HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 1305
L UKE 12
page 935
4 “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who
want to kill your body; they cannot do any more
to you after that. 5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear.
Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then
throw you into hell.* Yes, he’s the one to fear.
6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins*? Yet God does not forget a single one
of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are
all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more
valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
8 “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of
Man* will also acknowledge in the presence of
God’s angels. 9 But anyone who denies me here
on earth will be denied before God’s angels.
10 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man
can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes
the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11 “And when you are brought to trial in the
synagogues and before rulers and authorities,
don’t worry about how to defend yourself or
what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you
at that time what needs to be said.”
Parable of the Rich Fool
13 Then someone called from the crowd,
“Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our
father’s estate with me.”
14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a
judge over you to decide such things as that?”
15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every
kind of greed. Life is not measured by how
much you own.”
16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had
a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said
to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room
for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll
tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then
I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and
other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away
for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink,
and be merry!”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will
die this very night. Then who will get everything
you worked for?’
21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly
wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Teaching about Money and Possessions
22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said,
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat
or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more
than food, and your body more than clothing.
24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest
or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And
you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
25 Can all your worries add a single moment to
12:5 Greek Gehenna. 12:6 Greek two assaria [Roman coins
equal to 1⁄16 of a denarius]. 12:8 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus
used for himself.
your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little
thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over
bigger things?
27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They
don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon
in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully
as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully
for flowers that are here today and thrown into
the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.
Why do you have so little faith?
29 “And don’t be concerned about what to
eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such
things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of
unbelievers all over the world, but your Father
already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom
of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives
your Father great happiness to give you the
Kingdom.
33 “Sell your possessions and give to those
in need. This will store up treasure for you in
heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old
or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no
thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.
34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of
your heart will also be.
Be Ready for the Lord’s Coming
35 “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps
burning, 36 as though you were waiting for your
master to return from the wedding feast. Then
you will be ready to open the door and let him
in the moment he arrives and knocks. 37 The servants who are ready and waiting for his return
will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve
them as they sit and eat! 38 He may come in the
• Courage
LU K E 12:4
Murder destroys only our body and
earthly life. There is a greater death—to
lose our soul, and thus life forever. If we
live long on earth but not beyond, we
have lost the greater treasure. If we live
fewer years on earth but have eternity
in heaven, we have inherited the greater
life. It takes great courage to pursue on
earth what will be most important in
eternity, because most of the rest of the
world lives for the here and now. Are
you ready to die? If your eternal life with
God is secure, your fear of death can be
transformed into energy for living your
life on earth well—whether it be short
or long.