"Fear Not, Little Flock" & Other Notes in Luke Chapter 12

Luke 12:4-5 - See all cross refs at Psalm 56:4.

Luke 12:13-14 - And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

Cross refs: Exodus 2:14; John 18:36.

Luke 12:33 - "Fear not, little flock..." - Compare verse 1, an "innumerable multitude" here called by Christ but a "little flock."

For these reasons it could be called a "little flock:"

1) Many within the innumerable multitude were not true followers: Luke 13:23. So there was a "little flock" within the larger mixed multitude.

2) Even if all were saved, it is still a "little flock" compared to the eventual multitude of the redeemed in eternity, Revelation 7:9.

3) Even of the millions of saved today, we are still a "little flock" outnumbered by the goats and wolves of the world.

Matthew Henry says: "Note, [1.] Christ’s flock in this world is a little flock; his sheep are but few and feeble. The church is a vineyard, a garden, a small spot, compared with the wilderness of this world; as Israel (1 Kings 20:27), who were like two little flocks of kids, when the Syrians filled the country. [2.] Though it be a little flock, quite over-numbered, and therefore in danger of being overpowered, by its enemies, yet it is the will of Christ that they should not be afraid: "Fear not, little flock, but see yourselves safe under the protection and conduct of the great and good Shepherd, and lie easy.’’

VM