Luke 12: Removing the Barrier of Gentile Identity in Faith in God
Luke 12: Removing the Barrier of Gentile Identity in Faith in God
28 "If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
The entirety of chapter 12 is a critique of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Despite their outward appearance of piety in their words and actions, they do not fear God. What they actually fear is money and power. They are cowards when it comes to power (verses 8 and following) and foolishly wealthy when it comes to money (verses 13 and following). Tithing was a cover for their reliance on wealth and a means of self-absolution, and their stewardship was a position of flattery towards their master, while they acted as tyrannical managers over those beneath them. Luke harshly criticizes the Pharisees as those who do not seek the kingdom of God (verse 31).
But one must ask whether Luke's critique of the Pharisees is suitable for persuading Theophilus, the Roman reader of his letter. How could chapter 12, with its critique of the Pharisees, resonate with a Roman like Theophilus? It is challenging to bridge the gap between a Roman like Theophilus and the Pharisees, who are representative of the Jewish people. Before God, a heart bound by concerns over food and clothing cannot be masked by tithing, and wickedness towards subordinates cannot be hidden by flattery towards the master. Luke wants to convey to Theophilus the correct faith in God, which he introduces through the life of Jesus. God is not interested in the Pharisees' observance of festivals or tithing. Similarly, God has no interest in whether one is a Jew or a Gentile. True faith in God is not bound by money or power but is marked by a fear of him alone. The distinction between Gentile and Jew is not a barrier in faith in God. The Roman Theophilus stands on the same starting line as the Pharisees. Luke wants to share verse 32 with Theophilus: "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."