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Luke 12

Kevin A. Parido

Jesus the rock star – before social media and news being reported within moments of being made, Jesus had a very large following. Chapter 12 starts with this phrase thousands upon thousands had gathered to be near Jesus. Jesus was a no longer a person that some had heard about, but Jesus was ‘the’ thing people were hearing about.

We can not underestimate that fact as we watch Jesus go about the days leading to Jerusalem and his death.

And here among the crowds, Jesus first talks to the disciples and says this – “nothing is hidden that won’t be revealed, and nothing is secret that won’t be brought out into the open” – Luke 12:2. This verse took me back about this week. I confess I say a lot of things in private that I would not want to be yelled from the rooftop. There are things that I say that are not good or helpful for people. I sometimes think my words in private do not matter, but according to Jesus, they do. And one day those words will be broadcast and made public. I am not for sure I like this a lot, but that does not matter a whole lot. I don’t have to like the Bible or what Jesus says – but I do have to pay attention to it. I need the word(s) of God to convict and connect with me. I need to hear today that I must be more careful with my words in private because one day they will be public.

Luke seems to be going in and out of the material from the Sermon on the Mount (SOTM) – see Matthew 5-7. Luke keeps sharing the SOTM in the last chapter and this one.

It is said that Jesus talks about money a lot. I think a better way to say it would be that Jesus talks about how we can be over connected to money and draw too much security from it. In Luke 12:15, it says, “Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” He then tells a story about a guy that tore down his old barns and built bigger ones. In the process of storing up treasure on this earth, God ended/took/demanded his life. It all came to a crashing halt. This is why Luke says it is better to be rich toward God instead of hoarding stuff for yourself. Wealth and the pursuit of and the false security it brings are tempting but empty. Jesus makes clear that things here do not compare with the treasure in heaven/being rich toward God.

There is so much in this chapter and limited time to reflect on it all. Let me pick out one more thing to speak a few words about:

Luke 12:32 – “Don’t be afraid little flock, because your Father delights in giving you the kingdom”

Don’t be afraid – this is a command of assurance. No need to fear. I have you. I am your Father and you are my daughters and sons. You are loved. I am for you and not against you.

Little flock – this is a word of encouragement. You are the sheep, and you live in my field. Jesus also said in Luke 10:3 – I send you out like lambs among wolves. We belong to him so Jesus will take care of us.

Your Father delights – God the Father takes delight in giving to us. God is our Father and He takes delight in giving to us. And what does He give?

The kingdom – the very nature of God’s heart to adopt all into His family, His way, His reign through Jesus – ie His Kingdom. This He has given to us and gives Him delight.

It would be worth stopping and memorizing this passage. I think this passage gives us hope, purpose, and glimpse into the Father’s heart for us. It is a verse that grounds and moves us. It is a verse that helps us remember who we are and what we have been given.

Let us learn to live in the Kingdom of God.

Strength and courage,

Kevin

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