12:1 leaven The Greek word used here refers to fermented dough that was mixed in with new dough and used as a rising agent. The small amount used in baking would permeate the entire batch of new dough. Leaven serves as an apt metaphor to describe the widespread effects of the Pharisees’ hypocritical teachings and actions.

Pharisees See note on Luke 5:17.

12:2 concealed that will not be revealed Jesus seems to be referring to the Pharisees’ hidden sins, which will be exposed at the final judgment (compare Rev 20:11–15).

12:4 not be afraid of those who kill Perhaps a reference to Israel’s religious leaders, who were plotting against Jesus (Luke 11:53–54).

12:5 the one who has authority Refers to God and final judgment.

hell The Greek word used here, gehenna, may refer to a valley near Jerusalem associated with fiery judgment (see note on 3:9).

12:6 not one of them is forgotten Jesus’ point here relates to suffering; the disciples must not fear their trials because God is watching over them.

12:9 before the angels of God A reference to the divine council present at the final judgment.

12:10 blasphemes against the Holy Spirit This likely refers to denying the Spirit’s power, what God has revealed in Jesus, or perhaps claiming that the Spirit’s power is somehow associated with evil forces. Compare Matt 12:31 and note.

12:12 what it is necessary to say The Spirit will give the disciples an appropriate response. This might not necessarily lead to their acquittal (all but one of the apostles reportedly died as martyrs), but it will bear faithful witness to the gospel.

Parables of Jesus Table

12:13 divide the inheritance with me This might refer to the double portion allotted to the firstborn son (Deut 21:17).

12:14 who made me a judge Jesus has no interest in settling material disputes.

12:15 does his life consist of his possessions For Jesus, life consists of hearing and obeying the word of God—a relationship with God Himself (see Luke 8:21; 10:42 and note; 11:28 and note).

12:16 And he told a parable to them The parable is meant to illustrate Jesus’ statement in v. 15.

12:19 Relax, eat, drink, celebrate Compare Eccl 8:15; Isa 22:13.

12:21 rich toward God The Greek phrase used here could mean “rich with God.” Jesus’ point is to show the futility and deception of acquiring wealth, which He sets in contrast to storing up treasure that matters to God. The application of this parable relates back to the initial demand of Luke 12:13.

12:23 life is more than food Echoes Jesus’ response to Satan’s first temptation (Luke 4:4).

12:24 How much more are you worth Jesus repeats a comparison He made earlier (v. 7). If God takes care of the birds, He surely will provide for His people.

12:25 able to add an hour An additional reason to not worry: Anxiety accomplishes nothing.

12:28 the grass in the field A common ot metaphor for the brevity of human life (see Pss 37:2; 102:11; 103:15–16; Job 14:2; Isa 40:6–8).

how much more will he do Parallels the previous illustration involving birds (Luke 12:24).

you of little faith Jesus uses this phrase in reference to the disciples when they doubt God’s providence (see Matt 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8).

12:30 your Father knows that you need these See Matt 6:32 and note.

12:31 seek his kingdom Echoes the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:2).

12:32 little flock Refers to believers who belong to God’s kingdom and live under God’s loving care (vv. 22–31). This image recalls the ot’s depiction of God as a caring shepherd of His people (e.g., Psa 77:20; Jer 13:17; Mic 4:8).

12:33 treasure in heaven Refers to eternal riches, those not lost when a person dies. This idea corresponds with being rich toward God (see Luke 12:21).

12:34 there your heart will be A summary of Jesus’ teaching that began in v. 13. Instead of focusing on accumulating earthly riches (vv. 16–21), Jesus’ followers are to pursue heavenly rewards by seeking God’s kingdom and giving generously to the impoverished (vv. 31–33). The focus of everyone, whether wealthy or not, should be the kingdom of God. Compare Matt 6:21 and note.

12:36 wedding feast Possibly alludes to the great meal that was expected to accompany the start of the era inaugurated by the Messiah (see Rev 19:6–9; compare Luke 14:15; 22:29–30; Isa 25:6–8; 55:1–2).

12:37 will come by and serve them Describes the master serving his slaves—an unusual role reversal (compare Luke 13:30; John 13:1–20).

12:40 the Son of Man is coming A reference to Jesus’ return (compare Luke 9:26). The title Son of Man is associated with divine judgment on the Day of Yahweh (see note on Matt 8:20).

12:41 for us, or also for everyone Peter asks Jesus to clarify whether His remarks about the master’s return are addressed to the entire crowd (Luke 12:1, 13) or only to the Twelve.

12:42 will put in charge Jesus responds to Peter’s question with a parable hinting at the role the apostles will play after His ascension (compare Acts 1:8; 20:28).

12:45 a long time to return Perhaps anticipating a lengthy interval before Jesus’ return.

12:49 to bring fire Fire imagery is often used as a symbol of divine judgment (see note on Luke 3:9; compare 3:16). Jesus suggests that there are elements of judgment associated with His mission.

12:50 a baptism to be baptized with Refers to Jesus’ impending death.

12:51 but rather division At face value, this statement seems to contradict the angels’ announcement of peace at Jesus’ birth (see 2:14 and note). However, Jesus is not denying the reality of messianic peace; rather, He is affirming that His death and resurrection will force people to choose sides. Although the way of Jesus certainly leads to peace in God’s kingdom, not everyone decides to follow Him (compare 19:42).

12:53 father against son Jesus incorporates phrases from Mic 7:6 to describe the divisive nature of His message.

12:56 how to evaluate this present time As Jesus indicates earlier, His works provide sufficient evidence that the messianic age is beginning (Luke 7:22–23). Compare Matt 16:3 and note.