The Gospel reading tonight was originally supposed to be 12:13-21 but I was interested about the setting of this conversation and parable. As we read, there is a crowd of many thousands gathered, “so that they were trampling on one another.” This is like a modern day Billy/Franklin Graham event. People have heard of this Jesus and all that he can do and the way he teaches and they want to see him.
He first warns them to not be hypocritical because they cannot hide. Then he goes on to tell them they do not have to be afraid of those who will kill the body. God knows everything about his children and will care for them. He also tells them to tell others about him and to not worry about what they will say because the Holy Spirit will give them all the words they need.
This is important information and great teaching. In the midst of this we have our parable. I want you to picture with me this man making his way through the crowd, probably pushing and shoving his way and as the scriptures tell us “trampling on others.” He finally makes his way up to where Jesus is and he says, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Maybe I’m wrong but I hear a little bit of Martha in this man. Some people are so caught up in their own wants and agendas that they aren’t really there to learn or listen. This man just sees someone that might step up and make his brother do the right thing.
Jesus response is “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you? Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Wow…it doesn’t tell us but can you imagine what kind of response that man had? He had fought through the crowds only to hear that? He must have been disappointed…a lot like Martha was.
Jesus had so much to teach and to say to the people and this man was making it clear that Jesus was going to once again have to address the topic of money…or was it really about money?
People like to quote the Bible and say that money is the root of all evil….this is actually a partial quote and it makes a big difference. The full quote is from 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.”
From the way I read this, it isn’t money that is bad, it is the love of it….which I call greed. Money is a necessary tool that we need to work in this life. Does it have to be the whole purpose for our life though?
Jesus goes on to tell a parable – a story to help drive the point home.
Here this parable from Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the Bible, The Message:
Then he told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’
Wait, the man deserves it right? He worked hard and now the harvest has paid off. He can kick back and relax now. He is set for life.
Hmmmm….how many of you who are retired have done just that? Those of you sitting here tonight are proof that you don’t store up for yourself. What about thinking of others? What about sharing and caring for the needs of those who don’t have?
The man had one barn full and could have lived off that for a long time and even continued to farm, just on a smaller scale. He could have acknowledged and helped the poor family down the road who didn’t have as much land or whose crop had not been as good. He could have helped the widows and orphans. These would have been the teachings of Jesus, but instead the farmer hoards it all for himself.
Hmmmm….do we see that in our society at all? Hurray for me and to heck with everyone else?
My parents and lots of my relatives were around for the years of the Great Depression and I have watched as they know how to save and pinch every penny for all its worth. The cupboards are full of things they might need and still work even if not great. This was the way of life they grew up in. Save everything because you never know when you might not have anything.
Do you remember some of the teachings in the beginning of Luke 12…
“Are not 5 sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Jesus obviously didn’t live through the depression! Saving for a rainy day is one thing but hoarding for yourself is another. Remember a couple weeks ago we heard Jesus say pray like this…give us this day our daily bread. A day at a time not a year.
Jesus goes on with the story and tells them “the rest of the story”!
20 “Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’21 “That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”
How far do we go with preparing for the future? What is safe? What is too much? What is trusting in the Lord to supply and what is just being frivolous?
What does it mean to us to be prepared?
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