Chapter Summary

Jesus warns of leaven of the Pharisees. Parable of the rich fool. Parable of the second coming. Parable of the steward and his servants. Christ, the divider of men.

Discussion Questions for Luke, Chapter 12

1. In Luke 12:4-7, Jesus speaks about the value of fearing God. How do you understand the balance between a healthy reverence for God and avoiding a fear-based relationship with Him?
2. How can embracing the idea that God values us even more than sparrows and knows the number of hairs on our heads impact our perception of self-worth and anxiety? How does this truth affect our everyday life?
3. How do our cultural values influence our perspectives on success and abundance? How might these perspectives contrast with Jesus' teachings found in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)?
4. Jesus encourages his followers not to worry about material needs but to seek God's kingdom first (Luke 12:22-31). How can we practically apply this teaching in a world that often promotes worry and materialism?
5. In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus teaches about the importance of being watchful and faithful servants. How can we maintain a sense of spiritual alertness in our lives, especially when we face distractions and challenges?
6. Jesus speaks about the division that his teachings can cause within families (Luke 12:49-53). How do you interpret this passage? How might following one's faith create tensions within family dynamics? What strategies can believers use to navigate these potential conflicts while still remaining true to their convictions and relationship with God?
7. Jesus criticizes the crowd's ability to interpret the signs of the times (Luke 12:54-56). How do you think this criticism applies to our current era? What signs or aspects of the times might we be missing or misunderstanding? Do you think we are close to time of Christ's return? Why or why not?
8. What are the dangers of placing too much emphasis on material wealth and possessions, as highlighted in the Parable of the Rich Fool? What are some signs that you place too much of an emphasis on material wealth and possessions?
9. Jesus says that He has come to cause division in Luke 12. What are some ways we can engage in conversations about our faith while still respecting differing viewpoints? How can we avoid becoming sources of division ourselves?
10. What does it mean to "seek his kingdom" as a way to alleviate worries? How can we prioritize spiritual values while still fulfilling our responsibilities in the world?

Key Words/Phrase

Jesus our security, vv. 7, 8, 11, 28, 31, 37.

Characters

Jesus, disciples, Pharisees, rich man, Peter.

Strong Verse(s)

3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 22, 24, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 37, 40, 48.