Luke 12:1-31
1Meanwhile, 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.2The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.3Whatever 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.5But 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.
Luke 12:5 Greek Gehenna.
6“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.7And 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.
Luke 12:6 Greek two assaria [Roman coins equal to 1/16 of a denarius].
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.9But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels.10Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Luke 12:8 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
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,12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
Parable of the Rich Fool
13Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”
14Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?”15Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
16Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.17He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’18Then 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.19And 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.”
Teaching about Money and Possessions
22Then, 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.23For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.24Look 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!25Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?26And 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.28And 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.30These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.31Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Wheaton Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
New Living, NLT, and the New Living Translation logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers. www.tyndale.com
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