Luke 12 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

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LUKE 12 IN 5 MINUTES

WHEN:

• The events of chapter 12 were part of Jesus’ ministry on earth.

• These events took place between approximately 26-31 A.D..

CHARACTERS:

• Jesus - The Son of God.

• The Disciples - Jesus’ followers who listened to Him teach.

• The Pharisees and Lawyers - Jewish religious leaders who were determined to undermine Jesus.

• The Rich Fool - A character created by Jesus to teach the multitudes about trust in material possessions.

WHERE:

• Chapter 12 appears to be a continuation of chapter 11.

• Per Mark 3:20-22, it seems these events occurred in the region of Galilee, specifically the city of Capernaum.

OUTLINE:

• A WARNING ABOUT THE PHARISEES (12:1-3):

  • Large crowds of people gathered to hear Jesus.

  • Jesus warned them about the “leaven” (influence) of the Pharisees, which was “hypocrisy.

• THERE IS NO REASON TO FEAR IF YOU ARE ON JESUS’ SIDE (12:4-12:12):

  • There is not reason to fear threats from men because God protects the souls of the faithful. There is no need to fear neediness because God ensures the care of the faithful.

  • Anyone who puts their trust in Jesus (“acknowledges” Him), Jesus will acknowledge before God.

  • Anyone who denies Jesus, Jesus will deny before God.

• THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL (12:13-21):

  • A man came to Jesus asking Him to intervene in a dispute he had with his brother about an inheritance.

  • Jesus warned the man about covetousness and told him a parable about the folly of putting trust in riches.

• THOSE WHO TRUST IN CHRIST HAVE NO REASON TO BE ANXIOUS (12:22-12:34):

  • Jesus told His disciples not to be anxious about their lives, what they would eat or wear.

  • God cared for the birds, flowers, and grass and He would certainly care for them.

  • God would give them what they needed if they served Him in His Kingdom.

• ALL MUST BE READY FOR THE RETURN OF CHRIST (12:35-48):

  • Like servants awaiting their master, the disciples were told to fulfill their duty faithfully until Jesus’ return.

  • Faithful servants will be rewarded by God.

  • Servants who neglect their responsibilities while Jesus is away will be punished.

• JESUS’ MESSAGE WILL CAUSE DIVISION IN EVEN THE CLOSEST RELATIONSHIPS (12:49-53):

• INTERPRETING SIGNS AND RECOGNIZING THE NEED TO REPENT (12:54-59):

  • The Jews were able to recognize signs indicating the coming weather but they weren’t able to recognize the signs indicating the Messiah had arrived.

  • Jesus told them they needed to repent before they found themselves face-to-face with the Judge and received a harsh sentence.

BIG PICTURE:

• This chapter emphasizes the need for readiness and the urgency of being busy in the Lord’s service.

• Nobody knows when Jesus will return, but we know when He does, everyone will stand before the Judge.

• Those who are currently serving God need to be diligent in their work and inviting others to serve God.

• Those who aren’t serving God currently need to begin serving Him so they face the judge as a ally, not an enemy.

• God is the king of everything, we either serve Him or we don’t, and our choice will make all the difference.

APPLICATION:

• In light of verse 48, take an inventory of everything God has given you (money, talent, health, smarts, etc...)

• Are you using those things to serve God’s kingdom? For His glory? To call others to Christ’s service?

• If not, take 1 or 2 of the things from your inventory and come up with a way you can use it to serve Jesus.

• “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (12:48).