Bible Commentaries
Luke 12

Verses 1-59

CHAPTER 12

1. Warning Against Hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1-3 )

2. Encouragements. (Luke 12:4-14 )

3. Warning Against Covetousness. (Luke 12:15-21 )

4. Warning Against Anxiety. (Luke 12:22-31 )

5. The Disciples Comfort and Hope. (Luke 12:32-40 )

6. The Parable of the Steward. (Luke 12:41-48 )

7. The Purpose of God and the Resulting Division. (Luke 12:49-53 )

8. Concerning signs. (Luke 12:54-57 )

9. The Failure of Israel. (Luke 12:58-59 .)

Luke 12:1-31

Nearly all of the entire twelfth chapter is not found in the other Gospels. Perhaps the largest multitude, which ever gathered to hear the Lord, is seen here. He speaks to His disciples first of all and warns of the leaven of the Pharisees. But the warning was also meant for all who heard Him. He declares a coming day, when the hidden things shall be uncovered. Then He gives encouragement to His friends, “Be not afraid.” What meaning these words have, coming from such lips! The entire first half of the chapter is taken up with warnings and encouragements to those who heed the warnings and are His friends.

Luke 12:32-48

He speaks of His own coming again. The little flock is assured of the kingdom. Everything else is uncertain, insecure and passing away. He is coming again and His return will bring the reward to His friends, who are obedient to His Word. They are to wait for Him. “From the wedding” is better rendered by “because of the wedding.” The wedding, the marriage-feast does not precede His return, but follows that event. “He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” This is a wonderful statement. What service that will be, when He has His faithful people with Him! The Romans divided the night into four watches. The Lord speaks of the second and third watches, but does not mention the fourth. However in Matthew 14:1-36 we read that He came to His toiling servants in the fourth watch.

“He says nothing of the fourth, simply for the reason that the disciples, from that, should note that His return was by no means to be expected as late as possible; even as He does not name the first, because it would weaken the whole representation of the watchful servants. The Parousia does not come so quickly as impatience, nor yet so late as carelessness supposes, but in the very middle of the night, when the temptation to fall asleep is great and therefore must be most vigorously combated. It may even tarry longer than the servants think; but, grant that it should not take place even till the third, or should come even in the second watch of the night, whosoever perseveres faithfully at his post shall in no wise lose his reward.”--Van Oosterzee.

He assures them that He will come “at an hour when ye think not.” The parable of the Steward is closely linked with all this. A solemn declaration is made, found only in Luke, concerning the penalties. (Luke 12:47-48 .) The punishment is according to the knowledge of the Lord’s will. His rejection by Israel has brought for the world the results of which He speaks next.