Friday, May 9 – Luke 12, 13

1. What was the leaven of the Pharisees? (Luke 12:1)

2. What did Jesus mean by “fear Him who has power to cast into hell”? (Luke 12:4–5)

3. Why does the Prince of Peace bring division? (Luke 12:49–53)

4. Why did Jesus heal a woman on the Sabbath? (Luke 13:15–16)

In these two powerful chapters, Jesus offers twelve beautiful and practical teachings. The following questions can help us reflect on the various parts of these chapters. Let us draw our own conclusions supported by the Word of God.

We observe that in chapter 11, verses 37–54, Jesus delivered a series of strong accusations against the Pharisees and scribes of the law with the expression “Woe to you…!” In chapter 12, He continues to elaborate on the diagnosis of their spiritual condition.

The Master used the symbol of leaven in both a negative and a positive sense. When applied to the Pharisees, the leaven illustrated their hypocrisy; they wore masks to project what they were not. In other words, they had a double personality: outwardly religious but inwardly corrupt and wicked. Jesus warns us against adopting such attitudes.

On the other hand, there is a positive side to leaven. Ellen G. White offers an illuminating application: “As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform the life” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 97)

The Lord warns us whom we should fear (vv. 4–5): “Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell.” Jesus addresses the children of God who are persecuted for the gospel’s sake. We should not fear those who kill the body but cannot destroy our faith or eternal life. Instead, we should fear the One who can render eternal judgment to those who reject Him.

In verses 8–12, Jesus invites us to confess Him before others. If we do, He will confess us before the angels of God. However, He also warns against the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This is not because the Spirit has more authority than Jesus, but because He is the One who convicts of sin. Rejecting the Spirit is equivalent to dismissing the whole Godhead.

In verses 16–21, we find the parable of the rich fool. He selfishly focused only on the present. Jesus called him a fool: “This man has chosen the earthly rather than the spiritual, and with the earthly he must pass away. “Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 258). The lesson is clear: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”

Jesus reminds us that worry should not dominate a Christian’s life. Birds and flowers serve as living examples of trust and dependence on God.

The faithful servant is vigilant and diligent. The unfaithful is careless and negligent. We are warned: “We shall be judged according to what we ought to have done, but did not accomplish because we did not use our powers to glorify God.” COL 363

Although it may seem contradictory, Jesus brought division, even within families. Our own experience confirms this truth.

In verses 54–59, the chapter concludes with Jesus’ counsel to discern the times and restore broken personal relationships.

In Luke 13, the evangelist begins with a serious warning: “Repent or perish,” followed by the barren fig tree parable (vv. 1–9). Repentance is a continual obligation for every believer. Just as the vinedresser requests more time for the tree to bear fruit, God also provides us time to grow and produce fruit.

Jesus seizes the opportunity to teach the true spirit of the Sabbath. He healed a bent-over woman to demonstrate that the Sabbath is the best day to do good. He exposed the hypocrisy of those who prioritized their animals on the Sabbath over their fellow human beings.

The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven show the progressive growth of God’s Kingdom in our lives.

Although the gate is narrow, Jesus calls us to strive to enter. Ellen G. White affirms: “There is no such thing as a truly converted person living a helpless, useless life. we can’t drift into heaven. No sluggard can enter there.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 280)

Luke 13 concludes with Jesus’ message to Herod Antipas and the people. Although Herod was a despot, he could not obstruct the divine mission. With sorrow, Jesus laments Jerusalem’s hardened heart for rejecting His call.

The invitation remains open: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” Let us open our hearts. Let us accept His call.

Blessings to all,