Skip to main content

PARABLE: The rich fool

 {PARABLE} of the rich fool_ 

Luke 12:13-21 

It’s been said that the last parts of us to be converted are our pockets and purses. 
Many of us are so secretive about our feelings on the subject of money, that we have concealed them even from ourselves in our unconscious minds. Unconsciously, we yearn for more material things, while consciously, we think we want Christ’s Kingdom. 

 

[Group discussion starter] As a group, make a list of as many fears as you can, that keep people focused on making and having “enough” money. 

 

The parable in this study illustrates a tension in the heart of every Christian, a tension affecting poor and rich alike. How do we resolve the conflict between our desires for earthly and heavenly treasure, earthly and heavenly security, Kingdom values and values of the world?... 

 
[Read Luke 12: 13-21] 

 

If you were to give this story a newspaper headline, what would it be? 

 

 
Describe everything we know or can infer about the man who comes to Jesus (verses 13-15). 

 

 
Put yourself in this man’s place as he listens to the story Jesus tells in response to his question. What thoughts or feelings might he have had in response? 

 

 
Jesus tells us, “Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed!”  
How would you describe the experience of greed? 
Why is it dangerous? 

 
In verses 16-18, how would you evaluate the actions of the rich man? 

 

 
In verse 19, how would you evaluate the attitude of the rich man? 

 

 
During times of prosperity, why is it easy to feel secure and at ease? 

 

 
How does God expose the man’s false sense of security (verse 20)? 

 

 
How does this parable illustrate that a person’s life “does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”? 

 

 
In verse 21, is Jesus condemning material prosperity in this parable? 
Explain. 

 

 
What does it mean to be “rich toward God” (verse 21)? 
How does “being rich toward God” help us from “all kinds of greed”? 

 

 
What practical steps can you take to become spiritually rich?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Disciple: Judas

  {Disciples} JUDAS ISCARIOT_   Turning away     The most notorious of al the disciples – and the one universally scorned – is Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. His name appears in every list of the disciples (except in Acts 1), and it always appears last.   The other eleven are an encouragement to us because they show how common people can be used by God, even with all their faults and failures, to do remarkable things.   Judas, on the other hand, stands as a warning about the power of spiritual carelessness and pride, which can drag us away from loyalty to Christ.   Judas lived in close proximity to Jesus for three years.   He heard every teaching; he saw every miracle.   But in all that time his heart only grew harder.   The other disciples were being transformed, by Jesus, into passionate followers; Judas was being changed too...     [Group discussion starter] Have you ever had a friend or colleague that appeared to b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ephesians 5:21 - 6:9

  [Grace and Peace] EPHESIANS_   [Activity] Spend some time exploring the logical flow of Ephesians 5:21-6:9…   [Read Ephesians 5:21]   Paul addresses different relationship types (marriage, family, co-workers) when he writes to the Ephesians. Before he gets specific in his instructions, he gives a general one. What attitude are we supposed to have towards others?     What should submission look like in daily life?     [Read Ephesians 5:22-33]   In verses 22-24, why does Paul tell wives to submit to their husbands?     How does remembering that a wife is really submitting to the Lord affect submission to a husband?     In verses 25-33, how are husbands, in turn, to treat their wives?     How does comparing a husband’s love for his wife to how the Messiah loves the church remove any danger of the husband abusing the wife’s submission?       What ...
Post a Comment
Read more

PARABLE: the rich man and Lazarus

  {PARABLE} the rich man and Lazarus_   Luke 16:19-31   Have you ever heard someone say that religion is just  a ‘crutch’ or just a source of comfort for the weak?   Have you ever heard someone say that religious people pay no attention to those who are hungry or suffering?   Christianity doesn’t teach passive suffering in the face of injustice and oppression. Jesus calls us to serve those who are in need.     [Discussion starter] Have you ever been asked for money by someone homeless?   How did you react?     The final parable in this study reminds us that suffering in this life can be replaced by bliss in the next ...     [Read Luke 16:19-31]     In verses 19-21, how does the parable reveal the rich man’s lack of concern for Lazarus?       How would you account for the rich man’s indifference towards Lazarus?       What are some of the ways that you have heard people explain why ...
Post a Comment
Read more