Notes on Luke 12:1-12

This saying of Christ is covered in detail in the Gospel of Mark. The "many thousands" strictly means "ten thousands," but it was used generally of any large number. Jesus' teaching was addressed first to his disciples, although the crowds would also have heard and profited.

Jesus refers to "yeast" which probably means "leaven," an old piece of dough that became a source of yeast as it fermented. People made their own bread and were familiar with the way a little yeast or leaven slowly permeates and transforms a large mass of dough. Jesus elsewhere used the figure of yeast or leaven to illustrate the hidden working of God's Kingdom (Luke 13:21), but here it describes the negative influence of the Pharisees (Mark 8:15).

Hypocrisy can work only when some things are kept hidden. On the judgment day everything will be brought into the open; all hypocrisy will be unmasked and therefore rendered useless.

thousands. Jesus was popular with average people. disciples first. Jesus's teaching was to his disciples though many others were present. Pharisees. See note on 5:17. yeast. An ingredient in bread which makes it rise (Exod. 12:39). A small amount works its way throughout the entire loaf. This was a picture which showed how even a little sin could spread throughout the entire community (see Matt. 16:6). hypocrisy. The disconnect between what we say we believe and how we live. For the Pharisees, it meant having the appearance of godliness while having wicked, unbelieving hearts (11:37-54).

Sin hidden by hollow religion (v. 1) will not stay hidden. It will be revealed on the final day of judgment (Eccl. 12:14; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:16).

When threatened by persecution, Jesus's disciples should not fear those who can only kill the body. They should persevere by fearing God who can destroy people in hell. God alone has eternal authority. fear. Fear towards God is not hopeless dread, but worshipful reverence (Deut. 10:12; Ps. 111:10).

Though not arranged exactly the same, these verses are covered in detail in the Gospel of Matthew (below). Jesus knew that the pretense of some of his followers, who had succumbed to hypocrisy, that had come from fear of what the Pharisees and their associates may do to them. So he proceeds with Luke 12:4-5, saying that a proper fear of God (Prov. 1:7; Psa. 33:8; cf. Exod. 3:6; Isa. 6:5) will free one from improper fears of men.

Luke says, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Luke 12:6-7). Matthew states, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care" (Matt. 10:29). One penny purchased 2 sparrows, but two pennies purchased 4 sparrows, plus evidently one free one for a grand total of 5 sparrows. Luke's point was none of the sparrows, not even the free one, is forgotten by God. If God sees and cares for all his creation then how much more will he care for his chosen servants (cf. Rom. 8:32).

In Luke 12:8-9, we observe that authentic salvation results in a continuous confession of Christ as Lord (Rom. 10:9-10), in both word and deed (cf. Col. 3:17). If on the other hand we have a lack of desire to confess Christ before others in both word and deed then this is a warning alarm (Luke 12:9; cf. Luke 9:26)! We need to ask, "Are we really children of God." "Do we really have faith?" (see 1 John 5:13 below).

Jesus next (Luke 12:10) deals with blasphemy - Matthew 12:31, 32; Mark 3:28, 29; Luke 11:14-26 - (see below). Following, Jesus gives those facing martyrdom and other trails reason to not to have to worry (Luke 21:14-15). Luke would later give examples of this in Acts 4:8-13; 6:10; 7:2-60, as would John (John 14:26) and Paul (1 Cor 2:13).

sparrows. Small birds that were the cheapest thing sold in the market place in that day. coins. Small copper coins from ancient Rome worth about 1/16 of a denarius, or about 1/16 of a day's wage. not . . . forgotten. Despite their low worth, God was still aware of them. Likewise, Jesus's disciples were watched even more closely by God who valued them even more than sparrows (Matt. 6:26). hairs. The sovereign Lord cares for his people to the smallest detail (21:18; 1 Sam. 14:45; 2 Sam. 14:11; 1 Kgs. 1:52).

Disciples are tempted to deny Jesus in order to escape persecution. Yet, true believers confess their faith in Jesus (v. 8), even in the face of suffering (see 1 Pet. 1:6-9; 3:13-17).

Son of Man. Jesus; see note on 5:22-24. Words spoken against Jesus will be forgiven (see 22:54-62; John 21:15-19). However, there is an unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit. blasphemes. All who truly repent will be forgiven and saved (Acts 2:21; 3:18-19; Rom. 10:13; 2 Cor. 7:9-10). But this sin is unique in that it attributes the work of the Holy Spirit to demons. In the immediate context, Luke recorded religious leaders who saw God's power in Jesus's life but refused to believe. They saw the Holy Spirit working through Jesus, but blasphemed by calling it the work of Satan (11:14-20; Matt. 12:22-32). This was evidence of their evil intentions (see Acts 7:51). Thus, what is unforgivable is clearly seeing God's saving work but continuing to deny and oppose it (see Matt. 28:11-15).

Believers enduring persecution and facing martyrdom need not worry about what to say. The Holy Spirit will help their previous study of God's Word so they can give a defense of their faith (21:14-15; see Acts 4:8-13; 6:10; 7:2-60).