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2. Luke 12:16-21 The Parable Of The Rich Farmer

3. Setting  During The Judean Ministry  Approx. 6 months to His crucifixion  Jesus is giving a discourse on various topics vv. 1-59  So far, He covered hypocrisy, judgment, respect, persecution, etc. vv. 1-12 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

4. Setting  A man interrupts Jesus to demand He arbitrate a dispute re: the family inheritance v. 13  Jesus refuses…instead, He issues a general warning re: covetousness and greed vv. 14-15 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

5. Setting  Re: the man who interrupted Jesus…  He obviously hadn’t heard a word He said  His mind was too occupied with worldly things to think about spiritual things  He didn’t want to follow Jesus…he only wanted to use Him for his own gain The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

6. Setting  Re: the man who interrupted Jesus…  His problem was not in seeking what was rightfully (legally) his  His problem was an obsession with material wealth The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

7. The Parable  A certain farmer had done well…his crops produced “plentifully” v. 16  Lacking sufficient storage, he decided to tear down all his present barns and build bigger ones to store his “bumper crops” vv. 17-18 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

8. The Parable  His decision led him to believe his “future” was now secure v. 19  God intervened…He called the farmer a “fool” and told him his soul would be required that night v. 20a  Who would own his wealth then? v. 20b The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

9. The Application  The farmer represents 2 people –  The man who had interrupted Jesus during His discourse [context]  Anyone who places material things above spiritual things Mt 6:19-33 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

10. The Application  Thoughts re: the farmer –  He was never rebuked for becoming wealthy through ill-gotten gain  His problem wasn’t fraud, but foolishness  He made many “mistakes” this parable exposes The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

11. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Ê Wrong assumption re: who was “owner”  He thought all that prosperity was his  Notice the personal pronouns vv. 17-18  He forgot the Source of his blessings Mt 5:45 Acts 14:17 17:25 Psa 50:12b The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

12. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Ê Wrong assumption re: who was “owner”  The faithful man understands he is just a “pilgrim”…a “stranger” Heb 11:13b  He owns nothing in this world  A mindset he “confesses” The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

13. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Ë Wrong disposition of his “prosperity”  He thought the only way to use his abundance was to hoard it vv. 17-18  Clearly an indication of selfishness…no concern for others cp. Phil 2:3-4 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

14. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Ë Wrong disposition of his “prosperity”  He knew the “perils of farming”  He must have known others who didn’t fare as well…he could have shared with them 1 Tim 6:18-19 1 Jn 3:17-18 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

15. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Ì Wrong view re: his new barns v. 19  The new barns would not just store his abundance v. 19  They would represent his financial future and security The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

16. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Ì Wrong view re: his new barns v. 19  This farmer (and the man in the crowd) thought their problems (present & future) would be solved with material wealth  It doesn’t define life v. 15b Prov 4:23 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

17. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Ì Wrong view re: his new barns v. 19  It is uncertain Prov 23:5 1 Tim 6:17  It doesn’t develop contentment…there will never be “enough” Eccl 5:10-12 6:7 1 Tim 6:6-8 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

18. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Ì Wrong view re: his new barns v. 19  There is NO security in material things Mt 6:19 2 Pet 3:10 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

19. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Í Forgetfulness re: time & death v. 20a  The farmer forgot the certainty of death Heb 9:27  Circumstances happen unexpectantly that can bring death Eccl 9:10-12 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

20. The Application  The farmers “mistakes” Í Forgetfulness re: time & death v. 20a  The farmer thought “Many years”  God said “Not 1 more night!”  The farmer’s plans will not materialize vv. 19, 20b Eccl 2:18-21 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

21. “There are no pockets in a shroud.”

22. “Hearses don’t pull U-Haul trailers.”

23. The Application  Was the farmer a “materialist?”  Remember…he didn’t get the barn built  He was condemned for a thought  This tells us we don’t have to actually possess material wealth to be guilty of this sin 1 Tim 6:10 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

24. The Application  Jesus’ conclusion v. 21  One can be materially rich and still be impoverished toward God  The only thing we can take out of this world is a secure relationship with God The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

25. The Application  Jesus’ conclusion v. 21  Gaining the wealth of the whole world is no achievement if we lose our soul in the process Mt 16:26  “True riches” can be obtained 2 Cor 6:10 8:9 The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

26. The Lesson  Do I focus too much on material wealth?  Have I forgotten all I own will not leave this world?  My possessions do not define me  Do I share my blessings with others? The Rich Farmer Lk 12:16-21

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