Reflecting on Luke 12:1-12“Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say.” (Luke 12:11)
Jesus is speaking to His followers, those committed to His way of love.
Having spoken against the Pharisees (Luke 11:37-54), He now warns His disciples.
The religious leaders will not tolerate dissent, and will demand compliance.
They will use fear, condemnation and discipline to enforce loyalty.
Do not be afraid, and do not worry; God is with you in this!
This is not meant to comfort rebels or troublemakers.
Jesus represents humble, gracious love, and the compassionate mercy of God.
Those who stand up and speak up with Jesus for this, can count on God’s help.
Those who resist and reject the Jesus Way, will not be honoured by Jesus.
But those who persevere with Jesus in the Jesus Way will be honoured by Jesus.
I see the yeast of the Pharisees in a lot of christianity right now.
Religious leaders still use fear, condemnation and discipline to enforce loyalty.
Jesus is urging me to resist the hypocrisy, and to stand firm in His Way!
My calling is not to argue or attack or judge others (the Pharisee way).
My calling is to stand and speak for love, and to trust God to defend me.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I have felt the pressure to conform, and I have chosen not to. This does not make me a better christian. I do not need to defend myself, but I do need to live in a way that honours You and Your way... even when criticized for it. Help me to be a humble, gracious servant of You and Your Way, even when it gets me in trouble with religious leaders.