Lesson 39. Things to Look Out For Luke 12:1-12

Leaven of the Pharisees 12:1-3

English Standard Version (Chapter 12)

12 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.

Most of what we are talking about when we say, things to look out for, we are really saying be on your guard! In this case the crowds were almost to the destructive side. The thousands that had gathered were trampling one another vs.1. The phrase “In the meantime,” is found in most versions. It is indistinct as a measurement of time. For most of us using the term, we would be saying: “While Jesus has been talking hard to the Pharisees, in the meantime (or all the while) we got thousands of people showing up for the Lord.”

The Greek word for thousands is “murios” or “myrios” meaning today’s myriads In Acts 19:19, 5 of the silver myriads is 50,000 pieces of silver.

“Many of them also that used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men: and counted the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.” Acts 19:19.

We can safely say that more than 10 thousand are included in the word “Thousands.” There was a whole lot of trampling going on! Jesus wanted to get this message out, and He was a presence to be reckoned with. First He tells the disciples, and then the people: “Beware.” It means to also “watch out, consider carefully and be on your guard.” It implies that you are on the agreement with the Savior!

What are you to be on the look out for? The “leaven” or the “hypocrisy” of the Pharisees. The Pharisee’s “leaven” or yeast had infected all areas of their teaching. They were teaching hypocrites. The people would have understood what Jesus was saying. God is the final judge of all these things. That which they had taught wrongly will be uncovered, though they had tried to hid it. It will be uncovered and no longer be hidden, thus being made known!

The Pharisee’s trickery in going after Jesus is going to be laid out in the open though they had planned it all in the back, private, secret rooms. Now it will be shouted from the housetops. Concealment is the hypocrite’s strong point, so, when that is removed they become embarrassed, usually publicly. A lot of things hidden will not be revealed until judgement day. A housetop in Jesus day would have been an outstanding platform to proclaim!

Look out for Killers and Beyond! 12:4-7

English Standard Version (Chapter 12)

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

The bigger problems are not those who kill people. The biggest problem is those who lead people astray by their words. The modern day equivalent would those who are involved in human trafficking. They lead people through deceit, capture their hearts, and then imprison them with no hope of escape and sell their bodies to the highest bidders each day. Theirs is an insatiable appetite for souls that only the Lord Jesus Christ can effectively deal with because of the multitudes involved. We can do what we will, but they will forever be ruining peoples lives in more ways than one.

The bigger thing to fear, is the person who does not only kill the body, but at the same time can send someone to hell. That would be the Pharisees! They are plotting to kill Jesus and at the same time are leading multitudes to the pit of Hell. The Lord is showing us that the Pharisees are more ruthless than a hired killer wielding an instrument of mass destruction. How is it possible that a hired killer has nothing more to do after he has killed. Actually, after killing, he will forever be a killer, but no more. He will always be a killer even if it was only one.

The Pharisees plot and deal out death and then lead people unknowingly down the wrong path, straight to a sinner’s hell. Their job is never done and the ramifications are eternal. God does nor forget those whom He died for. He has not lost one of them and remembers them before God’s judgement throne. if a flock of sparrows are worthless, then you can count yourself, worth more than that. And don’t you forget it!

Those Who deny Christ. 12:8- 12

English Standard Version (Chapter 12)

8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say,

12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

I’m sure that everyone alive will want a good word said for them on the day of judgement. I say that because even the Lord Jesus Christ wants the same thing even before judgement occurs. He says “acknowledge me before men!” We will all know when that exchange has taken place, when we hear the Son of Man acknowledge us before the angels of God. vs. 8. The reverse is true. If you deny Christ before men, He will deny you before the same angels.

It’s not a simple thing because in this curious mix, just speaking a word against the Son of man will be forgiven. But saying something slanderous against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. It is with great carefulness that we speak of our blessed Holy Spirit. The Christian will not be one of the people in this particular category. If the Holy Spirit resides in us, we will not be able to blaspheme Him as “Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God and you are not your own. For we are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” You are a purchased possession. You will not deny the Holy Spirit and God who lives within you. That is why we are always ready to give an account of the hope that lives within us. And, it is also why Jesus said that when they drag you before judges, rulers, and authorities, you shall not have to think what you will say. The reason being is that you are still that purchased possession of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will teach you what to say. That is a remarkable promise.

You may or may not have to stand upon that promise. You may return to the Lord who bought you before that day occurs. Either way, you are equipped to talk and tell of Jesus on this lifelong journey with heavenly plumbing, voicing and presence, in Jesus name. What are we waiting for?