The Parable of the Foolish Rich Man - Luke 12:13-22

Parable of the Foolish Rich Man

The parable of the 'foolish Rich man'. Let's talk about it. It's found in Luke 12:13-22. 

Jesus is out preaching and teaching among the people. Someone in the crowd asks Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him. Jesus responds by saying He is not a judge or arbitrator over such matters. He warns the crowd to be on guard against all kinds of greed, emphasizing that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. 

To further explain, Jesus tells the parable about a foolish rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. The man wonders what to do since he has no place to store his crops. The rich man decides to tear down his barns and build larger ones to store all his grain and goods. He plans to take life easy, eat, drink, and be merry. God calls the man a fool, telling him that his life will be demanded from him that very night, and then who will get what he has prepared for himself? Jesus concludes by saying that this is how it will be for anyone who stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.

Next, Jesus then turns to His disciples and tells them not to worry about their life, what they will eat, or their body, what they will wear. This parable teaches us about greed and materialism. Both are dangerous and give us a false sense of security. 

Instead, we need to be "rich towards God" rather than accumulating earthly possessions. Jesus encourages us to trust in God's provision and not to be anxious about our material needs. 

While this is so much easier said than done, God is faithful to give us the strength we need to do just that. 

Lord, pour out your Spirit on us so that we can store up our treasures in heaven. Let us focus on you and what you've called us to do with our lives, resources, time and money. May we remember that our life on earth is fleeting and that true riches come from you and your ways and plans for our life. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Luke 12:15 “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”