9th Sunday of Luke
Why would a question about inheritance lead to a parable about a greedy rich man?
Today’s parable was originally prompted by a question.
A man approaches Jesus and says, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide his inheritance with me.”
Jesus responds by saying, “Be wary and guard against all greed, because one’s life does not consist in the abundance of one’s possessions.”
And, then, he tells the parable about the rich man who stored up all his wealth only to die before he could enjoy it.
Perhaps Jesus was just giving good advice.
But, more than likely, Jesus is telling us that we don’t have to be anxious about acquiring treasure to take care of ourselves.
God gifts us with what we need so that we can live abundantly without worry or anxiety.
Scripture: Luke 12:16-21 (click here to read)
Bottom Line: God gives so that we can live without worry.
Discussion Questions
- The man didn’t want to share his wealth. What do you think led to his greed? What causes you to be greedy? What do you keep away from others?
- Today’s lesson is that God gifts us with what we need so we don’t need to worry about hoarding anything. What gifts has God gifted you with? How can you “pay it forward” for those gifts? How will that make those who receive feel?
- What gifts has God given to the Church? To St. George’s? How can we be better at sharing those gifts with our community? What are we hoarding that we should be sharing?
Moving Forward
For the Judeans at the time of Jesus, the Holy Land was an identity marker, a symbol of the Judean people.
It was also a means of security for them. Land provided resources, food, and housing.
If God was working to bring foreigners and Gentiles into the fold, does this mean they all had to share the land? This is the bigger meaning of the man’s question to divide the inheritance.
But, Jesus assures them they don’t need to worry.
God cares for all of us and gifts us what we need. God’s capable of taking care of you and the outsider.
He gives all of us true treasures that last far beyond death.
So, why not share these gifts with others?
Changing Your Mind
But God said to him, ‘Fool, this night they demand your soul from you; the things you prepare, then, whose will they be?’ Thus is the one storing up treasure for himself but not being rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21)
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