⚡

Rich Toward God

The Rich Fool

Too long, please open your Bible Luke 12: 13-21

Introduction 

  • Core Question: What does this parable teach about wealth? Does it condemn wealth or encourage generosity? Where did the rich man go wrong?

Some Assumptions and Key Things to Note:

  1. God as an Active Participant: This is the only New Testament parable where God directly speaks.
  2. Misinterpretations:
    • Some see it as a judgment on Israel or a metaphor for grain hoarding. However, the parable only shows the man’s desire to safeguard and enjoy his wealth, not market manipulation.
    • There's no mention of harvesting or hoarding grain; the focus is on his prosperous land, not harvest timing.
  3. Almsgiving: While the parable doesn't directly mention giving alms, within Luke’s broader context, being "rich toward God" implies caring for the poor.

The teaching of the parable

  • Life’s Fragility: The parable highlights the unpredictability of life and God's authority over it. The man’s prosperity comes from the land, not his efforts. Even his soul is beyond his control, as God can demand it at any time.
  • False Security: He seeks security in wealth, but life is more than possessions. This contrasts sharply with Jesus' call to self-denial and trust in God (Luke 9:23-24; 12:33-34). The rich man’s error is focusing on his economic future instead of God’s purposes—missing the essence of life by failing to be "rich toward God."
  • Parables like this touch a tender nerve, especially when we acknowledge our own desires to be like the rich fool. We often think, “I have plenty laid up for years; I can relax, eat, drink, and enjoy life.” Yet, this parable challenges our core pursuits of security and pleasure. The problem is not in having possessions but in how tightly we cling to them:
    • Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. Luke 12: 25-26, 30
    Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1
    Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
  • The parable also reflects on how we use our resources, especially during significant life events like weddings and funerals. These occasions often become opportunities for extravagant spending. As Christians, we must reconsider what it means to be "rich toward God" in our public displays:(Jeremiah 9:23-24, 1 Timothy 6:17-18)
  • It is worth knowing that parables like this are not merely for the wealthy. A person does not have to be wealthy to be like the rich fool. It may be easier for the wealthy to “treasure up for themselves,” but those without resources can be just as driven by greed and just as wrongly focused on things instead of God.

Greed

This parable is not just for the wealthy. Greed affects everyone—whether rich or poor. Even those with little can be consumed by the desire for more. Jesus warns:

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15 (NIV)
“Then he said to the crowd, “Don't be greedy! Owning a lot of things won't make your life safe.” Luke 12:15 (CEV)

Greed is the insatiable desire for material gain—whether money, status, or power. Life is not about ease or self-care but about living productively and reflecting God's character:

Scriptures on Greed

“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” 1 John 2:16 NLT
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 5:10
Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:28
Too long, please open your Bible 1 Timothy 6: 6-10, 17-19

Conclusion

The parable is a powerful reminder that life is not about securing personal comfort or satisfaction through possessions. True fulfillment comes from being "rich toward God.” This parable challenges us to shift our focus from earthly wealth to eternal riches in God.

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6
Keep your life free from love of money, and be [satisfied] content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5