ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Luke 12

Luke 12:1 Leaven is a metaphor for the self-centered, hypocritical attitude of the Pharisees in 11:37–54. See notes on Mark 8:14–15; 1 Cor. 5:6–7.

Luke 12:2–3 Everything will be revealed and be (made) known by God (compare 8:17)—a reference to future judgment (Acts 17:31). Housetops were commonly flat and were used as a living space (see Acts 10:9–10).

Luke 12:5 him. That is, God.

Luke 12:6–7 Of more value signals a “lesser to greater” argument (see note on 11:11–13).

Luke 12:9 denies me before men. The eternal consequences for those who deny Christ will be far worse than the present persecution that they hoped to avoid by denying him.

Luke 12:10 blasphemes against . . . will not be forgiven. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the persistent and unrepentant resistance against the work of the Holy Spirit and his message about Jesus (Acts 7:51). This will not be forgiven. Christians often worry that they have committed this sin, but such a concern is itself evidence of an openness to the work of the Spirit (see also note on Mark 3:29).

Luke 12:11–12 Holy Spirit. See 21:14–15; see note on Gal. 5:18.

Luke 12:13–15 tell my brother to divide. Since Jesus’ teaching on the desire for material things immediately follows this request, this man is probably speaking from personal greed. who made me a judge? Though Jesus was Lord of the entire universe, he was careful not to become involved in matters that did not directly pertain to his earthly work and ministry. life does not consist in . . . abundance. Compare 9:24–25; 12:22–34.

Luke 12:19–21 Though these verses do not prohibit wealth, Jesus clearly warns his hearers about its dangers. Wealth tends to lead to self-sufficiency and greed.

Luke 12:22–25 Therefore (because of the truths taught in vv. 13–21) . . . do not be anxious. The first reason why believers should not be anxious is given in v. 23 (for life is more than . . . ); the second in v. 24 (of how much more value are you); and the third in v. 25 (because no one has enough control over his own life even to add a single hour to his span of life). Life (or “soul”) and body refer to the whole person. (See also esv footnote.)

Luke 12:25–27 Jesus employs two “lesser to greater” arguments (vv. 25–26 and v. 27; see note on 11:11–13) to affirm God’s care for his children. Solomon in all his glory. See 1 Kings 10:4–5.

Luke 12:28 the grass . . . is thrown into the oven. Due to the lack of wood in ancient Palestine, dry grass was used as fuel.

Luke 12:29 Do not seek does not mean that people should neglect to work and support themselves (see 1 Thess. 4:11–12). Rather, it warns against continuously worrying about what . . . to eat and what . . . to drink.

Luke 12:33–34 Give to the needy is a strong emphasis in Luke. Moneybags that do not grow old is a metaphor for the place where one stores one’s treasures. The disciples are to exhibit great generosity. Throughout Scripture, the heart represents the center of one’s being and one’s deepest desires. The condition of the heart is reflected in the things it values most.

Luke 12:35 Stay dressed for action (literally, “Let your loins stay girded,” esv footnote) describes a man prepared to run, with his long robe tucked under his belt.

Luke 12:37–38 Recline at table describes the end-time messianic banquet (compare 13:29; 14:15–24; 22:27–30; Rev. 19:9). second watch, or in the third. That is, 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., or 2:00 to 6:00 a.m. The “master” could come at any time, even when one is not normally prepared.

Luke 12:41–48 are you telling this parable for us or for all? Jesus does not actually answer Peter’s question, which would seem to indicate that the parable was meant for “everyone” to whom much has been given (v. 48). When the master returns, the faithful and wise manager will be rewarded—a picture of the rewards to be given to faithful believers at the return of Christ. cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. A picture of the punishment that awaits the unbeliever at Christ’s return (compare 13:27–28; and the parallel in Matt. 24:51). much will be required. Using one’s God-given abilities wisely and productively is an important part of discipleship.

Luke 12:49–53 Cast fire on the earth probably refers to the division between believers and unbelievers (vv. 51–53). I have a baptism. Whereas the “fire” affects the world, this “baptism” is Christ’s own suffering and death (see note on 1 Pet. 3:21). great is my distress until. Even though it would mean suffering and death, Jesus yearned to fulfill God’s plan.

Luke 12:54–56 A cloud rising in the west over the Mediterranean would have brought moist air that condensed as it climbed the cooler hills of Palestine (shower; see 1 Kings 18:44). The south wind blowing involved a hot, dry wind blowing in from the desert, bringing scorching heat. The crowd could interpret these signs, but their spiritual emptiness kept them from understanding the signs announcing the arrival of God’s kingdom in Jesus’ teaching and ministry.

Luke 12:57–59 People need to be in right standing with God, the Judge of the universe, before it is too late.