Jesus was speaking to His disciples saying the hypocrisy of the Pharisees was something to beware of. He said a time was coming when everything that has been covered up, all that is secret, said in the dark or whispered behind closed doors will be exposed by the light and revealed so all will hear. The lesson to the disciples was for them to be open and honest in what they did and how they lived. Additionally they should guard themselves form the lies and untruths the Pharisees continually put our there. That advise is good for us today. We are to be careful to not be pulled away from our faith in God by the lies and secrets of other religions, cults or worldly organizations. God will one day show them all for what they are. We are to use caution in our studies and associations so that things that are false to not intrude on our relationship with God.
The follow up was they need not fear the leaders and rulers for they could only kill their bodies. They should stand tall and hold on to their faith in God. If they would fear anyone, fear God who could not only kill them but also throw them into hell. Likewise, we should feel the same way. We should not allow ourselves to be bullied or peer pressured into accepting things we know to not be of God. If we are worried about what others think or how the government tells we should think be nor afraid for the worst they could do is end our life. The power of God goes far beyond that and we choose to fear anyone fear Him.
In verses 8-10, Jesus spoke to them about acknowledging Him as God's Son, the Messiah. The Holy Spirit led them (and leads us) to the understanding that Jesus is the Savior. Acknowledging that leads all to forgiveness and salvation. Further yet, should the Holy Spirit convict anyone that Christ is the Savior, as He did the Pharisees, denying that truth and saying Christ was not the Savior would blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Denying that truth would in fact be calling the Holy Spirit a liar. Rejecting that truth would be rejecting God's one and only gift of salvation which would lead to un-forgiveness and no salvation.
Jesus told the Parable of the Rich Fool. The lesson there is summarized in verse 15; Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own." Also, verse 21; "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." A person could gain many worldly possessions but die that very night thinking he finally he has it all. If his life was all about possessions he would have wasted his entire life for he would lose them all when he died. However, being poor yet having a rich relationship with God would give him so much more. If he spent his life treasuring God he would gain things he would never lose. Yes, like the rich man, he would also lose what earthly things he had but at his death he would have eternity with God. When any of our lives come to an end, the possessions we have spent our lives working to have will be lost but an investment in God will never be lost but bring us great rewards.
Verses 29-31; "And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need." First, Jesus mentioned "unbelievers" all over the world worry about their needs. Believers should not worry about such things but rather should have faith and trust in God that He does and will give us all we need. Unbelievers would, of course worry because they have no faith in anyone but themselves. The second thing that stands out is the last word of verse 31. Notice the word is "needs" not "greeds". He will provide for our needs but not indulge us in our greeds. We need to learn the difference. Too many of us expect God to provide our earthly indulgences and comforts. What more do we really have to have than having our needs met? Nothing. Oh, we may want more or like more but the truth is we really don't need more.
If we invest our life in our relationship with God, we will have more than we can ever imagine. There is no one or nothing more valuable than our walk with God.