The Parable of the Rich Fool – All

The story of the Rich Fool who was selfish and wanted to keep all of his wealth for himself

In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus told a parable about a man who had riches to a man who wanted riches. A man in the crowd approached Jesus as an authority figure that the man’s brother might listen to. He asked Jesus to tell his brother to give him his share of the family inheritance. The family inheritance was much more important to first century Israel than we can imagine–it meant their future. In Deuteronomy 21:17, Moses gave them the law of birth right that the oldest son got a double portion of the property and money, and became the head of the family business. It was very common for the oldest son to “hold out” on the other children. Also the oldest son might not liquidate the family farm or business, so the other children had to work for him to get any money. Jesus was teaching deep spiritual truth, and eternal matters, yet He was interrupted by someone whose concern reflects human nature which is obsessed with riches. The man thought Jesus could persuade his brother to cough up some money. This is where the guy’s heart was, but Jesus’ conclusion in Luke 12:31-34 would condemn this. Instead of arbitrating between the brothers, Jesus taught a parable illustrating the danger of greed and selfishness. The parable exposes the man’s motive and reveals Gods perspective on these matters.