You Can't Take it With You

The first line of our scripture today states

English Standard Version Chapter 12

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, You Can't Take it With You tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.

The New Bible Commentary 12:1–13:9 Readiness for the Coming Crisis

Jesus was commonly regarded as a teacher, and thus a member of a class which dealt with both religious and civil matters. It is not surprising, then, that his opinion was sought in a legal dispute over property. Possibly a younger brother was claiming that he was being defrauded of his share in an inheritance.

Jesus replied, “look dude who made me judge over these matters?” Now Jesus is of course Lord of the entire universe but he was careful not to get involved in such matters that didn’t really pertain to his earthly ministry. He expected that they should work things out on their own, or if nothing else, perhaps with another arbitor.

Instead, Jesus gave a stern warning to guard against covetousness. Some would call it greed. Covetousness is the desire to have more than what actually has. This isn’t necessarily out of envy for what others have. Jesus often taught of the folly of placing our focus on material possessions and wealth.

Then Jesus relates the parable of the rich farmer.

Luke 12:16-21

And he gave an illustration: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. [17] In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. [18] So he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store everything. [19] And I'll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!'

[20] "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?'

[21] "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

This guy was in a quandry, he has soo much “STUFF”! What will he do? So he asks himself (note he asks HIMSELF what to do). He says to HIMSELF “I know, I’ll build bigger barns. Then he says to HIMSELF (my translation says that he said to his soul) “self, you have enough “STUFF” to last for many, many years...eat, drink and be merry!”

Did he thank God for his good fortune? NO

Did he ask God for direction with his quandry?...NO

Was he expecting a long life of self sufficiency and prosperity? YES he was only thinking of the here and now without thought or care to the hereafter.

Was he expecting to die suddenly? NO

Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament Parable of the Rich Fool (12:13–21)

It is eternally dangerous to store up treasure for oneself but not develop a relationship with God and show love for him in the use of riches.

God said “tonight you will die, then of what worth are all your riches be to you?”

You can’t take it with you.

A child once asked his grandfather, 'When you die, can you take your toys with you?' The grandfather chuckled and replied, 'No, sweetie. We can’t take them with us when we go.' The child pondered for a moment and then confidently said, 'Well, then I want the best toys I can find here!' This innocent perspective delivers a powerful message for all of us—that storing up incorruptible treasures in heaven surpasses earthly possessions, just like Jesus taught.

Let’s circle back to what the man in Jesus’ parable said to his soul

English Standard Version Chapter 12

Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”

It is clear that the man selfishly planned on enjoying the fruits of “his own hands” as he sees it.

I guess there is nothing inherently wrong with that but his perspective is flawed.

Let’s take a look at what Solomon wrote

Eccles. 2:24-26

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that this pleasure is from the hand of God. [25] For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? [26] God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. Even this, however, is meaningless, like chasing the wind.