Luke 12:1-7

1 In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.  2 Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known.  3 Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.  4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.  5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!  6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.  7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.  

Discussion Question

What lessons are being delivered by Jesus?

Discussion Summary

General Lesson:   Jesus tells his disciples to avoid hypocrisy.  Hypocrisy is a disconnect between hearts and actions.  If the disciples’ hearts are good, they will have good actions.  Fear should not prevent them from acting in concert with their hearts. 

The message of the Kingdom of God will go forth and be made plain.  Those who reject that message will persecute those who believe in it.  The disciples are not to fear when confronted with persecution as they realize the extent of God’s care over them.

Verse 1:  Leaven is a good metaphor for hypocrisy as it can work in the dough for a time without detection, it can impart its own flavor profile into the dough, and it puffs up the dough doubling it in size.   I Corinthians 5:6-8

Verses 2,3:  We want what we say, what we do, and how we act to be the result of what is in our hearts.  I Thessalonians 2:4

Verses 4,5:  There is an improper fear of the Lord that would make us obey him only because otherwise he will punish us.  A proper fear of the Lord makes us obey him because we fear displeasing him.  We don’t want to presume upon his mercy.  Psalm 19:9; Psalm 34:9; Proverbs 9:10; 1 John 4:18; Acts 5:1-5

Verses 6,7:  God is watching our lives down to the smallest details.  “Casting all your anxieties on Him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 (ESV)


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