The Rich Fool

Luke 12:13-31

What is the context? Read v1-15. Many thousands followed Him. Beware the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. The Pharisees believed that prosperity was a sign of God’s approval.

v13. Why would this man ask this of Jesus? Rabbis could settle family disputes and the scribes and Pharisees could make judgments over small matters.

v14. Christ did not come to settle civil matters.

v15. Covetousness – the desire of wrong things, or attempting to obtain right things in the wrong way. Jesus spoke about covetousness more than any other sin.

What is the purpose of life? (Mk 10:21) It is not possessions.

Covetousness/Greed opposites are Contentment/Generosity.

v18. Is this hoarding or good planning?

v19. What did his soul really have? Nothing.

v20. Death separates us from our possessions. (Heb 9:27) His possessions were actually squandered.

(Ecc 7:2) Why? To give us eternal perspective.

v21. What are you investing in?

Who do the characters represent?

  • The Rich Man – Pharisees or any who believe that material prosperity and possession is a sign of divine blessing.
  • God – God

What human beliefs are shattered?

  • The rich man believed that he could satisfy all his desires with material things that he accumulated.

What divine wisdom is revealed?

  • It is far more important to acquire spiritual wealth than material things.
  • What is material cannot be transferred to the next life.
  • Possessions in this life will provide no comfort or relief in eternity.
  • Don’t worry about material things.
  • Trust God for all of your needs. (v33-34)

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