Chapter 12

1Meanwhile, a crowd of many thousands gathered, so that people were stepping on one another. Jesus began by speaking first to his disciples: “Watch out for the Pharisees’ yeast—their hypocrisy, which quietly spreads.”

2Jesus continued, “Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing is hidden that will not become known.

3Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light. What you have whispered in private rooms will be announced from the rooftops.

4I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and afterward can do nothing more.

5But I will show you whom to fear: fear God, who, after killing, has authority to throw someone into the place of final punishment. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

6Aren’t five sparrows sold for two tiny copper coins? Yet God does not forget even one of them.

7In fact, even every hair on your head has been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.

8I tell you, everyone who publicly acknowledges me, I, the Son of Man, will also acknowledge before God’s angels.

9But anyone who disowns me before others will be disowned before God’s angels.

10Everyone who speaks against me, the Son of Man, can be forgiven. But whoever insults God’s Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

11When people bring you before synagogue councils, rulers, and other authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say.

12God’s Holy Spirit will teach you at that very moment what you need to say.”

13Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.”

14Jesus replied, “Who appointed me to be your judge or to divide property between you?”

15Then he said to the crowd, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every kind of greed. A person’s life does not come from the things they own, even when they have more than enough.”

16Jesus told them this story: “A rich man’s land produced a very abundant crop.

17The man thought to himself, ‘What should I do? I have nowhere to store my crops.’

18Then he said, ‘Here is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I will store all my grain and possessions.

19Then I will tell myself, “You have plenty of good things stored up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’

20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded back from you. Who, then, will get everything you prepared?’

21That is how it is for anyone who stores up wealth for himself but has no wealth that counts with God.”

22Then Jesus said to his disciples, “For this reason I tell you: do not worry about your life—what you will eat—or about your body—what you will wear.

23Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

24Think about the ravens. They neither plant nor harvest, and they have no storeroom or barn. Yet God feeds them. You are worth so much more than birds!

25Which of you can make your life even a little longer by worrying?

26If you cannot do even this smallest thing, why worry about everything else?

27Think about how the wildflowers grow. They do not work or spin thread. Yet I tell you, even King Solomon, for all his splendor, was not dressed like one of them.

28If God clothes the grass in the field this way, though it is here today and tomorrow is thrown into an oven for fuel, how much more will he clothe you—you who trust him so little!

29So do not make what you will eat and drink your anxious pursuit. Do not live in suspense.

30The non-Jewish peoples of the world chase after all these things, but your Father knows that you need them.

31Instead, seek his reign, and these things will be given to you as well.

32Do not be afraid, little flock. Your Father has gladly chosen to give you his kingdom.

33Sell your possessions and give the money to people in need. Make yourselves money bags that never wear out—an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

34Wherever your treasure is, your heart will be there too.

35Stay dressed and ready for work, and keep your lamps burning.

36Be like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding celebration, ready to open the door for him as soon as he arrives and knocks.

37How fortunate are those servants whose master finds them awake when he comes! I tell you truly, the master will dress himself for service, seat them at the table, and come serve them.

38Whether he comes late at night or in the hours before dawn, how fortunate they are if he finds them ready!

39Understand this: if a homeowner knew what hour a thief was coming, he would not allow his house to be broken into.

40You also must be ready, because I, the Son of Man, will come at an hour when you do not expect me.”

41Peter asked, “Master, are you telling this illustration to us, or to everyone?”

42Jesus replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and sensible manager whom the master will put in charge of his household staff to give them their food allowance at the proper time?

43How fortunate is that servant if his master comes and finds him doing his work!

44I tell you truly, the master will put him in charge of everything he owns.

45But suppose that servant thinks, ‘My master is taking a long time to return.’ Then he begins beating the male and female servants and starts eating, drinking, and getting drunk.

46That servant’s master will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him in two and assign him a place among the unfaithful.

47A servant who knew what his master wanted but did not get ready or act accordingly will be beaten many times.

48But one who did not know and did things deserving punishment will be beaten only a few times. Much will be required from everyone who has been given much. Even more will be demanded from the person entrusted with much.

49I came to cast fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already burning!

50But I must undergo a baptism—be plunged into an overwhelming ordeal—and how distressed I am until it is completed!

51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you. I came to bring division.

52From now on, a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three.

53They will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

54Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘Rain is coming,’ and that is what happens.

55When the south wind blows, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and there is.

56You pretenders! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don’t you know how to interpret this present time?

57Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?

58When you are going with someone who has a case against you to appear before an official, make every effort along the way to settle with that person. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, the judge may hand you over to a court officer, and the officer may throw you into prison.

59I tell you, you certainly will not get out until you have paid the very last tiny copper coin.”