Luke 12, Part 1

Scripture: Luke 12:1-12

Observation: Jesus knows the religious leaders are outraged by His words (see chapter 11) and so He warns His disciples not to fear men, for they can only kill the body. Fear God and confess Jesus, because those who acknowledge the Lord will be acknowledged by Him in heaven.

Application: Jesus made clear that physical persecution was to be expected; after all, the words He proclaimed were not popular, and He would have to be quieted. We speak His words today, and they are probably less popular now than ever. Christians are persecuted and ridiculed all around the world for repeating and teaching the Gospel. Our trust, however, must be in the Lord. While man can hurt us for a time, and even kill us, our eternity is dependent on our Creator, and He has promised us eternal life in His Father's house. In addition, we have the Holy Spirit to aid us here on earth.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, on my own strength I could never defeat my enemies, those who would have me quieted because they don't want to hear Your Word. They don't understand that Yours are words of life. Holy Spirit, You provide the words and the strength so that I may speak truth, because the world needs to hear. I trust in You to lead the way. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.