Questions about Luke 12
If you are interested in digging into Luke 12:13-21, a list of study and contemplation questions is provided below:
In ancient Israel a rabbi was expected to settle disputes and issue judgments about matters such as inheritances. Jesus was a rabbi. Why then doesn’t he answer the legitimate question that the man asks him in Luke 12:13?
You have probably heard the expression, “Whoever dies with the most toys wins!” You have probably also heard Jesus’ words, “A man’s life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions” (Lk. 12:15). Do you think that the opposite of these two statements is true? That is, does he who dies with the least toys win? Does a man’s life consist of the scarcity of his possessions?
The man in Jesus’ parable (Lk. 12:16-20) has an abundant harvest. Why then does he focus on what he lacks (“I have no place to store my crops”)?
Is Jesus opposed to big barns, large homes, expensive cottages, bulging buffet tables on glitzy cruises, and church additions with lots of curves and fancy windows?
Financial planners, physical therapists, gymnasts, and psychological therapists all like to talk about balance. Where is the balance in this man’s life?
Do you think the rich fool’s neighbors gave him credit for being a smart farmer when he built bigger barns? Do you give your neighbor credit for being a successful business man when you hear that his business has just expanded? How far will this sort of credit take a person? (Hint: What happens if you try to use your Home Depot credit card at Lowes?)
Have you heard the commercial tag line, “What’s in your Wallet?” The point of that commercial is that having the wrong credit card could cost you dearly. Well, what’s in your wallet–anything that God wants? What does it mean to be “rich toward God” (Lk. 12:21)?