What does the rich man's attitude in Luke 12:16 reveal about his priorities? Setting the Scene Luke 12:13-21 records Jesus’ parable of a wealthy landowner. Verse 16 introduces the story: “Then He told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundant harvest.’” Zooming in on Verse 16 • The focus falls on “the ground” that “produced an abundant harvest.” • The rich man’s prosperity is clearly God-given—soil, rain, and growth lie outside human control—yet the verse hints at no acknowledgment of the Lord. • His first response, detailed in verses 17-19, is self-conversation about bigger barns, revealing what had already taken root in his heart. What the Attitude Shows About His Priorities • Self-sufficiency: He credits the bump crop to his land and his planning, not to God (cf. Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • Ownership over stewardship: He speaks of “my crops,” “my barns,” “my grain,” “my goods,” forgetting Psalm 24:1. • Security in wealth: He equates larger storage with lasting safety—“Then I can say to myself… take life easy” (v. 19). Proverbs 18:11 exposes this as a false fortress. • Present-focused living: His plans end at eating, drinking, and relaxing; eternity is absent from his horizon (Mark 8:36). • Absence of gratitude: No thanksgiving, no offerings, no thought of the poor (cf. 1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Misplaced identity: His worth rests in possessions, not in relationship with the Lord (James 4:13-16). Lessons for Today • Recognize every increase as God’s gift, prompting thanks and generosity. • View possessions as tools for kingdom purposes, not trophies of personal success. • Anchor security in God’s character, not in an ever-larger reserve. • Remember that life’s timeline stretches into eternity; invest accordingly. Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 24:1 — “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • Deuteronomy 8:17-18 — warning against saying, “My power... has gained me this wealth.” • Proverbs 11:28 — “He who trusts in his riches will fall.” • Mark 8:36 — “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 — command to “be rich in good deeds… lay up treasure for the coming age.” |
    |