MEDITATIONS FROM THE PARABLES OF JESUS

THE RICH FOOL

Read Luke 12:13-21

The Parable of the Rich Fool was told by our Lord Jesus as a warning against desiring the treasures of this world and neglecting the eternal treasures of God's kingdom. When Jesus was asked to speak to a certain man's brother and get him to divide up the inheritance with his brother, Jesus would not do it. He had not come into this world to judge and resolve disputes over money and goods. He came to save sinful mankind and to give unto them eternal life (I Tim. 1:15; Matt. 20:28). After warning against covetousness and pointing out that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth," Jesus told the Parable of the Rich Fool to illustrate His point.

Indeed, it is foolish to live for and depend on the goods of this world. Look at the man in our parable. He had been greatly blessed with the fruits of this world and planned to build greater barns to store and keep his goods. That he depended upon the goods of this world is shown us by his words: "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." His foolishness is seen in God's words to him: "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" His earthly goods were left to others, but he had to face the judgment of God without the true spiritual riches necessary to enter into eternal life! The closing words of Jesus' parable drive home the point: "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

It is foolish for us to live for and depend upon the goods of this world. When we die--and we know that could happen at any time--of what benefit are all our earthly treasures to us? They will be left behind for others to inherit. As Jesus said, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36). Rather than seeking after the goods of this world, our first concern should be to "seek...the kingdom of God; and all these things [the necessary goods of this world] shall be added unto you" (Luke 12:31). When we seek after God's eternal kingdom and His righteousness which is through faith in Jesus Christ, God will graciously grant us the eternal riches of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting with Him in heaven. These blessings will never be lost or taken from us.

As we seek first God's kingdom through faith in our Savior, we will also do well to remember the Word of God recorded by St. Paul: "Having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (I Tim. 6:8).

Jesus, Thou art mine forever, dearer far than earth to me; neither life nor death shall sever those sweet ties which bind to Thee. Jesus, Thou art mine forever; never suffer me to stray. Let me in my weakness never cast my priceless pearl away. Amen. (TLH, Hymn #357, Verses 1,5)

Meditations from the Parables of Jesus Index