Jesus’ parable about economic materialism
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As much as we'd like to, none of us can see the future. But that hasn't stopped us from trying. Financial advisors attempt to forecast markets, meteorologists predict the weather, and sports fans try to call the final score.But when it comes to our finances—and our faith—there's an important distinction between wise planning and prideful presumption. So how do we tell the difference?The late civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy once said, “I don't know what the future may hold, but I know Who holds the future.” That's a comforting truth. God is sovereign—and that brings peace. But His sovereignty doesn't remove our responsibility to act wisely.Biblical Planning Is a Form of StewardshipScripture doesn't discourage planning—it commands it. In fact, wise planning is an essential part of faithful stewardship. God has entrusted us with time, money, relationships, and opportunities. Even though we can't predict tomorrow, we're still called to be faithful with today.Proverbs 6 paints a vivid picture of this wisdom:“Go to the ant… consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”The ant doesn't know what's ahead, but it prepares. Likewise, Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 to live in a state of readiness. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Though He's referring to His return, the principle holds: life is short, time is precious, and we are not in control.When Planning Becomes PresumptionPlanning becomes presumption when we assume control over outcomes that belong to God alone.To presume means “to assume something before you know the facts.” Biblically, presumption is often associated with pride—living as if we control the future and no longer need God's input. This attitude is precisely what Jesus warns against in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12).After a man harvests a bumper crop, he says to himself:“I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones…You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”But God replies: “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.”The man's mistake wasn't in planning or saving—it was planning without God. He assumed he had time, control, and security apart from his Creator.James 4 echoes this same warning:“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city...' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”The Antidote: Humble, God-Dependent PlanningJames doesn't say “don't make plans.” Instead, he offers this wise alternative:“Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'”This kind of planning begins with God and continues with Him. It's rooted in trust, not control. We may set goals, but we do so with open hands, inviting God to direct our steps (Proverbs 16:9).This happens in the context of a relationship. As we grow in intimacy with the Lord—through prayer, Scripture, community, and obedience—our plans begin to reflect His heart and mission.If you're married, begin planning through prayer with your spouse. If you have kids, model this dependence on God in your family conversations. Let them see you trusting God not just for salvation, but also for your finances, schedule, and future.Wise counsel is key. Don't plan in isolation. Talk to a pastor, mentor, or a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) who can help you apply biblical wisdom to your financial decisions.So yes, make plans. Just don't leave God out of them. Hold your goals loosely. And remember: success isn't defined by your ability to predict or control the future—it's defined by your willingness to seek and trust the One who holds it.Want to explore this topic further? Dive deeper into Jesus' warning about prideful planning in our study on The Parable of the Rich Fool, titled Rich Toward God. It will challenge and encourage you to plan with humility and live with wisdom. Visit FaithFi.com and click “Shop” to get your copy today.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have $52,000 in student loans, but my $350 monthly payment hardly makes a dent. What can I do to pay it off faster?After my father-in-law passed, my mother-in-law was left with about $11,000 in credit card debt. Should she consolidate or try negotiating directly with the credit card companies? Also, how will this affect her Social Security benefits?Thanks for the guidance! I was able to retire at 54 with the help of a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA). Now, I spend my time volunteering with Eight Days of Hope.If I make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from my IRA, can I still deduct that amount on my income taxes?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Credit CounselorsWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
Luke 12:13-21
Stories have a way of sticking with us. As a master teacher and storyteller, Jesus didn't just spin tales, He told parables: short, simple stories that invited listeners into deeper truth.This summer, we're diving into the parables of Jesus. Stories about seeds and soil, lost coins and prodigal sons, hidden treasures and unexpected guests. These are more than just ancient tales; they are windows into the heart of God and mirrors that help us reflect his image and love more clearly.Sermon by Pastor Libby Catuara
"The Parable Of The Rich Fool" “I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian Religion. If they had that and I had not given them one shilling they would have been rich; and if they had not that and I had given them all the world, they would be poor.” ― Patrick Henry Luke 12:13-21 ESV Matthew 6:19-20 ESV 1 Timothy 6:9-10 ESV Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV Philippians 4:19 ESV
In the Parable of the Rich Fool from Luke 12:13-21, Jesus exposes the danger of living for self and trusting in riches. True life isn't found in possessions but in being “rich toward God.” We must guard our hearts, live with eternity in view, and use our resources to serve God and others rather than storing up treasures for ourselves. From our Sunday service at Grace Bible Church of Bend.
Welcome! At Victory Church in Troy, PA living for Jesus is about is much more than getting ready for the last day of you life, it's about making the most of everyday of your life! God has prepared a future for you that is bigger, brighter, and better than you can even imagine! If you are new to Victory we just want to say, Welcome to the Family!Thanks for sharing your time with us. We promise to never waste it.Did you accept Jesus as Lord of your life? We'd LOVE to hear about it, click here! https://victoryconnect.churchcenter.com/people/forms/134006 Had a GREAT experience? CONNECT with Victory Church today!https://victoryconnect.churchcenter.com/people/forms/197253 email: info@voiceofvictory.comInstagram: @VCNowVictory Church is here for you.Your life matters to God and to us!#JESUS #HOPE #VICTORY #JESUSISCOMING
Money isn't the real problem for most of us-greed is. Often disguised as “need” or the desire for just a little more, greed quietly drives our discontentment and keeps us chasing after more opportunities, possessions, and security. Jesus' teaching challenges us to recognize how our subtle cravings for ‘more' shape our lives. The Parable of the Rich Fool, Luke 12:13-21
• Pastor Karyn's message for: Sun, Aug 3 2025• Luke 12:13-21 (The parable of the rich fool)• Revised Common Lectionary: Year C• From First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI• Support this ministry at 1stlu.org/give• Join us! 1stlu.org/worship
Our Full Baptismal Inheritance | Luke 12:13–21 How much is enough? That's the question that drives both the man in the crowd and the parable Jesus tells. Key Takeaways: We're tempted to believe the lie that more is always better—more stuff, more security, more control. But Jesus confronts this false security with the story of a rich man who builds bigger barns yet dies before enjoying them. The problem isn't wealth itself—it's when we worship it. Earthly treasures fade, but Christ gives us a better inheritance: His righteousness, His forgiveness, and His eternal life. Sealed in baptism, fed in His Supper, and grounded in His Word, this is the treasure that will not perish. Reflect on what truly endures. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread the Gospel by sharing this video. ✝️ Worship with Us at Trinity – Sheboygan, WI Sundays – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Mondays – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org
Our Full Baptismal Inheritance | Luke 12:13–21 How much is enough? That's the question that drives both the man in the crowd and the parable Jesus tells. Key Takeaways: We're tempted to believe the lie that more is always better—more stuff, more security, more control. But Jesus confronts this false security with the story of a rich man who builds bigger barns yet dies before enjoying them. The problem isn't wealth itself—it's when we worship it. Earthly treasures fade, but Christ gives us a better inheritance: His righteousness, His forgiveness, and His eternal life. Sealed in baptism, fed in His Supper, and grounded in His Word, this is the treasure that will not perish. Reflect on what truly endures. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread the Gospel by sharing this video. ✝️ Worship with Us at Trinity – Sheboygan, WI Sundays – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Mondays – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org
Pastor Mike continues his current sermon series, “Stories Jesus Told.” This week's sermon is “The Rich Fool” from Luke 12:13-21.
This is Wade's sermon at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI for Pentecost 8C. The lessons are: Ecclesiastes 1:1-2,12–14; 2:18-26; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21. Wade is serving as the vacancy pastor at Resurrection. We'd love to have you join us for a Sunday service sometime at 9am. Ss always, if you are enjoying the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or TuneIn Radio. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. And, of course, share us with a friend or two! If you'd like to contact us we can be reached at podcast@LetTheBirdFly.com, or visit our website at www.LetTheBirdFly.com. Thanks for listening!
Friends of the Rosary,Through the parable of the Rich Fool, Christ Jesus in today's Gospel (St. Luke 12:13-21) teaches us to avoid all greed, as “one's life does not consist of possessions.”The passage tells of a wealthy farmer who, upon harvesting a large crop, decided to build bigger barns to store his abundance. He planned to live a life of ease and luxury, but God called him a fool.The key is to store up treasures in heaven and “be rich in what matters to God.”We tend to forget that at any moment we may leave this earth and all that we possess in it after a life of collecting possessions for our earthly life.No one will be excluded from heaven because they lawfully possessed wealth. But it will exclude him if he lets this world's wealth possess him to the exclusion of God.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• August 3, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
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August 3, 2025
Few thoughts are more terrifying than to be on your death bed and come to the realization that "I have wasted my life." We only have one life, one chance to live in this world. What a pity it would be to realize that we wasted it. In the parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus shares about a man who thought he had it all—bigger barns, early retirement, and a future full of ease. Unfortunately for him, God calls him a fool. Join us this Sunday so that we don't make the same mistake and instead understand what the good life truly looks like.
The Parable of the Rich Fool - Father Nate Beasley by
This morning, we'll reflect on the Parable of the Rich Fool. It is a story unique to the Gospel of Luke and provides us an opportunity to contemplate how our daily living reflects richness toward the One who created and sustains us. Sermon on Luke 12:13-21, delivered by the Reverend Mary Newberg Gale on July 13, 2025.
Title: The Rich Fool Series: Tell Me a Story - The Parables of Jesus Verse Reference: Luke 12:13-21 Campus: Keslinger Date: 08/03/25 Speaker: Brian Coffey If you are new (or newish) or would like to connect with a pastor, text the word "hello" to 630-686-7334, and Pastor Stetson will follow up with you! ============================= Announcements: ============================= • Here is our link to give online: https://chapelstreet.church/give • You can always find our weekly announcements listed on our website at https://chapelstreet.church/news ============================= Connect With Us: ============================= • Reach out to Pastor Stetson by texting the word "hello" to 630-686-7334. • Like/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapelstchurch • Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapelstchurch • Explore our website: https://chapelstreet.church/
Title: The Rich Fool Series: Tell Me a Story - The Parables of Jesus Verse Reference: Luke 12:13-21 Campus: South Street Date: 08/03/25 Speaker: Brian Coffey If you are new (or newish) or would like to connect with a pastor, text the word "hello" to 630-686-7334, and Pastor Stetson will follow up with you! ============================= Announcements: ============================= • Here is our link to give online: https://chapelstreet.church/give • You can always find our weekly announcements listed on our website at https://chapelstreet.church/news ============================= Connect With Us: ============================= • Reach out to Pastor Stetson by texting the word "hello" to 630-686-7334. • Like/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapelstchurch • Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapelstchurch • Explore our website: https://chapelstreet.church/
Title: The Rich Fool Series: Tell Me a Story - The Parables of Jesus Verse Reference: Luke 12:13-21 Campus: Mill Creek Date: 08/03/25 Speaker: Joe Scavatto If you are new (or newish) or would like to connect with a pastor, text the word "hello" to 630-686-7334, and Pastor Stetson will follow up with you! ============================= Announcements: ============================= • Here is our link to give online: https://chapelstreet.church/give • You can always find our weekly announcements listed on our website at https://chapelstreet.church/news ============================= Connect With Us: ============================= • Reach out to Pastor Stetson by texting the word "hello" to 630-686-7334. • Like/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapelstchurch • Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chapelstchurch • Explore our website: https://chapelstreet.church/
What if the joy you're chasing today vanishes when God calls you home? Focusing on Jesus' Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:13–21, we confront the subtle grip of greed that tempts us to anchor our true joy in possessions rather than God's eternal love. Jesus' teaching challenges us to pause and ask… When God calls us home to Him, whose will our joy be? And even further…Whose is our joy today?
Pastor Bill WinekeLuke 12 The Parable of the Rich Fool
Sermon from St Andrews Church, Slip End, UK. Given by Rev Cathy Pullinger on the 3/8/25. Download Mp3 HERE! Sermon starts at 1:25 Luke 12:13-21 The Parable of the Rich Fool 13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell … Continue reading →
Our Full Baptismal Inheritance | Luke 12:13–21 How much is enough? That's the question that drives both the man in the crowd and the parable Jesus tells. Key Takeaways: We're tempted to believe the lie that more is always better—more stuff, more security, more control. But Jesus confronts this false security with the story of a rich man who builds bigger barns yet dies before enjoying them. The problem isn't wealth itself—it's when we worship it. Earthly treasures fade, but Christ gives us a better inheritance: His righteousness, His forgiveness, and His eternal life. Sealed in baptism, fed in His Supper, and grounded in His Word, this is the treasure that will not perish. Reflect on what truly endures. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread the Gospel by sharing this video. ✝️ Worship with Us at Trinity – Sheboygan, WI Sundays – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Mondays – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org
In this Christ-centered sermon based on Luke 12:13–21, Pastor Balla of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod delivers a powerful proclamation of Law and Gospel: the soul that clings to Christ is the soul prepared when God requires it. Through the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus warns against the idolatry of possessions and calls us to treasure what cannot be stored in barns—faith in Him. This sermon confronts the vanity of worldly wealth, exposes the sin of covetousness, and offers the eternal riches found only in Jesus Christ. Rooted in Lutheran confessional theology and faithful to the ESV text, this message is ideal for anyone seeking solid Lutheran preaching, LCMS stewardship reflections, or teaching on eternal preparedness. Perfect for Bible study, devotional meditation, and pastoral encouragement. Join us as we confess the riches of God's grace in Christ alone. Subscribe for weekly Word-and-Sacrament preaching that proclaims Christ crucified for sinners.Hashtags:#LutheranSermon#LCMSPreaching#Luke121321#ChristAlone#RichTowardGod
On this weeks podcast/radio programme we are (re-)sharing a discussion with Fr Michael Liston and Bishop Brendan Leahy where Fr Michael recounts his experience of establishing Muintearas Iosa in Limerick diocese in 1974. Muintearas Iosa is the main vehicle for youth ministry in the diocese. Inspired by the community of Taize, Fr Michael established this group which has been marked by over 50 years with a depth of spirituality, fun and friendship.At celebrations in 2014 marking the 40th anniversary Fr. Liston reminded those in attendance at the celebration that Muintearas is Irish for the spirit of extended family and friendship and that's exactly what they have developed over the years. “The Muintearas achieved a way of doing things that gave evidence on our weekends to this great idea that being a Christian is about being part of a family. Muintearas is an extended family. Our Muintearas is accessible to everyone and our gatherings enables us celebrate the joy and friendship we have had in a glorious mixture of our ordinary humanity and the work of the Holy Spirit.”This was originally published in podcast on 9 February 2025.We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends for the coming week and also give brief outline of the upcoming National Novena in Knock. In part three we take our weekly prayerful reflection with this Sunday's gospel from Luke with the parable of the Rich Fool and ask ourselves how we would measure up against this particular gospel teaching. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com
The Parable of the Rich Fool: The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost- Lectionary: 08/03/2025 by Shawn Ozbun
This week, Jesus is asked to weigh in on a family inheritance...but be careful what you ask for! Peter Walsh is joined by the Rev. Dr. Justin Crisp, former "Rev'd Up" host and current Rector of St. Barnabas Church in Greenwich, CT. Together, they dissect "The Parable of the Rich Fool", explore how we find true freedom, and highlight what this passage teaches us about tangible and intangible things. Plus, how have their experiences of death shaped their views on mortality?Want to have your question or comment featured on the podcast? Leave a voicemail on our Rev'd Up hotline! Call (203) 442-5002.Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org
Luke 12:13-21 // The Rich Fool // Aaron Morrow Sermon Video // https://youtu.be/OP2dPLAyBgM Find out more about River City Church at rivercitydbq.org
Written and presented by Kendrick Diaz.Jesus warns His followers about a certain mindset. So, what is it, and how can you avoid falling into it?Read Online: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/kingdom-of-god/parables-of-jesus/parable-of-the-rich-fool/
Today, Pastor Jack teaches that riches are not foolish, nor are they evil. It is the human heart that takes the blessings of God and condemns the very things that God would like us to use for His glory.
The Rich Fool, Ecclesiastes, and Finding True Wealth. Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the challenging texts for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (August 3rd, 2025). This episode explores Luke's parable of the rich fool, examining what this wealthy man actually did wrong and why Jesus calls him "fool" rather than "sinner." The hosts tackle tough questions about wealth, possessions, and what it means to be "rich toward God." They discuss how the parable connects to our modern struggles with storage units, financial security, and the subtle ways greed can creep into our lives - even when we're just trying to be responsible. The conversation also explores the challenging pairing of this text with Ecclesiastes, examining the wisdom literature's perspective on vanity (Hebrew: hevel - like smoke or vapor) and the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. Plus, they delve into the beautiful poetry of Hosea 11, where God's parental love and tender compassion shine through despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Commentaries for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-18-3/commentary-on-luke-1213-21-6. * * * Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/OUArBuV3u2g.
Today, Pastor Jack teaches that there is a pattern of thinking and living in what this parable calls a fool. When there is no thought of God, or to assist others, we can fall into temptation; A snare that comes with terrible consequences.
Today, Pastor Jack teaches that it seems right to consult our own thoughts, and we often push back on God's plan. But, when we're self-insured in our own security of riches, we fail to bless others with our abundance.
Today, Pastor Jack teaches that building up our wealth while thinking that it's never enough, is a sure sign that God is the last thing on our minds. To be rich is not foolish, but blessings can be a curse, when we refuse to use what we have for God's glory.
Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when we fail to think of design, we fail to include God in our plans for life. Whether we have plenty, or in lack, we can be taken up by materialism, not seeing that everything is a gift given by God.
Today, Pastor Jack teaches that we often forget how it all begins with God, and the blessing that comes when we're generous with what we have. Wealth is not the issue, it's what we do with it that makes all the difference to God.
Melissa Mueller teaches from Luke 12:16-21 on the challenge Christ gives us to trust in His rich abundance. Slides available at https://bit.ly/4kxRPap
July 13, 2025 - Adam Moore - Luke 12:13-21
Pastor Eric shares a message based on the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12, emphasizing the dangers of greed and the importance of prioritizing spiritual richness over material abundance. He encourages us to focus on being right with God, as true worth is not determined by possessions but by our relationship with God.
Pastor Scott's message emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and warns against the dangers of greed, highlighting that true worth is not determined by material possessions but through a relationship with God. By referring to the parable from Luke 12, he encourages us to be rich towards God by placing our faith in Jesus and fostering a deeper spiritual connection.
Luke 12:13-21
Sermon Text: Luke 12:13-21
This week, Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger take a look at the Parable of the Rich Fool, and ask how we can avoid being fools ourselves!
Luke 12:13-213 Warnings About Greed:1. Greed will make you UNSATISFIED2. Greed will make you PROUD3. Greed will make you COMPLACENT -Money cannot offer true security -Money does not go with us -Money makes a lousy god 4. Fall in love with the PROVIDER, not the PROVISION
"But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:20—21 ESV My primary calling and love is the pastorate, but some may not know that I also serve as a professor at a local Christian university. At the end of every spring semester, I watch graduating seniors stress over what to do with their lives. While I encourage them to trust God to show them the way, the world is screaming something different: gaining more is the measure of becoming more. They are told they need a job, a house, and a fat bank account to be happy—and if they don't get these things, their lives will be less than. What a tragic lie. We live in a fast-paced world that celebrates self-sufficiency and personal gain. To society, getting more is thriving more. Your worth is measured by what you have, and if you save money, manage your resources, and prepare for retirement, life will supposedly be grand. But Scripture shows us something better. Having resources isn't bad, but relying on them—trusting in them for security—reveals a deeper problem. If our hearts long for self-sufficiency over God-dependence, our goods are rotten because our hearts are rotten. We forget that what we have won't last, but our souls will. The real question is: which do you want to be richer, your possessions or your soul? In the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus teaches what a truly rich disciple looks like. He confronts the tragic dance between the search for meaning and the certainty of finality. One day, all our efforts to save, spend, and secure a full life will fade, and only what was aimed at God will endure. Having stuff is not bad, but depending on it is deadly. How do we live richly toward God instead of ourselves? How does the reality of our finality shape a heart fully focused on Him? This week, we'll explore Jesus' answer together.