The Bryce Crawford Podcast
Episode 160: Luke Series Chapter 12
Host: Bryce Crawford
Date: December 12, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Bryce Crawford dives deep into Luke Chapter 12, exploring its teachings on hypocrisy, true fear, anxiety, earthly possessions versus eternal treasures, preparedness for Christ’s return, and the divisive nature of truth. With his characteristic warmth and directness, Bryce unpacks scripture, shares personal interpretations, and encourages listeners to reflect on their relationship with God, the dangers of passivity, and staying spiritually alert.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Beware of Hypocrisy—The Leaven of the Pharisees
[03:02 - 04:10]
- Bryce opens with Jesus’ warning to “beware of the leaven of Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
- He explains how hypocrisy, like yeast, “spreads, swells, and sours” our relationship with God and the people around us.
- “Whenever you have hypocrisy in your life... that is going to spread and swell and sour your relationship with Jesus, and you’re going to be a reflection of who you surround yourself with.” —Bryce [03:57]
- Emphasizes the power of community and influence by quoting, “Show me the five closest people around you, and I’ll show you your future.”
2. True Fear: Fear God, Not Man
[04:11 - 05:52]
- Jesus tells us not to fear those who can kill the body but fear the One who can cast into hell.
- "Don’t fear someone who can kill the body. Every human being you see is eternal. But fear the one who can cast you into hell. That is God." —Bryce [04:48]
- Bryce highlights the modern prevalence of fearing public opinion and challenges listeners to cultivate “the fear of the Lord,” referencing Psalm 25:14.
3. Confessing Christ & The Unforgivable Sin
[05:53 - 07:15]
- Emphasis on confessing Jesus before others to be acknowledged before God.
- Exploration of the “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit”—the unforgivable sin:
- Bryce’s interpretation: “Ongoing denial in this lifetime of the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart, trying to pull you to Jesus.” [06:22]
- Rejection of the Holy Spirit throughout life leads to eternal separation when it’s too late to repent.
4. Reliance on the Holy Spirit in Persecution
[07:16 - 07:54]
- Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will provide words in times of persecution.
- Bryce references Jesus before Roman rulers, often silent or Spirit-led in speech.
5. The Parable of the Rich Fool: Wealth & Covetousness
[07:55 - 09:10]
- Jesus warns: “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
- Bryce explains the parable: The rich man who stores up wealth but is called a fool because “this night your soul is required of you.”
- “You and I owe our lives, livelihood, wealth and soul to God. That’s what we owe him. Give your life to somebody who wants it.” —Bryce [08:54]
6. Freedom from Anxiety: God’s Provision
[09:11 - 09:53]
- Jesus commands not to be anxious about life’s needs; God values us more than sparrows or lilies.
- “How much more will God take care of you?... You have the imprint of God on your life.” —Bryce [09:43]
7. Heavenly Treasures & True Wealth
[09:54 - 10:18]
- Encourage giving to the needy and storing treasures in heaven, not earth.
- “Your earthly riches stay above ground... What you do in this lifetime, you can honor God and store heavenly treasures.” —Bryce [10:13]
8. Readiness & Watchfulness for Christ’s Return
[10:19 - 11:20]
- The parable of the servants: be prepared, “keep your lamps burning.”
- “Just be awake and ready… You and I have no idea when Christ is going to return. Our responsibility is to dive deep into intimacy with God and always stay prepared, always be awake.” —Bryce [10:54]
- Bryce uses a memorable analogy of an unfaithful bride at a wedding as a picture of not being ready for Christ’s coming.
9. Jesus Brings Division, Not Always Peace
[11:21 - 12:10]
- Jesus says He comes not to bring peace but division—even families will be split over Him.
- “The truth of God will ruffle people’s feathers and split it right down the middle, all in or all out.” —Bryce [11:38]
- The Gospel will cause conflicts even in close relationships.
10. Interpreting the Times & Settling Accounts
[12:11 - 12:56]
- Jesus rebukes the crowd for being able to interpret the weather, but not the times or their spiritual state.
- Encourages listeners to “pay your debtors what you owe them” and reconcile before judgment.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Whenever you have hypocrisy in your life… that is going to spread and swell and sour your relationship with Jesus.” —Bryce [03:57]
- “Don’t fear someone who can kill the body… But fear the one who can cast you into hell. That is God.” —Bryce [04:48]
- “Ongoing denial in this lifetime of the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart… that’s blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.” —Bryce [06:22]
- “You and I owe our lives, livelihood, wealth and soul to God.” —Bryce [08:54]
- “How much more will God take care of you?… You have the imprint of God on your life.” —Bryce [09:43]
- “Just be awake and ready…always be prepared, always be awake.” —Bryce [10:54]
- “The truth of God will ruffle people’s feathers and split it right down the middle, all in or all out.” —Bryce [11:38]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 03:02 – Jesus’ warning on hypocrisy and leaven explained
- 04:11 – On fearing man vs. fearing God
- 05:53 – The unforgivable sin: blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
- 07:16 – Relying on the Holy Spirit during trials
- 07:55 – Parable of the rich fool and true wealth
- 09:11 – Freedom from anxiety and God’s provision
- 09:54 – Storing heavenly versus earthly treasures
- 10:19 – Readiness for Jesus’ return
- 11:21 – Jesus brings division, not always peace
- 12:11 – Interpreting the times and settling with accusers
Final Encouragement
Bryce wraps the episode by urging listeners not to rely solely on the podcast, but to read the Bible and depend on the Holy Spirit daily.
- “You don’t rely on the podcast, you rely on the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.” —Bryce [12:57]
For listeners seeking scriptural insight and practical application, this episode offers both challenge and encouragement—highlighting the urgency of daily faith, spiritual vigilance, and wholehearted devotion to God.