Scripture to Read: Luke 12:13-15
In reading Luke 12:1-12, Jesus had been teaching the crowds about hypocrisy and people having hidden agendas. But then Jesus told His listeners that all of those hidden agendas would one day be brought into full light. Jesus also taught the crowd that no one should fear anyone who could kill their body, but instead they were to fear God alone. God is the final Judge and because everyone lives forever, we must fear God the Father. God alone has all power and authority over all things, so to fear anyone other than Him is pointless. But even as we fear God, we can have great peace because He loves us with an everlasting love and provided us eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Truths that Jesus laid out, though, seemed to be completely missed by some in the crowd. All of a sudden, one of those people said, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” The statement seems absolutely ridiculous after everything Jesus has been teaching on in Luke 12:1-12. Jesus immediately saw through the individual’s motives and gave this individual, along with everyone else, a stern warning. Jesus said, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” This individual was coveting what their brother had, and Jesus dealt with the attitude of coveting. This person’s heart was so eaten up with greed that they had missed everything Jesus had said.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about getting caught up with being greedy and jealous of what others have?
2. What can you do to guard your heart from being greedy and to stay focused on all God HAS blessed you with?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!