Read Luke 12.
Jesus continued to teach the crowds but privately He expanded on those themes. This section begins by reminding everyone that there is coming a day of accountability. Even secret sins will be exposed. No one gets away with unconfessed sin. Those remarks were directed particularly at the Pharisees who endeavored to rule the people with fear.
From there Jesus taught a series of truths concerning how to really live. Each of these subjects strike at the heart of our character, our behaviors, and our faith.
1. Whom do you fear? (vv.4-12)
Physical threats in this life are always present. Worry and/or fear of an accident, an enemy, or a disease cause some to live in a paralysis. Others respond to such threats with preparation of planning, protection, and healthy living. But the truth is 100% of humans will eventually leave this life, one way or another. Jesus said that these things we should not fear. What should be the chief of all human fears is spending an eternity of torment in hell.
The solution to the eternity's fear is placing our individual faith in the One who created, loves and values human life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Living each moment with eternity in view is the key to overcoming fear.
2. What do you do with money? (vv.13-34)
This teaching came in response to a question from one in the crowd. There was an argument about how to divide the family inheritance. Jesus could see this man's true motive and responded with a story to illustrate that there is accountability for those whose goal with money is temporal consumption. "So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
Common motivators for attaining and spending money on oneself is feeding the ego to be better than others or fear that our need will not be met. Jesus responded that real life is more than temporal goods. And, again, He underscored the fact that our heavenly Father loves and values us. He takes care of the natural world that will not endure forever. Of how much more is He concerned to provide for us? The problem is not with God. It is "O you of little faith!"
Yes, we must earn to take care of basic needs. This, too, is an opportunity from God (Deuteronomy 8:18). But, one day we will leave it all behind. "Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." What we invest with God and His work will reap eternal rewards as others come to place their faith in Jesus. The problem is not money, but the individual's heart. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Living each moment with eternity in view is the key to overcoming selfishness and greed.
3. What are you doing in preparation for Jesus' return? (vv.35-56)
Some have chosen to disbelieve that Jesus will return at all. As a result, they waste their God-given lives only for the here and now. A very rude awakening is in store as they will experience an eternity that Jesus warned about in verse 5. They had full and fair warning with opportunity to respond to Him in faith.
Some believe that Jesus will return but their daily lives are nearly identical as those who do not. In the parable, here, there is a stern accountability for those who knew better and did not prepare accordingly.
Our Lord's admonition is to "be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
Living each moment with eternity in view is the key to being ready in these perilous times.
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