Leader Bible Study
A very large crowd—thousands of people (Luke 12:1)—had gathered around Jesus as He taught His disciples. The people recognized Him as a rabbi (teacher), so it was not unusual that someone called out, asking Jesus to settle a financial dispute. But Jesus knew the man was motivated by greed, and He told a story.
In Jesus’ parable, a rich man had so many crops that he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones. That way, he could store everything he had and take it easy. But the man was foolish and short-sighted. He didn’t consider he could die that very night. The saying is true: “You can’t take it with you.” Rather than storing up treasures for ourselves, we should live to glorify God and live generously, using what we have on earth to make an eternal impact.
Jesus also addressed worry with His disciples. Jesus’ followers should not be anxious about their basic needs. God takes care of the birds and the flowers. People are God’s most valuable and beloved creatures; we can trust Him to provide for us!
Jesus contrasted the way the unsaved Gentiles lived with how believers should live. Unbelievers seek wealth and possessions as if that was the main goal in life. They act like God does not care about their needs. But our focus should not be on ourselves, our wealth, and our possessions; we should focus on God’s kingdom. We do not need to worry. God will provide. He is glad to give us what we need!
God gives us good gifts on earth. We can steward these gifts for His glory. Earthly treasures will not last forever. When Jesus is our greatest treasure, we can live generously and trust God to provide what we need.
The BIBLE Story
Jesus Taught About Possessions
Luke 12
Thousands of people came together to listen to Jesus’ teaching. Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share our father’s inheritance with me.”
Jesus said, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed. True life is not found in what you own.”
Then Jesus told the people a parable: “A rich man owned land that produced many crops. He didn’t have anywhere to store all of his crops, so he said to himself, ‘I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then, I’ll have so much stored up that I can stop working and relax.’ But God told the man, ‘You are a fool! You will die this very night, and then what good is everything you have stored up?’” Jesus told this story as a warning for any person who stores up treasure on earth and is not generous toward God.
Then Jesus told His disciples, “Do not worry about your life or your body—what you will eat or what you will wear. Think about the birds: They do not plant or collect grain, yet God feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?”
Jesus also said, “Think about the wildflowers. They don’t work or make clothing, yet they are lovelier than a great and rich king in his fancy clothes. If that is how God takes care of grass—which grows today and is cut down tomorrow—how much more will He do for you?”
Jesus told His disciples not to worry about food or drink. “Seek God’s kingdom,” He said, “and God will provide what you need.” God is happy to give His children the kingdom.
Finally Jesus said, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. A thief can take away treasure on earth, but treasure stored in heaven lasts forever. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Christ Connection: Jesus is our greatest treasure. Jesus left His place in heaven to live humbly on earth. Jesus obeyed God to set up His kingdom. We can give generously and trust God to provide everything we need.
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