Chapter Heading
Luke 12: Teaching on Hypocrisy, Coveting, Anxiety, Eschatology, and Division
General Outline
1-3. Watch out for hypocrisy!
4-7. Fear God, not man!
8-12. Acknowledge Me before men
13-21. Life doesn’t consist in abundance of possessions
22-34. Seek the Kingdom, don’t be anxious over material possessions
35-48. Be ready, you know not when the Master returns!
49-53. I bring division, not peace
54-56. Interpreters of weather, not the times
57-59. Settle with your accuser
Brief Summary
Jesus’ Passion approaches as He continues to travel to Jerusalem. He prepares His disciples, admonishing them on important topics: hypocrisy, fear of physical but not spiritual death, accumulation of wealth. He instructs us to pursue the Kingdom rather than material goods. He will provide for our body and soul. Jesus brings division, not peace. Surprising words from Jesus? Perhaps, but not to those of us who have watched family members or friends leave the faith. Unbelief divides. False doctrine leads to splits. Consciences are destroyed by unconfessed sin. Jesus certainly brings peace, but not a fleshly peace. By His preaching, He will turn many against Him, until finally He is crucified by His countrymen. But He will be baptized (referring to His crucifixion) and by that our wounds are healed and our sins paid for. True peace from anxiety & worry is found in Christ’s suffering for us. Hatred, money, political upheaval—all this will fade away. Christ’s Word & Work endure forever.