The Rich Fool

Parables
The Rich Fool

Luke 12:13-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool.

Jesus is inspired to tell this story because of a self-centered demand for justice.  Jesus does not entertain the man's request, but Jesus DOES deal with the heart of the man's request:  Greed.

The story is A GREAT picture of our American culture.  The man only speaks to himself (not his community or God), he does not think of his neighbor, and he becomes satisfied with HIS stuff.  Only thing is, NONE of this man's life is his own... it's simply on loan from God.  And when God calls for the man, the man is faced with just how wasted and empty his life has really been.

Jesus then closes with such a simple statement... "A person is a fool to store up earthly treasure but not have a rich relationship with God."

Fool is a harsh word - but it's meant to stir us to look inward and ask the tough question: "Am I living foolishly?"  If we answer "yes" to the question, Jesus is changing our minds and pointing us to a way of living that doesn't compile MORE STUFF, but a life that is made WHOLE.

Becoming RICH (in this life or in relationship with God) takes investment.  What we invest in has lasting effects.  Jesus tells us that our investments in this life will either trap us or free us.  Jesus also makes sure we understand that there is no separation between our physical and spiritual worlds.  Everything we do, everything, has implications on our souls.