The Rich Fool
Jesus’ parables are full of wisdom for God’s followers. He used them to teach us about Heaven, Himself, or how to follow Him. One day, when Jesus was asked to solve a financial matter between brothers (Luke 12:13-15), he told a parable about a rich fool to remind us about where our focus should be in this life. Jesus’ story went like this:
Luke 12:16b-17 | “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.”
The man in Jesus’ story is very successful. His barns are overflowing and he doesn’t have enough room to store all of his crops. Rather than let them go to waste, the man comes up with a plan:
Luke 12:18 | Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods.
On the surface, this plan seems wise, right? Isn’t he just being a good steward of all the Lord has blessed him with? However, the motive of the man’s heart is all wrong. Jesus explains after his plan to build a bigger barn, the man says-
Luke 12:19 | And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
The man isn’t focused on using his success and God’s provision for serving the Lord or building the Kingdom of Heaven. The man’s focus is on building his own kingdom and increasing his earthly success. This is a major mistake. Jesus’ story continues with a plot twist:
Luke 12:20 | “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
The man’s crops and barns would soon be worthless. His earthly kingdom would have no meaning. The man had wasted his life and was about to meet his maker. Jesus explains exactly what makes this man a fool while explaining the meaning of his parable:
Luke 12:21 | “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
The Rich Fool made his wealth and success his Lord. This wrong focus left him hopeless when he met his Maker. For those who haven’t followed Jesus, the meaning of Jesus’ parable is clear: This world has nothing of eternal value to offer. Focusing on earth riches and satisfaction will leave you spiritually bankrupt. For the follower of Jesus, this parable is an important reminder:
Matthew 6:19-21 | “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Friend, where is your focus? Are you building God’s Kingdom or your own?
What was the focus of the rich fool in Jesus’ parable?
What are you focused on - earthly or heavenly things? If you aren’t sure, look at how you’re spending your time, money, and talents.
What value will the things you’re focusing on today have when you meet God in Heaven?
In verse 21, Jesus reminds us that a rich relationship with God is far more important than earthly riches.
What does a rich relationship with God look like?
Does this describe your relationship with God? Why or why not?
How is a rich relationship with God fostered or built?