Luke 12:32-40

This passage occurs in the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C. Most recently August 10, 2025.

Summary:  Jesus offers us some words of wisdom

I also add that it might be worth including some of the previous verses, especially 12:31.  It helps set up the context for what Jesus says here.

Key Words:
ευδοκενσεν (meaning "please", 12:32)  In Luke's Gospel, the voice of the God billows over the waters of Jesus Baptism and declares "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased" (3:22).  In Matthew's Gospel, God's voice also reaffirms this claim about Jesus during the transfiguration.  What might it mean that Jesus says it is the father's good pleasure to give the kingdom?  God has two great joys:  Jesus and giving the kingdom. 

μη φοβου (meaning "do not be afraid", 12:31)  Jesus tells people three times not to be afraid in Luke's Gospel

- When the boat is overflowing with fish and nearly sinking (5:10)

- When a man has learned his daughter has died (8:50)

In the previous verses there is no threat of death, simply an acknowledgment of the every day worries of life.

οσφυες  περιζωσμεναι  (literally meaning "gird loins", 12:35)  The NRSV and NIV poetically translate this passage, because "gird your loins" doesn't have the same force as it did years ago.  Jesus is issuing a summons though, a clear call to be ready -- get dressed!

κυριον (meaning "Lord", from κυριος, 12:36 ).  The translators correctly translate this word as "Master" in Jesus parable.  However, the literal word is "Lord."  Jesus parable isn't so hidden after all -- he is speaking about when the Lord comes.

διακονησει  (diakonia, meaning "serve", from διακονεω, 12:37)  In Mark's Gospel, Jesus declares that he did not come to be served, but to serve others.  In Luke's Gospel, he promises the same thing -- that he is ultimately a servant!

Some phrases I will look at another time

εκ των γαμων ("from the wedding", 12:36).  The use of the wedding image in the Gospels is fascinating..

μακαριοι ("blessings", 12:37,38,43)  It would be interesting to stack up these three blessings with the other blessings of Luke.