Luke 12:1-7
Chapter 12
1
Meanwhile, a large crowd had gathered so tightly that they pushed and crushed one another. Then Jesus spoke to his disciples in this way,
“Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
2
Nothing is covered that will not be uncovered; or hidden, that will not be made known.
3
Whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in hidden places will be proclaimed from housetops.
4
I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who can only kill the body and then have nothing more they can do.
5
But I will tell you whom to fear: Fear the one who, after killing you, can throw you into hell.
This is the one you must fear.
6
Don’t you buy five sparrows for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
7
Even the hairs of your head are numbered. Don’t be afraid! Are you less valuable in God’s eyes than many sparrows?
Commentaries
Invective Against the Pharisees and Doctors of the Law – Against Hypocrisy.
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and scribes, warning them of the consequences of their actions. He condemns the Pharisees for focusing too much on external purification rather than inner transformation; their obsession with minor issues at the expense of justice and kindness; and their lack of self-awareness, as they do not realize they are ‘unmarked graves’ that, in effect, ‘contaminate’ others. Jesus also criticizes the scribes for imposing heavy burdens on the people without being willing to carry them themselves; for their arrogance; and for distancing themselves from the true God, making it hard for others to access Him. Due to these condemnations, it’s not surprising that his opponents are constantly seeking ways to eliminate him (53).
Exhortation to Courage – Choosing Jesus.
Jesus addresses his disciples and the people, calling them all ‘my friends.’ Jesus’ followers and friends should not be afraid; the first weapon they can rely on is the inner freedom that God himself gives through the Spirit. Jesus tolerates being rejected, but what he does not tolerate and, rather, condemns, is hostility against the Holy Spirit: we can think of that attitude Jesus exposes in legalistic Pharisees, making what is evil or at least harmful appear good and perfect, and making what is good seem evil; this is how they neither enter nor let others join.