Luke 12:16–34 - 16 And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 “And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: 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 many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21 “So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” 22 And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23 “For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! 25 “And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? 26 “If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? 27 “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28 “But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! 29 “And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 “For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 31 “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33 “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. What does today’s passage say? In today’s passage, Jesus shares a parable about a rich man who tore down his barns to build bigger ones to store his abundant harvest (vv. 16-19). But God said the man would die that night, rendering his hoarded wealth futile (v. 20). Jesus concludes this fate awaits anyone storing up wealth solely for themselves rather than giving to God what belongs to Him (v. 21). He then instructs followers not to worry over basic provisions like food and clothing. As reasons why, Jesus notes how God feeds the ravens, how anxiety cannot extend one’s life, and how God beautifully clothes the flowers (vv. 22-27). Since God provides for birds and flowers, Jesus argues believers can trust Him to meet their needs as they pursue His righteousness (vv. 28-31). Finally, Jesus urges selling possessions and generous giving to the poor, promising this stores eternal treasure in Heaven (vv. 32-33). He concludes that one’s heart dwells wherever their treasure is stored up – either fleetingly on earth or eternally with God (v. 34). How can I apply Luke 12:16-34 to my life? Jesus addresses money, possessions, worry and true security with some challenging directives. He exposes the foolishness of stockpiling temporary wealth rather than investing in eternity. And Christ compels followers not to imitate culture’s vain pursuits for bigger barns but to avoid greed and anxiety by seeking God’s righteousness. This passage contains timely wisdom for Christians immersed in consumerism and tempted to wrap identity in status, careers, or material abundance. In a society obsessed with prosperity at the cost of peace, we must realign our focus toward the eternal. Jesus prescribes the cure for misplaced trust in money – pursue intimacy with Him, serve His Kingdom first, and rely fully on the Heavenly Father for daily provision. When we cease striving for temporary treasures that never satisfy, we gain freedom to store up imperishable ones. Abiding in Christ enables us to break free from discontentment, instead overflowing with supernatural peace, purpose, and generosity. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
Trust in God Over Wealth for True Security (vv. 16-21): Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who trusted in his abundant harvest for security, only to die unexpectedly and realize his efforts were in vain. Our consumer culture promotes finding meaning in wealth and possessions, but this passage exposes such temporary, earthly treasures cannot provide true security, purpose, or eternal dividends. Trusting in God over wealth for true security frees us from greed, idolatry of material things and anxious striving. As you assess where you are placing trust for security, consider redirecting faith toward God's eternal riches over any area where money or possessions have become too central of a priority or source of meaning (Psalm 62:5-6; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; James 5:1-3).
Food for thought: Do you tend to place ultimate hope or security in money, investments, or possessions? How might this passage encourage you to recalibrate faith toward God over wealth?
Seek God's Kingdom First and Trust Him to Provide for Everything Else (vv. 22-31): Jesus says since God abundantly cares for creation, as a loving Heavenly Father He promises to provide what His people need for sustenance in pursuit of His righteousness and Kingdom. Therefore, rather than striving anxiously to control our circumstances or futures, we can simply and peacefully rely on God to supply every need while keeping obedience and righteousness as top priorities. Ceasing worry and selfish pursuits allows us to wholeheartedly serve God's Kingdom. When we pursue intimacy with Jesus and trust the Father to care for daily necessities, we gain the profound freedom to fully invest ourselves into righteous living and serving others (Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:6-7, 19).
Food for thought: What worries currently preoccupy your thoughts? How might intentionally pursuing God's Kingdom enable Him to lift those burdens?
Store Up Eternal Treasure for Yourself by Giving Generously in Faith to Help Others (vv. 32-34): Jesus concludes by commanding us not to fear as our Heavenly Father desires to give us His Kingdom. Therefore, we can stop anxiously laboring for position or possessions. Instead, willingly sell and give earthly resources knowing God promises to generously provide all we need. Such radical generosity demonstrates trusting God's provision more than money. Faith to let go of resources and security enables eternal treasure stored up in serving others and advancing Christ's Kingdom. Rather than consuming or hoarding, look for frequent opportunities to give generously, even sacrificially, to those in need and gospel missions from the bounty God provides you. As you bless others in faith, God promises to abundantly bless and reward you in eternity (Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 19:21; 1 Timothy 6:18-19).
Food for thought: What personal resources might God be calling you to sell or give away to generously bless His Kingdom? Why is it sometimes difficult to give freely and joyfully when needs around you seem endless? Jesus makes clear God's Kingdom and righteousness must be our highest aim, not material wealth, and security. When intimacy with Christ becomes central, trusting God with daily provisions becomes easier. Freed from worry over basic necessities, investing generously into eternal priorities naturally follows. May this passage realign any misplaced trust in money, increase reliance on our caring Heavenly Father, and encourage storing up eternal treasure through radical Kingdom generosity. As John Piper summarizes, “The life devoted to laying up earthly treasure gets put out of business, so that the life devoted to laying up heavenly treasure can begin.” Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You would reveal any areas of misplaced priorities and reliance upon money or possessions instead of Christ. Show me whether I have overvalued wealth, status or material security compared to intimacy with You. Help me to seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness before other pursuits. I pray that You would increase my capacity to trust Your faithful care and provision for my daily needs. As I rely on You more, diminish any tendency I have toward greed, anxiety or hoarding resources only for self. Give me wisdom and opportunity to generously bless others in need. Help me store up eternal treasure through radical generosity. I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Luke 12:34 - “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” With His Blessings, Pastor Corby
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