Day 25: Luke 12:1-31

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.”

Jesus cautions his disciples on the dangers and social pressures of hypocrisy saying that eventually every action will be revealed in the light and proclaimed from the roofs. Jesus continues to point out the importance of the intent of our actions; both in our private and public lives. 

On the other hand, in situations where taking a righteous stance may bring discomfort and difficulty, Jesus gives the comfort, “Don’t be afraid.”

How does it bring you comfort that the same one who knows every sparrow and knows the number of hairs on your head will never forget you and is on your side? Spend time now reflecting how much God values you and invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher in those difficult areas of life.

The Scripture continues…

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.”

Jesus views the management of possessions and wealth as another issue of the heart. You may find yourself considering the same decision: should I store up more or give away? What are causes and fears that lead people into either a greed or generosity mindset?

Are there situations present in your life where you could take steps towards generosity and trust? Ask for wisdom and strength to make the decision to be rich toward God. 

The Scripture continues…

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[b]? 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.

Here we are given a wide range of imagery that all points to God’s provision. Moving away from nature, Jesus continues, “And how much more valuable you are than birds!” The time spent worrying and chasing silly promises distract us from the important call to seek his kingdom. 

Spend a moment in prayer and list out all areas where you may be feeling a burden of fear, doubt, worry, or uncertainty. Invite the Holy Spirit to release peace and rest into your life.

May you take comfort that you are unimaginably valuable in the sight of God. Remember that he is on your side. May you be encouraged into a lifestyle of generosity with those around you. May you know the Lord’s provision in your life and be inspired to seek his kingdom.