Luke 12 reminds me of a friend that left a job after 35 years. In her exit interview, she did not hold back from telling the truth about bad internal policies and decisions, believing this would help others still working there. We do not know if anyone listened or made changes. In today’s chapter, Jesus provides many unvarnished truths to His followers as He prepared to exit. He spoke to the thousands gathered, “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy”. Pharisees did everything to be seen by man as righteous. Every single one of us is corruptible; none of us are beyond temptation, but the hypocrite pretends otherwise. Maturity creates barriers to temptation. Note, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known”. Next Jesus described how an infinite God knows each of us intimately, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered”. He then told of our responsibility to live out our faith, “Whoever publicly acknowledges Me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God”. Jesus added a truth that is often misunderstood, “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”. God is willing and able to forgive every sin, but there are many that speak empty words proclaiming change. Without repentance there is no forgiveness.
Next He discussed the topic of wealth. So many confuse wealth with the love of money, but they are very different. “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions”. Investing, saving and planning for the future is wise. In the parable of the rich young fool, the man’s barns are already full before he has an abundant harvest. His solution is to “tear down my barns and build bigger ones”, and then “Take life easy”. 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?” I have heard it said, “Do your giving while you’re living, so you’re knowing where it’s going”. Recognizing abundance brings joy. Remember, true giving is always voluntary and done willingly and responsibly. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The chapter closes with a look ahead to what we often call the end times. Each of us has the choice about what to do with the information. Jesus begins, “life is more than food, and the body more than clothes”. We focus on the external, but many of us ignore our spiritual needs. Some spend too much time on things and not enough on people. He adds, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Worry robs us of today’s joy. He then compares priorities of the temporal to the eternal. “Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink”. We have the responsibility of providing our own basic necessities. He is saying personal satisfaction should not be your highest goal. Instead, “seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. The last 29 verses warn us to be ready for the return of Christ. This time He will not bring peace, but judgement. Using multiple parables, He taught, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning … the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him”. Peter asked if the message was for the disciples alone, or for everyone. Jesus is very clear that each of us is should keep an eye out for the return. “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”. Finally He tells us to reconcile all accounts before it is too late. My friend, will you listen?