Storyteller: The Parables of Jesusනියැදිය

The Cure for Greed (The Parable of the Rich Fool)

At the time Jesus tells the Parable of the Rich Fool, He has a little over a month until He faces His death on the cross. Luke 12 says that Jesus is constantly surrounded by so many people they cannot be numbered, yet takes the opportunity to teach His disciples specifically.

On this particular occasion, Jesus addresses two major issues: hypocrisy and greed. These two issues are like opposite sides of the same coin. While He firmly opposes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, He also uses the example of the rich fool to expose the dangers of greed and the gluttonous accumulation of possessions.

He bookends this parable with the commands not to fear and not to worry. It is a reminder that no matter how terrible things get—and they are about to get really bad for Jesus and His followers—God is Sovereign and in control. He always sees the needs of His children, and He provides for them.

The world wears self-sufficiency and autonomy like a badge of honor. But Jesus calls us to be radically different and pursue a life of total dependence upon God the Father. Focusing on earthly comforts and temporary ease leads to devastating consequences, while a heavenly perspective offers eternal fulfillment. As citizens of Heaven, we are being encouraged to shift our gaze from ourselves and our fleeting kingdoms to God and His everlasting one.

That is what Jesus is saying in His parable. Someone in the crowd is disgruntled over the fact that they have not received their inheritance, and they want Jesus to fix it.

Jesus explains that they (and we) are missing the point. He is saying, “Whatever owns you gets all your attention and your worship!” We can either own things or be owned.

If we are honest, we often want to own all the things; we do not like the idea of being owned. Yet Jesus makes it clear that when we prioritize things such as material possessions and creature comforts, they become idols and end up owning our hearts. Either way, we are being owned, and it can be by the temporary things of this life, or it can be by Jesus, Who has only good things for us. The choice is ours, but we better make it fast!

Jesus used this parable to expose the danger of prioritizing wealth over a relationship with God. It serves as a strong warning; seeking blessings apart from the Blessing-Giver leads to a deep inner ache and emptiness. While possessions themselves are not inherently evil, they cannot offer the true, lasting satisfaction found only in God.

Therefore, Jesus offers a cure for greed, saying, seek first My Kingdom and My goodness and everything you need will be provided. We do not have to worry or fear anything because He already knows what we need and will generously give us all things.

Prayer

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21, ESV)

Jesus, thank You for the blessings You have given me, but help me never to treasure them above You. You are my heart's desire. Amen.