This section begins with a man in the crowd who asks Jesus to help divide the family inheritance. Jesus refuses to intervene in this family matter. There were adequate resources in the civil government of the time to resolve the issue.
Jesus is a judge in greater matters, and He reveals it. He sees beyond the immediate request to the man's bigger issue: covetousness, desiring more than you need. Next, He tells the parable of "The Rich Fool."
In this parable, God has given the landowner an abundant harvest. He decides to build larger barns to contain it, assuring himself that now he will be set for life, and able to live comfortably, needing nothing.
But this rich man was not rich towards God. God says he is a fool, and that his soul would be claimed that night, and another man would use the wealth that he has amassed. God will judge him for what he has done with this blessing.
What did he do? He:
- Took no thought for God
- Took no thought for his fellow man
- Wanted an abundance of provisions
This is our negative example; this is how they act in the world, but not in the kingdom of God. In the kingdom of God, life is to know God. Jesus continues on by telling His disciples, "Don't be torn apart by these things." We must not be worried about riches; it will rob us of our joy.
Jesus reminds us that we really cannot control many, many things in life, such as our height or or our life's span. He tells us to learn from nature -- God will take care of His children, as He takes care of the animals. Trust in Him; He is great enough to take care of you.
He tells us to seek first the kingdom of God. Seek first to be righteous, rather than seeking wealth. God will take care of us. (Of course, we should not overindulge or live beyond our means.)
What if we have a legitimate lack of what we need? Verse 32 replies, "Do not fear!" The first thing we tend to do in a difficult situation is to be afraid. Fear not! God will take care of you!
Finally, in this passage, we see a command to sell and give to charity. This is exactly what the rich fool didn't do. He had more than he could keep, but desired to hoard it. Note that this command is not to sell all and take on a vow of poverty. The command is to be mindful of the needs of others in the kingdom. Don't be like the rich fool, who what preoccupied only with himself.
These things -- trusting in God and depending on Him for provision, loving our fellow believers materially -- will be true of us. Our treasure is the Lord, and our heart will be where our treasure is.
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