…. luke 12:16-21 the parable of the rich farmer setting during the judean ministry approx. 6...
TRANSCRIPT
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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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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”
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
“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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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?
The Rich FarmerLk 12:16-21
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