Looking at the main theme’s today, it seems to be Preparation and Warning against Greed. The two are closely related, and how we handle worldly possessions will either benefit us or send us into hell.
12:1 what is the hypocrisy of the Pharisees? Hypocrisy is saying one thing while doing another. Jesus gives an example of their hypocrisy in 13:8 when He points out that they are telling people not to come for healing on the Sabbath. The excuse they give is that the Sabbath is holy, and healing is work, which is forbidden on Sabbath. Jesus points out that they work every Sabbath, by untying their animals and allowed them to drink. Actually, the Pharisees didn’t care as much for the people as they did the animals….which is sad.
12:3 Jesus commanded people not to share about what had happened to them, or who he was everywhere He went. In fact, in Mark 8:22-25 Jesus takes the blind man out of town to heal him, and after he heals him he tells him not to go back into town. There could be other reasons, but I suspect that Jesus simply doesn’t want the whole town to see the miracle and clamor to Him. I think that if too many people put their faith in Him at once, He would become so popular that He would be prevented from the crucifixion (my thought). But, there is a time coming when that would be reversed, and everything that He said and did should be shouted from the rooftops. Jesus wasn’t teaching us to be introverts or secret keepers.
12:4-7 we should fear God in a reverent manner, but not be afraid of him, because as these verses point out we are very precious to God.
The parable of the rich fool is a warning against greed. In fact, this whole passage, as I look back on it is talking about how greed skews where my eye focuses. According to this, I can be emotionally attached (I couldn’t think of a better word for it) to anything if I invest heavily in it. I will begin to love what I invest in….that’s a concept right there, right?. When I have read this passage before I thought about it this way: I love something, so I invest in it…so if I was completely caught up in making money, or having fun I would say “I need to fall in love with Jesus, so that I will begin to invest in heaven” That’s because I thought that the “falling in love” came before the “investing” part.
But the opposite may be true: “I need to begin investing in heaven, so that I fall deeper in love with Jesus”. If my love seems to be growing cold, then I should begin to strategically “invest” time, talent and resources in spiritual matters….and, of course I won’t feel like it, that goes without saying. If I felt like it, I would already be doing it. Wherever your treasure IS (presently) your heart will also BE (as in the future). Obedience leads to feeling fulfilled, complete, satisfied.
The unbeliever worries about food and drink and clothing, etc. but the christian is to spend their time focused on developing a better relationship with God
Worry is a cancer that spreads if you permit it in your life. I read recently that over 50% of American millionaires worry that they don’t have enough money to retire, or worry that the economy will downturn, or that their job will be terminated…..worry isn’t an illness of the poor, it affects everyone, rich or poor.
12:33 says “sell your possessions” The way to beat worry is to force yourself to focus on something else. If the possessions are getting the best of you, then sell them so that they no longer draw your attention. Do yourself a double favor and give the money to the needy, so that you won’t be tempted to worry about the money either, and you will be storing up treasure in heaven in doing so.
Our hearts seek after our treasure, we we can direct where our heart focuses by placing our treasure there.
12:35 and following. Be ready for the Lord’s coming. This passage reminds me of the parable of the 10 virgins. Only 5 were ready and allowed to enter.
Serving and being active in your faith are noted here. This is a picture of “active waiting”, not idly sitting around.
This whole passage down to Luke 13:8 is talking about the same principle. Get ready, be ready. If you know what to do and don’t do it, then there will be consequences. I wonder about the different types of punishment. If hell is the punishment for disobedience, then how can there be “degrees”? Maybe the punishment will be lack of rewards in heaven.
13:25 once the door is locked it’s too late. That’s right back to the parable of the 10 virgins. Where did the doctrine of “getting a second chance” to enter heaven come from, anyway?
13:34 the image here is one of nurture. God transcends the stereotypical male role, and assumes attributes commonly found in both sexes.
Faithfully,
PR