Luke 12:13-21

content/bible_journal/luke_12:13-21.md

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+title = "Luke 12:13–21"
+date = "2022-12-17"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk12.13-21)
+
+It always strikes me as odd to hear of someone in the crowd making a request of
+Jesus. In my mind, Jesus is teaching in a lecture style, so there's not a lot
+of opportunity for discussion. That may not have been how it really was, or not
+always. In any case, this man makes a demand of Jesus, and Jesus turns it into
+a teaching moment.
+
+The man wants his brother to divide the inheritance with him, which should be
+what happens normally. According to Deut. 21:17, the firstborn gets twice as
+much as the rest of the sons, and the rabbis were the ones to settle any
+disputes between inheritors. Based on Jesus's answer, this man was likely not
+looking for justice, but advantage.
+
+Jesus tells the crowd to guard against covetousness, as material possessions
+are not the only good things in life. He tells the story of a very rich man who
+has to build storerooms for all the goods and grain he has amassed. The rich
+man is very pleased with himself and starts making plans and imagines how nice
+his life is going to be. And then he dies. God says to the man that he is a
+fool because he has not walked with God, concentrating only on the riches he
+acquired. Now he no longer has his possessions or eternal rewards.
+
+The first-century Jews, and many people today, have the notion that people with
+a lot of money have been blessed by God and therefore are living the way God
+wants them to. This is with the counterexample of the corrupt tax collectors.
+While riches can be a blessing, they can also be a temptation, so we must be on
+guard to keep to God's priorities.
+
+* * *
+
+Help us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with You.