Given the stern rebuke Jesus delivered to the Pharisees and lawyers, it comes as no surprise that he cautions his disciples against hypocrisy. Hypocrisy ought to be avoided for several reasons, including the fact that all that is currently concealed will eventually be revealed, that we should be more afraid of God, who has the power to condemn us, than we should be of humans who can only cause harm in this life, that we can rely on God's protection, that God will acknowledge those who recognize Jesus, while those who deny him will be rejected, that those who blaspheme against the Spirit will be unforgiven and that believers will receive the words they need from the Spirit when facing trials.

The disciples are instructed to prioritize their fear of God over human beings and steer clear of the temptation of greed. In Luke 12:13-15, Jesus is asked to intervene in a family matter regarding inheritance but instead speaks about the hazards of desiring wealth. He shares a parable about a prosperous farmer who plans to use his profits to continue growing his business and live a comfortable life in retirement. However, the farmer's life is cut short, emphasizing the importance of valuing God over material possessions. This highlights the risks of prioritizing wealth over spirituality.

The disciples' concern shifts to riches and provision, but they are told not to worry about their lives or material possessions. There are several reasons why anxiety is unnecessary, including the fact that life is about more than material things, God values humans more than birds, anxiety doesn't add time to our lives, and God will provide for believers just as he does the lilies and grass. Instead, believers should seek God's kingdom and put their treasures in heaven, recognizing that our hearts follow our treasures. Jesus' message ultimately emphasizes the importance of identifying our true treasure, as seen in the parable of the rich fool.