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Luke 12:16-21

The Parable

Of The Rich

Farmer

Setting During The Judean Ministry

Approx. 6 months to His crucifixion Jesus is giving a discourse on various

topics vv. 1-59 So far, He covered hypocrisy, judgment,

respect, persecution, etc. vv. 1-12

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Setting A man interrupts Jesus to demand He

arbitrate a dispute re: the family inheritance v. 13

Jesus refuses…instead, He issues a general warning re: covetousness and greed vv. 14-15

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Setting Re: the man who interrupted Jesus…

He obviously hadn’t heard a word He said His mind was too occupied with worldly

things to think about spiritual things He didn’t want to follow Jesus…he only

wanted to use Him for his own gain

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Setting Re: the man who interrupted Jesus…

His problem was not in seeking what was rightfully (legally) his

His problem was an obsession with material wealth

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The Parable A certain farmer had done well…his

crops produced “plentifully” v. 16 Lacking sufficient storage, he decided

to tear down all his present barns and build bigger ones to store his “bumper crops” vv. 17-18

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The Parable His decision led him to believe his

“future” was now secure v. 19 God intervened…He called the farmer a

“fool” and told him his soul would be required that night v. 20a

Who would own his wealth then? v. 20b

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The Application The farmer represents 2 people –

The man who had interrupted Jesus during His discourse [context]

Anyone who places material things above spiritual things Mt 6:19-33

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The Application Thoughts re: the farmer –

He was never rebuked for becoming wealthy through ill-gotten gain

His problem wasn’t fraud, but foolishness He made many “mistakes” this parable

exposes

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Wrong assumption re: who was “owner” He thought all that prosperity was his Notice the personal pronouns vv. 17-18 He forgot the Source of his blessings

Mt 5:45 Acts 14:17 17:25 Psa 50:12b

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Wrong assumption re: who was “owner” The faithful man understands he is just

a “pilgrim”…a “stranger” Heb 11:13b He owns nothing in this world A mindset he “confesses”

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Wrong disposition of his “prosperity” He thought the only way to use his

abundance was to hoard it vv. 17-18 Clearly an indication of selfishness…no

concern for others cp. Phil 2:3-4

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Wrong disposition of his “prosperity” He knew the “perils of farming” He must have known others who didn’t

fare as well…he could have shared with them 1 Tim 6:18-19 1 Jn 3:17-18

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Wrong view re: his new barns v. 19 The new barns would not just store his

abundance v. 19 They would represent his financial future

and security

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Wrong view re: his new barns v. 19 This farmer (and the man in the crowd)

thought their problems (present & future) would be solved with material wealth

It doesn’t define life v. 15b Prov 4:23

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Wrong view re: his new barns v. 19 It is uncertain Prov 23:5 1 Tim 6:17 It doesn’t develop contentment…there

will never be “enough” Eccl 5:10-12 6:7 1 Tim 6:6-8

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Wrong view re: his new barns v. 19 There is NO security in material things

Mt 6:19 2 Pet 3:10

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Forgetfulness re: time & death v. 20a The farmer forgot the certainty of death

Heb 9:27 Circumstances happen unexpectantly

that can bring death Eccl 9:10-12

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The Application The farmers “mistakes”

Forgetfulness re: time & death v. 20a The farmer thought “Many years” God said “Not 1 more night!” The farmer’s plans will not materialize

vv. 19, 20b Eccl 2:18-21

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“There are no pockets in a shroud.”“There are no pockets in a shroud.”

“Hearses don’t pull U-Haul trailers.”

The Application Was the farmer a “materialist?”

Remember…he didn’t get the barn built He was condemned for a thought This tells us we don’t have to actually

possess material wealth to be guilty of this sin 1 Tim 6:10

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The Application Jesus’ conclusion v. 21

One can be materially rich and still be impoverished toward God

The only thing we can take out of this world is a secure relationship with God

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The Application Jesus’ conclusion v. 21

Gaining the wealth of the whole world is no achievement if we lose our soul in the process Mt 16:26

“True riches” can be obtained2 Cor 6:10 8:9

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The Lesson Do I focus too much on material wealth?

Have I forgotten all I own will not leave this world?

My possessions do not define me

Do I share my blessings with others?

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