager: The parable contrasts two types of servants left in charge.
- Faithful: The "faithful and wise manager" (pistos oikonomos) carries out his duties, caring for the household. He is rewarded with greater responsibility.
- Wicked: This servant uses the master's delay as an excuse for abuse and self-indulgence. His punishment is severe and sudden.
Degrees of Judgment: Jesus introduces a crucial principle: judgment is not one-size-fits-all.
- Knowing Rebellion: The one who knew the master's will and deliberately disobeyed receives a "severe beating."
- Ignorant Disobedience: The one who acted wrongly out of ignorance receives a "light beating." Ignorance lessens, but does not eliminate, culpability.
The Principle of Accountability: "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required." This answers Peter's question. Leaders (like the apostles) who are given more knowledge and responsibility will be held to a higher standard of accountability than others.

Bible references

Matthew 24:45-51: "Who then is the faithful and wise servant...?" (A very close parallel passage).
James 3:1: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." (The principle of higher accountability for leaders).
Romans 2:12: "For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law." (Paul discussing judgment relative to revealed knowledge).
1 Corinthians 3:12-15: Discusses believers' works being tested by fire at judgment, with some suffering loss but being saved, implying degrees of reward/loss.

Cross references

John 15:22 (if I had not come...), Heb 2:2-3 (how shall we escape?), Deut 25:2-3 (flogging prescribed by law), 1 Cor 4:2 (it is required of stewards to be faithful).

Luke 12:49-53

“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three...”

In-depth-analysis

Fire on Earth: Fire in this context is a symbol of judgment and purification. Jesus' coming inevitably brings a divine crisis that purges and judges.
Baptism of Distress: Jesus uses "baptism" metaphorically for His impending suffering and death on the cross. He is to be overwhelmed and submerged in suffering. His "distress" shows the reality of his human anguish in anticipation of the cross.
Division, Not Peace: This statement is shocking. It clarifies the nature of the "peace" He brings. It is not immediate social or political harmony on earth (eirēnēn). Rather, His coming forces a choice, creating a fundamental "division" (diamerismon) between those who accept Him and those who reject Him. This division cuts across even the most sacred human bond: the family.
Prophetic Fulfillment: This family division directly quotes and fulfills the prophecy in Micah 7:6.

Bible references

Malachi 3:2-3: "But who can endure the day of his coming... For he is like a refiner's fire... he will purify the sons of Levi..." (Messiah's coming as purifying fire).
Mark 10:38: "Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" (Jesus speaking of his death as a cup and baptism).
Matthew 10:34-36: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword... a person's enemies will be those of his own household." (Direct parallel).
Micah 7:6: "for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother..." (The OT prophecy Jesus cites).

Cross references

Isa 66:15-16 (Lord will come with fire), John 9:39 (for judgment I came), John 16:33 (in me you may have peace), Heb 12:29 (our God is a consuming fire).

Luke 12:54-56

He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens... You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”

In-depth-analysis

Interpreting the Times: Jesus turns to the crowds and uses an analogy from weather forecasting. They are skilled at interpreting natural signs to predict physical weather.
Spiritual Blindness: He calls them "hypocrites" because their skill in the natural realm highlights their willful blindness in the spiritual realm. The "present time" (kairos) is filled with signs pointing to Him as the Messiah and the arrival of God's kingdom. His miracles, teachings, and fulfillment of prophecy are far clearer signs than a cloud in the sky.
The Accusation: Their inability to interpret the signs of the times is not due to a lack of evidence, but a lack of will—a heart-level hypocrisy.

Bible references

Matthew 16:2-3: "You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times." (Parallel accusation to the Pharisees and Sadducees).
1 Chronicles 12:32: It mentions "the sons of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." (An example of spiritual discernment).
Daniel 9:24-27: The prophecy of the "seventy weeks" provided a clear timeline for the Messiah's arrival, a key "sign of the times."

Cross references

John 7:17 (if anyone's will is to do God's will...), 2 Cor 6:2 (now is the favorable time), Acts 17:30 (God commands all people everywhere to repent).

Luke 12:57-59

“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”

In-depth-analysis

Personal Responsibility: "Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?" Jesus places the responsibility for spiritual judgment squarely on the individual.
The Legal Parable: He uses a common-sense legal scenario. If you are on your way to court and you know you are guilty, the only wise course of action is to settle with your accuser immediately, before the inflexible process of the law takes over.
The Spiritual Application:
- Accuser: God or His law.
- Magistrate/Judge: God as the ultimate judge.
- On the Way: This life, the present time of opportunity.
- Prison: The state of final, irreversible judgment.
- Last Penny (lepton): The smallest Roman coin. It signifies that the debt to divine justice must be paid in full; there is no escape from judgment once it begins. The parable is a stark and urgent call to repent and be reconciled with God now.

Bible references

Matthew 5:25-26: "Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court..." (Parallel passage in the Sermon on the Mount).
2 Corinthians 6:2: "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (Highlights the urgency of the present opportunity).
Proverbs 6:1-5: Advises one to go and humble oneself to a neighbor one is indebted to, and "deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter." (OT wisdom on settling matters quickly).
Amos 5:18, 24: "Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! ...But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." (The inescapable nature of divine judgment).

Cross references

Isa 55:6 (seek the Lord while He may be found), Heb 9:27 (appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment).

Luke chapter 12 analysis

Audience Shifts: The chapter skillfully shifts its direct address from the disciples (v. 1), to an individual in the crowd (v. 13), back to the disciples (v. 22), and then to the crowds at large (v. 54). This demonstrates that Jesus' teachings, while having a specific focus for His core followers, are universally applicable.
Eschatological Urgency: A thread of eschatology (the study of end times) runs through the entire chapter. The revealing of all secrets, the Son of Man's confession, His unexpected return, the final judgment, and the division He brings all point to an imminent and ultimate future reality that must shape present living.
Heart over Externals: Jesus consistently bypasses superficial issues (inheritance disputes, religious performance) to diagnose the underlying condition of the human heart (greed, hypocrisy, anxiety). He is a physician of the soul.
Radical Reversal of Values: The chapter is a manifesto against the world's value system.| Worldly Value | Kingdom Value || :--- | :--- || Fear of man (power, persecution) | Fear of God (ultimate authority) || Treasure on earth (possessions) | Treasure in heaven (relationship with God) || Anxiety over needs (food, clothing) | Seeking the Kingdom first (trust in God) || Earthly peace (social harmony) | Divine division (allegiance to Christ) || Security in planning | Readiness for the unexpected return |

Luke 12 summary

Luke 12 is an urgent call for authentic, fearless discipleship in view of eternity. Jesus commands his followers to reject hypocrisy and fear of man, warning against greed and anxiety by pointing to God's ultimate judgment and providential care. He instructs them to live in a state of constant readiness for His unexpected return, emphasizing that accountability is proportional to the spiritual knowledge one has been given. The chapter concludes by defining Jesus' mission as one that brings necessary division, compelling every person to interpret the signs of the times and reconcile with God before the final, inescapable judgment arrives.

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Luke chapter 12 kjv

¹ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
² For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
³ Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
⁴ And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
⁵ But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
⁷ But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
⁸ Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
⁹ But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
¹⁰ And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
¹¹ And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
¹² For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
¹³ And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
¹⁴ And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
¹⁵ And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
¹⁶ And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
¹⁷ And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
¹⁸ And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
²⁰ But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
²¹ So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
²² And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
²³ The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
²⁴ Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
²⁵ And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
²⁶ If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
²⁷ Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
²⁸ If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
²⁹ And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
³⁰ For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
³¹ But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
³² Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
³³ Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
³⁴ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
³⁵ Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
³⁶ And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
³⁷ Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
³⁸ And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
³⁹ And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
⁴⁰ Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
⁴¹ Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
⁴² And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
⁴³ Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
⁴⁴ Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
⁴⁵ But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
⁴⁶ The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
⁴⁷ And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
⁴⁸ But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
⁴⁹ I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
⁵⁰ But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
⁵¹ Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
⁵² For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
⁵³ The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
⁵⁴ And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.
⁵⁵ And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
⁵⁶ Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
⁵⁷ Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
⁵⁸ When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
⁵⁹ I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Luke chapter 12 nkjv

¹ In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
² For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.
³ Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
⁴ "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
⁶ "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
⁷ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
⁸ "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.
⁹ But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
¹⁰ "And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
¹¹ "Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.
¹² For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
¹³ Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
¹⁴ But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?"
¹⁵ And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."
¹⁶ Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.
¹⁷ And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?'
¹⁸ So he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.
¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." '
²⁰ But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'
²¹ "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
²² Then He said to His disciples, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.
²³ Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.
²⁴ Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?
²⁵ And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
²⁶ If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?
²⁷ Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
²⁸ If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?
²⁹ "And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.
³⁰ For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.
³¹ But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
³² "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
³³ Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
³⁵ "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning;
³⁶ and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.
³⁷ Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.
³⁸ And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
³⁹ But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
⁴⁰ Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
⁴¹ Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?"
⁴² And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?
⁴³ Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
⁴⁴ Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.
⁴⁵ But if that servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk,
⁴⁶ the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
⁴⁷ And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
⁴⁸ But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
⁴⁹ "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
⁵⁰ But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!
⁵¹ Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.
⁵² For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three.
⁵³ Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
⁵⁴ Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is.
⁵⁵ And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is.
⁵⁶ Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?
⁵⁷ "Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?
⁵⁸ When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.
⁵⁹ I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite."

Luke chapter 12 niv

¹ Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
² There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
³ What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
⁴ "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
⁷ Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
⁸ "I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.
⁹ But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.
¹⁰ And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
¹¹ "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,
¹² for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
¹³ Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
¹⁴ Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?"
¹⁵ Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
¹⁶ And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.
¹⁷ He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'
¹⁸ "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.
¹⁹ And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."?'
²⁰ "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'
²¹ "This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."
²² Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
²⁴ Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
²⁵ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
²⁷ "Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
²⁸ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you?you of little faith!
²⁹ And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
³² "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
³³ Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
³⁵ "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,
³⁶ like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.
³⁷ It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.
³⁸ It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.
³⁹ But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.
⁴⁰ You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
⁴¹ Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"
⁴² The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?
⁴³ It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.
⁴⁴ Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
⁴⁵ But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk.
⁴⁶ The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.
⁴⁷ "The servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.
⁴⁸ But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
⁴⁹ "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
⁵⁰ But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!
⁵¹ Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.
⁵² From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.
⁵³ They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
⁵⁴ He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does.
⁵⁵ And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is.
⁵⁶ Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?
⁵⁷ "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?
⁵⁸ As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.
⁵⁹ I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny."

Luke chapter 12 esv

¹ In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
² Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
³ Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.
⁴ "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.
⁵ But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!
⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
⁷ Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
⁸ "And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God,
⁹ but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
¹⁰ And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
¹¹ And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say,
¹² for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
¹³ Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
¹⁴ But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?"
¹⁵ And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
¹⁶ And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man produced plentifully,
¹⁷ and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?'
¹⁸ And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.
¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry."'
²⁰ But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'
²¹ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
²² And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.
²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
²⁴ Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!
²⁵ And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
²⁶ If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
²⁷ Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
²⁸ But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
²⁹ And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.
³⁰ For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
³¹ Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
³² "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
³³ Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
³⁴ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
³⁵ "Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,
³⁶ and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.
³⁷ Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.
³⁸ If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!
³⁹ But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.
⁴⁰ You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
⁴¹ Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?"
⁴² And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
⁴³ Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
⁴⁴ Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
⁴⁵ But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk,
⁴⁶ the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.
⁴⁷ And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
⁴⁸ But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
⁴⁹ "I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!
⁵⁰ I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!
⁵¹ Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
⁵² For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.
⁵³ They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
⁵⁴ He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, 'A shower is coming.' And so it happens.
⁵⁵ And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'There will be scorching heat,' and it happens.
⁵⁶ You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
⁵⁷ "And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
⁵⁸ As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison.
⁵⁹ I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny."

Luke chapter 12 nlt

¹ Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees ? their hypocrisy.
² The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.
³ Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!
⁴ "Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.
⁵ But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he's the one to fear.
⁶ "What is the price of five sparrows ? two copper coins ? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.
⁷ And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
⁸ "I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels.
⁹ But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels.
¹⁰ Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
¹¹ "And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don't worry about how to defend yourself or what to say,
¹² for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said."
¹³ Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me."
¹⁴ Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?"
¹⁵ Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own."
¹⁶ Then he told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.
¹⁷ He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.'
¹⁸ Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods.
¹⁹ And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"'
²⁰ "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?'
²¹ "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."
²² Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life ? whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear.
²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.
²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
²⁶ And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
²⁷ "Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
²⁸ And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
²⁹ "And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things.
³⁰ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.
³¹ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
³² "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
³³ "Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.
³⁴ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
³⁵ "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning,
³⁶ as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.
³⁷ The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!
³⁸ He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.
³⁹ "Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into.
⁴⁰ You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
⁴¹ Peter asked, "Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?"
⁴² And the Lord replied, "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.
⁴³ If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.
⁴⁴ I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.
⁴⁵ But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?
⁴⁶ The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.
⁴⁷ "And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.
⁴⁸ But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.
⁴⁹ "I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!
⁵⁰ I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished.
⁵¹ Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other!
⁵² From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against ? or two in favor and three against.
⁵³ 'Father will be divided against son
and son against father;
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother;
and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.' "
⁵⁴ Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, "When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, 'Here comes a shower.' And you are right.
⁵⁵ When the south wind blows, you say, 'Today will be a scorcher.' And it is.
⁵⁶ You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don't know how to interpret the present times.
⁵⁷ "Why can't you decide for yourselves what is right?
⁵⁸ When you are on the way to court with your accuser, try to settle the matter before you get there. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison.
⁵⁹ And if that happens, you won't be free again until you have paid the very last penny. "