The Parables of Jesus

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Luke 12:13-21 ^NLT

Luke 12:16

“Then he told them a story: ‘A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.’”

                  In the first verse of Chapter 12 Jesus tells his disciples to beware of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. In the 14^thverse of Chapter 16 points out that the Pharisees “dearly loved their money”. The gospel according to Luke deals a lot with the topic of wealth. Jesus teaching regarding a person’s motivation for acquiring wealth made the religious leaders very angry, for it hit them squarely where they live, essentially calling them out publicly without speaking directly to them.

                  That same 1^st verse of Chapter 12 also states that the crowd grew until thousands were in attendance listening to Jesus speak. A man from the crowd called out to the “Teacher” to tell his brother to split their father’s estate with him. Jesus, who certainly would have the authority to do as he was asked, decided instead to use this opportunity to tell another parable. He spoke of a rich man who had fertile land that produced a bumper crop* too great to be held in his barns. He decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones. Once he would accomplish this he would “rest on his laurels”. ** God spoke to the rich man saying, “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?” 

                  “The word ‘fool’ is used in the OT sense of one who rejects the knowledge and precepts of God as a basis for life. God addresses the man on his own pragmatic terms, dealing not with matters of the kingdom or of life beyond death but with the question of the disposition of his possessions.”

                  Those that seek monetary gain above all else are seen from a biblical perspective as being ‘greedy’. This is not equal to true living, for material possessions will become a substitute for searching for and worshipping God. In light of this, greed has become a form of idolatry. The key factor here is what a person’s motivation is for their actions. Wealth, in and of itself, is not wrong. How you get it and what you do with it is most important. And if it takes precedence over knowing and serving Almighty God then your motivation is distorted.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name and for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, Copyright 2004.

* a bumper crop is an extremely large crop that is excellent in quality.

** To be satisfied with one's past success and to consider further effort unnecessary.