Study 29. Luke 12:13-34

 7. Jesus refuses to judge between two greedy sons (12:14). Instead, He tells a parable to show how God will judge all men like these (12:15-21). What is the rich man's mistake?

The man who approaches Jesus does not ask Jesus to decide on the merits of two claims: he asks for a decision in his own favour. He seems to be acting unilaterally for nothing indicates that the brother had agreed to have Jesus try the case.

'Man', is far from cordial (cf. Bengel, ‘He addresses him as a stranger’). He came to bring people to God, not to bring property to people (Morris)

The rich man:

• is blessed by God (his land produced plentifully, v.16)
• had foresight for his finances
• looking forward to a comfortable retirement.
• selfish -he had no thought for others ('my' 4 times in vv. 17–19 while 'I' occurs eight times in the Greek)
• thoughtless for eternity

He was a 'fool' - he missed the issues of greatest importance. He thought he could control his future and his lifespan.

 

Jesus commands us to guard against covetousness - this speaks of the power and aggressiveness of this tendency. Jesus says in verse 15, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” In other words. It’s a lie. Don’t listen. “Take care, and be on your guard.” This lie will awaken covetousness, and covetousness is idolatry (Col 3:5) (Piper) we are meant to long for more and more for God alone, not for anything else.

"Rich toward God"means that God is valued as our treasure/riches and that our lives reflect this value. It also implies that we use earthly riches to show how much we value God. 

8. How is worry related to greed (compare 12:15 with 12:22-34)

Both are dysfunctional responses to wealth and possessions

'Greed can never get enough, worry is afraid it may not have enough’

Wealth can represent a danger to those who do not have it as well as to those who do. Jesus emphasizes the importance of trust in God and detachment from things. (Morris)

 

9. Why is worry unnecessary? List as many reasons as you can find in 12:22-34.

There is possibly significance in the fact that ravens were unclean (Lev. 11:15). Yet God even cares for them.

Gk 'hēlikia' can refer either to age (John 9:21) or to stature (19:3).

'Little flock' is an unusual form of address, found only here in the New Testament. There are few chosen, and God is their Shepherd.

•  'Life is more than food, and the body more than clothing' (v.23). Life is bigger than physical needs. We are not to be concerned about these relatively minor matters. 
• Worry is futile - it changes nothing. . 
• God provides everything.God feeds the ravens (v.23) and makes the lillies grow beautifully/clothes the grass (v.27-28). We are more valuable than these (cf. 12:6-7)
• God knows our needs (v.30). His promise is that He will provide.
  

 

10. What does it mean to seek the kingdom that God has givven us (12:31)? Write down at least one specific way you can seek the kingdom.

We are to seek the kingdom God has promised us (v.32)
Thea context may mean that we are to pursue everything that salvation entails.
Our life priorities are to set God as our King/ruler. are to seek the things of God as a priority over the things of the world. This would include working for God's visible kingdom.

11. In 12:32, Jesus again says, "Do not be afraid." What should we not be afraid of?

• Don't fear people who can harm you (v.4)
• Don't fear not knowing how to respond to persecution (v.11)
• Don't fear not being provided for in life (v.22)
• Finally, don't fear that God is not on your side (v.32). God wants to be good to us. 
  

What message does 12:15-21 offer to a man who thinks he has been cheated? To a person who has abundant material goods? To you?

• It's better to be cheated than to cheat others. 
  

• This does not mean that we don't plan for our future.
• Be generous to others. Always think of eternity.
  

 

The command in 12:33 can be shocking. How might it apply to you?

Hold lightly to your posessions. They don't belong to us - we are stewards.

Be ready to give them away.

The Bible does not demand that we give away all our wealth.