Luke 12

Even though there were still crowds gathered around Him, Jesus focused on teaching His disciples; because the time for the cross was drawing near.  The first warning against hypocrisy included a reminder that ultimately the truth will be revealed.   Jesus was also preparing his disciples to be encouraged to fear God only and not be afraid even when persecuted.    He did talk about the "unforgiveable sin", blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, which is the sin of unbelief, rejecting the truth that the Holy Spirit reveals and testifies to, the same Holy Spirit Who "will teach you at that time [of persecution] what you should say" in order to provide a defense (i.e. apologia).  Jesus also gave them a warning against greed, teaching through a parable that "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions" and that "whoever stores up things for themselves...is not rich toward God."  Essentially, the two warnings involve the spiritual and the material, not to let anything in either realm hinder us from the true treasures of the Kingdom of God through salvation.

Continuing with that message, Jesus again focused on teaching His disciples, encouraging them not to worry, for life was more than food and clothing; and that they are worth more than the birds that God provides food for; and the wild flowers that are clothed in splendor by God.  Worry does not help or change anything and it displays a lack of faith that God will provide.  In addition to not worrying, He also encouraged them to seek God's Kingdom and store up their treasures in heaven where neither thief can come near nor moth destroy. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Through a parable, Jesus also taught that it was important to be wise and faithful stewards, ready for the Master's return, which can come at any time.   He also makes a remarkable statement that the Master will in turn minister to those who have served faithfully.  In contrast, the wicked servant who does not follow the will of the Master and is not ready for His return, will be punished.  "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

Towards the end of the chapter, Jesus says some things that at first glance may be quite surprising.  One was that He said He did not come to bring peace on earth.   He's the Prince of Peace, and many Scriptures associate Him with peace.   So, looking more carefully at what Jesus is saying, He came to bring peace with God by dying on the cross for our sins and reconciling us with God.  All other peace comes after that... inner peace through Him, and world peace when He establishes His Kingdom.  But, until then, the gospel message can divide, when it is received versus rejected.     The other somewhat surprising thing He said was that he was distressed or under constraint.   But, then, He was fully Man as well as fully God; and He did know the unimaginable suffering the Cross would entail, and the incredible burden of taking the sins of the world and dying for that.

In light of that, it makes sense for us to seek reconciliation before we face the Judgment, in which we undoubtedly be condemned for we are guilty of sin.