Keeping It Real

Some messages are comforting. Others are convicting. But the most powerful ones do both - they challenge us while pointing us toward hope. That’s exactly what Jesus does in Luke 12. He doesn’t hold back. He speaks the truth, raw and unfiltered, calling out hypocrisy, exposing misplaced priorities, and urging people to trust God fully.

This kind of bold teaching is rare but necessary. We need more preachers who keep it real... who, like Jesus, speak truth in love, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Jesus Didn’t Sugarcoat the Truth

Luke 12 starts with Jesus warning about hypocrisy:

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:1-2)

Jesus knew how easy it was for people, especially religious leaders - to put on a show while their hearts were far from God. He called it out. A real, truth-telling preacher today does the same. They don’t cater to appearances. They challenge people to be authentic in their faith.

Who Do You Fear?

Jesus also addressed fear - not the kind that keeps us safe but the kind that keeps us from standing boldly in our faith. He said:

“Do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:4-5)

A pastor who “keeps it real” reminds us that the approval of people is fleeting. What really matters is living for God. These kinds of preachers aren’t worried about being popular. They’re focused on helping people develop a deep, unshakable faith.

The Danger of Misplaced Priorities

Later in Luke 12, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, a man who stored up wealth for himself but was spiritually bankrupt:

“Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20)

This is a hard truth. But a pastor who preaches like Jesus won’t shy away from reminding people that money, success, and comfort don’t last. They’ll challenge their congregation to invest in what truly matters... God’s kingdom.

A Call to Readiness

Jesus ends this chapter with a strong call to be ready for his return:

“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)

This is where real preaching separates from feel-good messages. A preacher who keeps it real won’t just encourage people; they’ll warn them. They’ll remind their church that faith isn’t just about Sunday mornings—it’s about living every day in light of eternity.

We Need More Truth-Tellers

In a world where people often want comfortable Christianity, Luke 12 reminds us that Jesus wasn’t about comfort, he was about truth. We need more pastors and leaders who preach like Jesus:

• Calling out hypocrisy, not ignoring it

• Encouraging bold faith, not fear-driven compromise

• Warning against misplaced priorities, not catering to materialism

• Urging readiness for Christ’s return, not just temporary blessings

This kind of preaching isn’t always easy to hear. But it’s exactly what we need.

If you’ve ever been challenged by a message that made you uncomfortable but also made you grow - that’s the power of real, bold preaching. And that’s what Jesus did in Luke 12.

Are you ready to listen?