13 Someone out of the crowd said, “Teacher, order my brother to give me a fair share of the family inheritance.”
14 He replied, “Mister, what makes you think it’s any of my business to be a judge or mediator for you?”
15 Speaking to the people, he went on, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.”
16-19 Then he told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’
20 “Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’
21 “That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”
Jesus warns against his disciples for having a greedy heart of material belongings. Jesus uses a parable to tell the disciples the truth that when our heart is filled with self and not with God, no matter how one has a good planning in gathering, the possession one gathers cannot be brought to the eternity if it is not for God. Jesus leads the disciples to see what a life is really is or should be defined - to pursue a life that is filled with God and not with our self or other security.
My Lord Jesus, we are living in a world whose security or success is defined by how much wealth we have. We disciples are also struggling with our daily incomes and expenditures, trying to earn and save as much as possible in order to provide us with security for our retired life. But Jesus defines life differently - You lead my eyes to look at God's creation and to see how my heavenly Father provides my needs and leads me to follow Your way in advancing the Kingdom that lasts forever and also gives new life to people. Everyday is a lesson for me to learn relying on your provision, re-focusing my eyes on Your Kingdom, and practicing my faith in earthly life.
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