Question 1

What does Jesus mean by the leaven of the Pharisees being hypocrisy?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus talks about the “leaven of the Pharisees,” He is using leaven, or yeast, as a picture of how something small can spread through a whole lump of dough. Their “leaven” is hypocrisy. They looked religious on the outside but their hearts were not right with God. That kind of fake faith does not stay small; it spreads into thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus warns His disciples to stay away from this, because God will one day uncover what is hidden and show who is truly sincere and who is not.

Question 2

Why does Jesus say to fear God rather than those who kill the body?

Accepted Answer

Jesus reminds His friends that people can only touch the body, and after that they cannot do any more. God, however, has power over both life and what happens after death, including judgment and hell. So He calls them to have a deep, respectful fear of God instead of being ruled by fear of human threats. This kind of fear is not empty terror, because right after this He speaks of God’s care for sparrows and even the hairs of their head. The point is to take God more seriously than any earthly danger.

Question 3

What does it mean to confess or deny Jesus before people?

Accepted Answer

To confess Jesus before people means to openly admit that you belong to Him, trust Him, and stand with Him, even when that might bring trouble. Jesus promises that whoever does this, He will confess before the angels of God, owning them as His. To deny Him is to turn away from Him to please others or escape cost. Jesus warns that those who deny Him will be denied before the angels. This shows that real discipleship is not hidden but shows itself in public loyalty to Christ.

Question 4

Why is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost said to be unforgivable?

Accepted Answer

Jesus says that speaking against Him can be forgiven, but blaspheming the Holy Ghost will not be forgiven. This verse has been read in more than one way, but the main idea is very serious hardness against the clear work and witness of the Spirit. It is not a passing doubt or a fearful thought, but a settled, knowing rejection of what the Spirit shows about Christ. Such a heart does not want forgiveness and will not repent. The warning is given so we take the Spirit’s work very seriously.

Question 5

What is the main lesson in the parable of the rich fool?

Accepted Answer

In the parable, a rich man’s land gives him a huge harvest. He decides to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and rest easy for years, thinking of eating, drinking, and being merry. God calls him a fool and tells him his life will end that very night. All his stored goods will go to someone else. Jesus says this is how it is for anyone who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. The lesson is that piling up wealth without seeking God and His will is empty and unsafe.

Question 6

What does Jesus mean by being rich toward God and seeking the kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Being rich toward God means treating God, not money, as your true security and joy. It shows in trusting His care, using what you have to help others, giving alms, and aiming for treasure in heaven that does not wear out. When Jesus tells His disciples to seek the kingdom, He is calling them to put God’s rule and ways first, before food, drink, and clothing. He promises that the Father knows their needs and will add these things as they look first to Him instead of being eaten up with worry.

Question 7

How does this passage speak to anxiety about daily needs?

Accepted Answer

Jesus points to ravens and lilies. Ravens do not sow or reap or store up food, yet God feeds them. Lilies do not work or spin, yet they are more beautifully clothed than Solomon in all his glory. If God cares for birds and grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, He will surely clothe and feed His children. Jesus tells His disciples not to be of a doubtful mind, chasing the same things the nations chase. Instead they should trust their Father, seek His kingdom, and rest in His care.

Question 8

What does it mean to be ready and watching for the Son of man?

Accepted Answer

Jesus tells His followers to keep their loins girded and their lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to come back from a wedding. Being ready means living as if He could return at any time, doing the work He gave, and not sinking into laziness or abuse of others. The faithful and wise steward keeps feeding the household at the right time. There is blessing promised for such servants, and severe judgment for those who use their position for self, thinking the Lord delays His coming.

Question 9

Why does Jesus say He came to bring division and not peace on earth?

Accepted Answer

Here Jesus explains that following Him will not always bring outward peace in families or society. When some in a house believe and others do not, it can cause sharp division, even between parents and children or in-laws. He speaks of three against two and two against three. The point is not that He enjoys conflict, but that loyalty to Him must come before even the closest earthly ties. His coming forces a choice. Some will receive Him and others will resist, and that difference can cut deeply.

Question 10

What does paying the very last mite in prison have to do with judgment?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the chapter, Jesus uses a picture from daily life. If you are on the way to the judge with someone who has a case against you, you should try hard to settle with him before you get there. If not, you may be handed over, fined, and kept in prison until you pay the last small coin. This points to the need to make peace while there is still time. It hints at God’s coming judgment and urges people to judge what is right now and turn to God before they face Him as Judge.

Luke 12:1

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

The Leaven of the Pharisees

Fear God Alone

Confessing Christ

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Do Not Worry

Treasures in Heaven

Readiness at Any Hour

Not Peace but Division

Interpreting the Present Time

Reconciling with an Adversary

The Leaven of the Pharisees

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Luke 12:1

In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

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The Leaven of the Pharisees

Fear God Alone

Confessing Christ

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Do Not Worry

Treasures in Heaven

Readiness at Any Hour

Not Peace but Division

Interpreting the Present Time

Reconciling with an Adversary

The Leaven of the Pharisees

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