Luke 12:13-21
13 Now someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.”
14 But He said to him, “You there—who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over the two of you?”
15 But He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions.”
16 And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive.
17 And he began thinking to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’
18 And he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and I will store all my grain and my goods there.
19 And I will say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!” ’
20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’
21 Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich in relation to God.”
A Warning Against Greed
A voice from the crowd
As Jesus was speaking, a voice came from the crowd: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me” (Luke 12:13). This man seemed to be in conflict with his brother over inheritance. In Jewish law there were detailed regulations regarding inheritance, but at times disputes arose that required the judgment of a rabbi. This man wanted Jesus to take on the role of a rabbi. However, his request was far too one-sided. He was pressing Jesus to deliver the conclusion he himself desired. Jesus answered, “You there—who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over the two of you?” (Luke 12:14). Translations such as ASV retains the original word of address, “Man,” but here it is omitted. At times, Jesus addressed others as “Son” or “Daughter,” but to this man He said, “Man.” This was a term used when addressing someone unknown. Jesus treated this man as someone unrelated to Himself. How sad that is. Jesus was pressing us to correct our values: “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one is affluent does his life consist of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15). What does success mean to you? Let us now allow the Holy Spirit to re-examine our values.
The parable of the rich fool
Here Jesus told the parable of the rich fool. Why was he called a “fool”? (Luke 12:20). (1) From beginning to end, he thought only of himself. His sole concern was how he might indulge in pleasure. (2) He thought that even his own life was something he could manage by himself. (3) He did not understand that being rich toward God is far more important than storing up material wealth. Yet even in our time, such foolishness is still widespread. I love the prayer found in Proverbs 30:8-9. Let us read together that passage, taking it to heart as a self-reflection: “Keep deception and lies far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion, so that I will not be full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ And that I will not become impoverished and steal, and profane the name of my God.”
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I now pray, “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion.” Please guide me so that I may use the material blessings given to me rightly, and so that I may become one who is rich before You. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.