The Story Teller: The Rich Fool Day 1

A Different Approach

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 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 12:13-14


Last week, we heard how Jesus calmly guided the lawyer to discover that he couldn’t earn his salvation through good works. Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, the lawyer began to discover that showing everyone kindness and mercy is a response to God’s perfect love not a price of salvation.


This week is so different. In Jesus’ day, it was common for people to ask their Rabbi’s judgment of important matters in their lives. But this fellow orders Jesus to validate his greedy approach. The rebuke is stern. The teaching clear. “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.” In the parable that follows (Luke 12:16-25), the fool laments that he has no place to store his bumper crop. The next minute, he’s deciding to tear down his barns! What? If his existing barns had no room--they must have already been full! God had already provided!


Greed, whether for money, possessions, or anything else is simply violating God’s First Commandment; “You shall have no other gods before me.” Search your heart -- be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Repent. And remember – in Christ, you are forgiven!