He Teaches His Disciples
This Chapter 12 contains several teachings of Jesus, certainly made at various times,
and recorded by the other Writers as having occurred at other times. We can
certainly believe that Jesus taught the same truth at various times to the
Disciples, during His ministry. A great multitude of people had assembled, so many
that they were walking on one another, and while the Pharisees had sought to entrap
Him, these people came to hear His words, to honor Him and to open their hearts to
what He had to say. He had spoke to them that morning and had severely reproved
them as an evil generation that sought a sign, now they were back for an evening
sermon and He would not disappoint them. His message was directed to His
Disciples, whether the twelve or the seventy, it is not clear at this time,
but it was said in the presence of this large multitude.
In verses 1 thru 12, His message contained seven warnings to His Disciples:
- He warned them of the "leaven" (Hypocrisy) of the Pharisees.
This warning was of much importance to the Disciples. They
were to preach and teach others. If they should corrupt the
"word", pretend to be something that they were not, hypocrisy
would be worse in them than in others. The warning here was
not to take into Christianity what had been taken into Judaism.
- "Make not your religion to be a cover for pride and the doing of deeds,
for nothing is covered that shall not be revealed." This was a call
to them to be faithful in the telling to men all that Jesus had
instructed them, whether those to whom they witness hear or not,
the Disciples were responsible for telling the truth.
- He warns them not to let the fear of reprisal keep them from
faithfully fulfilling their mission. Some believe that Jesus
was speaking of the "watering down" of the Gospel to escape
social and political persecution. To encourage them in their
mission, He reminds them that the power of their enemies is a
limited power.
- "Fear not those that can kill only the body." How? By fearing
God more than man. Moses conquered his fear of the wrath of
Pharaoh, by keeping his eye on Him that is invincible.
Besides, the lives of good Christians and good ministers
are in the particular care of divine Providence.
- "You will be owned or disowned on that great day according
to how you have owned or disowned Jesus." The word is that we
must confess Christ before men regardless of what we might suffer.
The warning is to not depart from those truths out of fear of the
consequences. To deny Christ in this world is to be denied by
by the Angels of God. It seems that a part of the happiness of
glorified saints is not only to stand "right" but also to stand
"high" in the esteem of the Holy Angels who will love them,
honor them and own them if they be true to their mission.
- A warning of what was expected of them and those to whom they
witnessed. Here Jesus speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit
as a means of enlightenment in the hearts of men giving them
a far greater advantage than before, consequently, their
punishment for rejection will be far greater. A very important
doctrine of the Christian Church is established here. Note:
Whoever speaks against Christ without the enlightenment of
the Holy Spirit, has an excuse and is therefore eligible
for forgiveness. i.e. "Father forgive them for they know not
what they do." But ... they that blasphemes the Holy Ghost
by rejecting Christ after they have been enlightened by
Him, have committed the unforgivable sin, therefore are
without excuse. They shall have no benefit in the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. You may shake off the dust of your shoes
against those who do so. To whom much is given (enlightenment)
much is expected.
- There shall be Grace sufficient for whatever needs they may
have. The faithful witness for Christ has not only some
burdens to bear but he also has a testimony to bear.
A life, a witness and a good confession and we are urged
to do it well so that the cause of Christ will not suffer,
to the contrary, it might be that God will honor it and
use it for the advancement of His Kingdom. When you go,
take no thought of what you will say, make no effort to
"prove" your doctrine. Use no skill nor tricks in your
presentation for the success or failure of your mission
will depend upon the Lord. Your goal is to serve your
Master, do not be anxious or concerned with the results.
The Holy Ghost, as the Spirit of wisdom, will teach and
sustain you in all that you do so that it may be to the honor
and glory of God.
Verses 13 thru 21 contain a warning about covetousness. It would appear that the
warning came as the result of someone coming to Him to arbitrate a dispute over an
inheritance. Notice Jesus refused to arbitrate the matter. "Man, who made me a
judge over you?" Jesus took no power to Himself but that which was given Him.
Whatever He did, He could tell by what authority He did it. Christ never assumed
legislative or judicial powers for the purpose of resolving controversies amongst
men. He certainly could have, but it was not His commission. This should teach us
something about Christ's Kingdom and the nature of His Church:
- It does not interfere with civil powers, nor does it take
authority from civil leaders.
- It does not meddle in civil rights. It suggests that all
abide by civil laws, rendering unto Caesar the things that
are Caesar's.
- It does not encourage us to expect worldly advantages by
nature of being Christian. The rewards of being a disciple
of Christ are of another nature.
- It does not encourage our disputes with our brother no matter
how "right" we are, but rather, for the sake of peace, recede
from that right.
- It does not allow ministers to entangle themselves in the affairs
of this life. (Do not leave the Word of God to serve tables
2 Tim. 2:4)
Jesus assured them that He had not come to be a "divider" of men's estates. He
came to be a director of their conscience and He warns them of the sin that had
caused the argument in the first place. Note:
- "Take heed and beware of covetousness." Covetousness is a sin
which we need to be constantly aware of. It is akin to
jealousy and theft.
- Be aware that our life is not measured by the abundance of that
which we have accumulated. The things of this world will
not supply the needs of the soul nor satisfy its desires.
Even the happiness of the body does not depend on the
abundance of things. Many are happy and content with little
of this world's wealth while others, with great wealth, have
found little contentment.
- Finally, Jesus gave them a parable to show the folly of relying
on worldly goods. This was probably aimed at the man who had
come to Jesus at the beginning of the lesson seeking Jesus'
help in resolving a dispute over an inheritance as well as
a teaching lesson for the Disciples. The parable tells us
about the life and death of a rich man and leaves us to judge
whether he was a happy man or not.
Three points are made in the parable:
- God's blessing upon a certain man. "The ground of a certain
rich man brought forth an abundant harvest." The abundance of
the earth is a great blessing but sometimes God's blessings
become a snare.
- Faced with this abundant harvest, we are told that he "thought
to himself". The Lord knows what we think and we are accountable
to Him for it. He is both a discerner and a judge of the thoughts
and intents of the heart. Notice:
- Note what occupies the thoughts of this rich man.
Instead of thanking God for his blessing and considering
how he might do some good with this abundance, he occupies
his time worrying about what he will do with it. It
becomes a burden, and with a sigh he asks, "What shall
I do with it?"
- He foolishly decides to tear down his present barns and
build larger ones. Then, he surmises, he will have it
made and can them set back and enjoy his wealth for the
rest of his life. No thought was given to the poor, none
to his family, none to the Levite or the fatherless or
stranger or the widow. Often years of plenty was followed
by years of famine. That which was ample for storage
of a plenty would be a liability in years of famine.
To assume a long life is folly in and of itself. None
of us know what tomorrow will bring.
- He foolishly says to his soul, "Soul, listen to what
I say." "You have much goods laid up, enough for many
years." "Enjoy yourself, eat, drink and be merry." He
totally disregarded the plights of nature. Lightning,
wind and fire, thieves and moisture all can wipe out
any storage. Notice how self-indulging he was, "eat,
drink and be merry", without any thought of doing good
to others.
- What did others think about this man? His neighbors phrased him
for doing so well for himself, but God said he was a fool. "Thou
fool, this night your soul shall be required of thee." God decreed
this and by some means, the rich man knew it, either by conscience
or by divine providence. Suddenly, his concerns about enough
storage and the pleasures that he thought his wealth would supply,
were no longer important. What is a man without a soul? He is
only dust. At death the soul goes to its reward, the body returns
to dust from which it came. Many believe that Satan's angels are
the messengers of God's justice. They receive wicked souls to
carry them to the place of torment. God's Angels carry the
"righteous" soul to it's reward also. That night, God required
of the rich man, his soul.
This judgment consisted of five things:
- It was a "force". The requiring of the soul, that part of a person
that lives forever. The soul that had become a fool.
- It was a "surprise", an unexpected force, and it came in the night.
Perhaps as he was retiring, contemplating the joys of the morrow.
- It was a sad "parting". Leaving behind all the wealth that he had
hoarded.
- Who will get it now? Your children, your relatives, perhaps the
government. All that he had placed his happiness in, must be
left behind. Will they take care of it? Will they appreciate
it?
- His "foolishness" was evident to him at the end for it was evident
to him then that all the trouble that he had taken to store up
his wealth was vanity.
Finally, the application of the parable. "Do not lay up treasurers in this world
from which we can so quickly leave, but lay up treasurers in heaven that are
pleasing to God and which are eternal.
Verses 22 thru 40 record instructions to the Disciples, many of which had been
given before but here Jesus felt there was need to impress the Disciples with them
again. He had been declaring the foolishness of being covetous, and having an
unhealthy affection for wealth, now He says, "I say unto you, my Disciples, flee
from these things.
- He charges them to take no thought for their lives, either in
the preservation of it, should it be in danger, or for the
provision that is to be made for it, either for food or clothing.
- God will provide. Consider the birds. They neither reap nor sow.
They do not provide for themselves, but they are feed. Shall He
not much more provide for you?
- Our cares are in vain; therefore it is foolish to indulge in them.
"Which of you, by taking thought, can add one cubit to his statue?"
Should not we refer all these things over which we have no control,
to the Providence of God?
- Here he speaks particularly to the Disciples, and encourages them not
to be concerned about the affairs of this world or their needs, for
God will provide all that they need. Concern and worry makes for a
unsteady course, looking like a feather blown by the wind and He gives
four reasons for this:
- It will make them look like the children of this world,
having no faith in the Father's care.
- It will be unnecessary. Your Father knows what you have
need of and will supply your needs according to His
riches in glory.
- They have better things to do. "Rather seek you the
Kingdom of God." You who are to preach and teach the
Gospel let your hearts be upon your work. Seek rather
those who are lost, seek the advancement of the Kingdom
of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
- They have better things to hope for. Eternal security
is far greater than the needs of the day. As Paul said,
"To live is Christ, to die is gain". It is the Father's
good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. You need not
question your salvation.
Verses 22 thru 40 cont.
If, then, they are not to be concerned about their needs, how will they live in
this world? He gives two suggestions.
- By not being consumed by the things of this world. Sell what
ever surplus you have in this world and give it to the poor.
Only spare what is needful for yourself and your family.
- Set your hearts upon the world to come. Seek not gold but
rather seek Grace. Grace will go with us into the next
world. Grace had been described this way:
- It is treasurer that will never be exhausted.
- It is treasurer that no thief can take from us.
- It is treasurer that will not spoil. The longer
you keep it the more it is worth.
Then He charges them to get ready and to stay in a state of readiness. When Christ
comes again, all those who have laid up their treasurers in Heaven will have the
enjoyment of it. Why?
- Because Christ is our Master. We are not only "working" servants
but we are also "waiting" servants, expecting His return.
- Because He had promised to return, return for the "wedding,
return and take us home.
- Because this time is not sure and when He comes, we must not
be found wanting. His coming or our death, whichever one
comes first, is uncertain.
- Because a state of readiness is what He expects of us. Set
your hearts on the next world so that when He comes your mind
will be fit to receive Him.
- Because then we will be happy. "Blessed are those who after
having waited long, are ready when He comes.
- Because there is no reward to the man who is ready for the
attack of the enemy if he knows before hand of it's coming.
But if He comes, like a thief in the night, it is the wise
man who will be ready.
Verses 41 thru 53 In these verses, Peter asks the question that may have been on
all of our minds as we read the preceding verses, "Was this instruction about
letting loose of the things of this world and being ready for the next, only for
the Disciples or was it for all of us?" Jesus replied, "What I say to you, I say
to all." Then He directs to them and to all ministers, some particular
instructions:
- As "stewards", they had a particular trust committed to them.
- They were made "rulers" of God's household, under Christ.
Thus they have authority to preach the Gospel, administer
the ordinances and apply the promises of the covenant of
Grace.
- They are to feed God's children with the "Word". To give
comfort, aid and direction where needed.
- To do this with regard to their temper and condition, in a
way that is most suitable to their characteristics.
- In these things, they must prove themselves to be faithful
and wise in the seeking of opportunity and the performance
of them.
- There is happiness and blessing in the following:
- Keeping busy. Even the rulers of the "household" must
be at work making themselves servants of all.
- Busy feeding the sheep. Giving them that portion
of "truth" by preaching and personal application.
- Persevering to the end. Despite the difficulties.
To the "steward" that approves himself, God will
make him ruler over much.
- There is judgment in the following:
- Looking upon Christ's second coming as a thing in the
distant future and misinterpreting it as license to
let down.
- Lacking concern for the brethren. Sitting down to eat
and drink unconcerned for their own sin or the needs
of others.
- Not understanding that death and judgment will be very
terrible on all the wicked but it will be especially so
on wicked ministers. Judgment will come as a surprise
for then for it will come when they least expect it.
- Of whom much is given, much is expected. The servant that
knew his Lord's will, and did it not, shall be beaten with
many stripes. There seems to be an allusion to the Law here
made a distinction between sins committed through ignorance
and presumptuous sins. According to the Law, the severity of
the beating depended upon the knowledge of the sinner and his
opportunities or lack of opportunities to know the Law.
Jesus foretells of his own sufferings which he expects and of the future
sufferings for his followers which he wants them to live in expectation of. Notice
Jesus said that He had come to send "fire" upon the earth. The preaching of the
Gospel, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, sent to "refine" the world and purge
away the "impurities". It can also be implied to mean the "fire of persecution
that had already started to be kindled by the "carnal Jews". Jesus calls this a
"baptism" which He must be baptized with. He foreknew of His suffering, He
actually looked forward to it because of what it would accomplish.
"Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth?" Jesus did not promise a
peaceable possession of this earth or outward prosperity. It was apparent that at
this time the Disciples had entertained thoughts of this, but they were mistaken
and Jesus tells them not to flatter themselves into a "fools paradise". He lists
two results that they could expect as the result of the preaching of the Gospel.
- There will be division. Not that that is it's purpose, to the
contrary, it's purpose is to unite but there will be those who
will be against it and will find occasion to cause division,
and Christ will permit this for His purpose (I Cor. 11:18)
that Christians may learn and practice forbearance toward
one another.
- This division will not only effect the church but it will also
reach into the families of the church. "The father will be
divided against the son." Conversion brings division into
a family for the one converted will witness of his conversion
and this will bring animosity from those who are not converted.
Therefore, the Disciples were not promised peace on earth but were sent forth as
sheep in the midst of wolves.
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