Building Wealth That Matters

Series: What He Said: The Parables of Jesus

Luke 12:13–21 ESV

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Introduction

Imagine a man who spends his entire life working, saving, and climbing the ladder of success, only to reach the top and realize his ladder was leaning against the wrong wall. He has everything the world says he needs—money, possessions, and security—yet he feels empty inside. He has prepared for retirement but not for eternity. This is the tragedy Jesus warns against in the Parable of the Rich Fool.

We live in a world that constantly tells us, “Get more, save more, and build bigger.” Success is measured by how much we accumulate, not by how much we give. But Jesus flips the script. He teaches us that life is not about how much we store up for ourselves but about how much we invest in eternity.

In our passage today, Jesus addresses a man who is focused on getting what he believes he deserves. But instead of giving him what he asks for, Jesus gives him what he needs—a warning about greed and a lesson on true wealth. Jesus calls us to be rich toward God, but what does that mean? How do we live in a way that prioritizes eternal riches over earthly possessions?

Transition: As we study this text, I want to examine three critical lessons about wealth, trust, and eternal priorities.

Guard Your Heart Against Greed (vv.13-15)

Luke 12:13–15 ESV

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Jesus is approached by a man who wants Him to settle a financial dispute. Instead of engaging in the argument, Jesus exposes the deeper issue—greed. He warns, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Exposition & Word Study:

The Greek word for “covetousness" (pleonexia) speaks to an insatiable desire for more. It’s not just about money—it’s about always wanting what we don’t have. It reflects a heart that is never satisfied, always reaching for the next possession, promotion, or pleasure.

Jesus uses the phrase "be on guard," which implies an active, continual watchfulness against greed’s subtle influence. Greed does not announce itself; it disguises itself as ambition, security, and success.

The man who approaches Jesus does not ask for wisdom or justice—he asks for material gain. His focus is not on what is right but on what is his.

Application:

Greed can creep into our hearts subtly—whether in wanting more money, material things, or status. It often masks itself as the pursuit of a better life.

We must evaluate our hearts: Are we seeking first the kingdom of God, or are we consumed with gaining more for ourselves?

Instead of hoarding, practice generosity—whether in finances, time, or service to others. When we give freely, we demonstrate that our trust is in God, not in wealth.

Run: Some of us are chasing money, but money can’t buy peace! Some of us are chasing success, but success won’t hold you when life gets rough! Some of us are chasing things, but things break, rust, and fade away! But when you chase after God, He will supply all your needs! When you seek first the Kingdom, He’ll open doors no man can shut! When you trust in Him, He will take care of you!

Transition: Jesus doesn’t stop at warning about greed—He tells a parable that exposes the foolishness of trusting in wealth.

Don’t Put Your Security in Earthly Riches (vv.16-20)

Luke 12:16–20 ESV

16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’

Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who had an abundant harvest. Instead of using his blessings wisely, he builds bigger barns and decides to take life easy. But God calls him a fool because he will die that very night, and everything he stored up will be left behind.

Exposition & Cultural Context:

In Jesus’ day, wealth was often measured by land and stored goods, but just like today, people found false security in their possessions. The rich man is not condemned for being wealthy but for his misplaced trust in that wealth.

The rich man’s phrase, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years" (v. 19), reveals his self-reliance. He speaks to himself about his wealth but never acknowledges God. Notice the emphasis on “my barns,” “my grain,” “my goods”—his world revolves around himself.

God calls him a "fool." This is strong language in Scripture. A fool is not just someone who lacks intelligence but someone who ignores divine wisdom. Psalm 14:1 says,

Psalm 14:1 ESV

1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

Application:

Wealth is not evil, but trusting in it for security is foolish. Money cannot prevent sickness, tragedy, or death.

Life is fragile—tomorrow is not promised. We must invest in eternal things rather than temporary riches.

Instead of asking, "How much can I store up?" ask, "How much can I give away for God’s glory?"

True security is found in Christ. Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:17,

1 Timothy 6:17 ESV

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Run: You can have a mansion on a hill and still feel empty! You can have a bank account full of money and still be bankrupt in your soul! You can have stocks, bonds, and real estate—but if you don’t have Jesus, you don’t have real security! Because money can’t heal you! Riches can’t redeem you! Wealth can’t wash away your sins! But the blood of Jesus can! His grace can! His love can!

Transition: The problem is not wealth itself—it’s what we do with it. Jesus closes with a powerful truth about where real riches are found.

Pursue True Wealth by Being Rich Toward God (v.21)

Luke 12:21 ESV

So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Jesus ends with a sobering truth: The one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God is truly poor. Being rich toward God means living with eternal priorities—investing in the kingdom through faith, love, and generosity.

Exposition & Practical Definition:

The phrase "rich toward God" (v. 21) stands in contrast to storing up treasures for oneself. It suggests an active, intentional pursuit of God’s purposes. True riches are measured in faith, obedience, and love, not in dollars and possessions.

To be rich toward God means:

Prioritizing God over possessions – Seeking His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

Matthew 6:33 ESV

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Living with open hands – Using what we have to bless others and advance God’s work.

Investing in spiritual growth – Spending time in prayer, studying His Word, and serving in ministry.

Being known for generosity – Giving not just from abundance, but sacrificially and joyfully.

Run: If you want to be rich toward God, you’ve got to love like Jesus loved! Give like Jesus gave! Serve like Jesus served! Live like Jesus lived! Walk like Jesus walked! Pray like Jesus prayed! And if you do that, your treasure won’t be in barns, banks, or bonds—it will be in the hands of the One who holds eternity!

Cross-reference: Matthew 6:20—Jesus instructs us to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

How do we do this? Through acts of service, discipleship, and sacrificial giving.

The rich fool thought he was prepared for the future, but he was only prepared for this life, not the next. The question is not whether you have wealth, but whether your wealth has you.

Transition: Jesus is not condemning having wealth; He is calling us to steward it wisely for His glory.

Conclusion & Call to Action

We often measure success by what we accumulate, but Jesus teaches that a life well-lived is not defined by possessions but by our relationship with God. What would it look like for you to be rich toward God? Are you holding onto things that don’t last, or are you investing in what is eternal?

If you've been chasing after temporary riches, it’s time to shift your focus. Jesus is calling you to pursue a greater treasure—Himself. Let go of greed, embrace generosity, and build a life that is truly rich in the things of God.

One day, every bank account will close! Every stock will crash! Every house will belong to another! Every car will rust! But what you do for Christ will last! Oh, but I know a man—do you know Him?!—who left the riches of heaven to become poor for us! I know a man—do you know Him?!—who didn’t build bigger barns, but built an old rugged cross! I know a man—do you know Him?!—who didn’t store up treasures, but poured out His life! And on the third day, He rose with all power! And if you give your life to Him, you’ll be rich beyond measure! Somebody shout JESUS!