In Luke 12:13 we find a misdirected soul in the multitudinous crowd yelling out, “Tell my brother to share the family inheritance with me!” This will stimulate Jesus into a little sermon on the value of character over possessions.

First (12:14), Jesus points out that his place was not like that of Moses and the tribal chiefs. No one appointed Jesus to intervene in family squabbles. No doubt he would, if he could use the opportunity to support the messages of his ministry. But Jesus was not there to undo human foibles.

Jesus swings the conversation (12:15) to warn against “every form of greed” BECAUSE, even with an abundance, life does not consist of possessions. Here is the thesis.

Character is all that counts. The parable will illuminate this truth.

So, Jesus begins with a man whose lot in life has been success — apparently due to the quality of his land, not necessarily of his efforts!

The man’s reasoning is faulty to the extreme. He thinks that he will expand HIS STORAGE so that he can retire, eat, drink, and be merry. Clearly, the sin is selfishness. The previous two parables had, to a large degree, stressed service to others. The lack of that spirit in this man is his downfall. The two great commandments were far from his character orientation.

In the 18th verse, we even have a subtle intimation that appearance is important to this poor fellow. He could have just built extra barns, but he seemed to think it necessary to eliminate any memories that he was not always so rich. He decided to “tear down my barns (so that no one can see the old, inferior structures) and build larger ones.” Then he pats himself on the back: “Soul, you have many goods!” (12:19)

There are, of course, nearly innumerable lessons here. But Jesus stresses two. (1) Just when you are nearing your goal (but haven’t enjoyed it yet) the big heart attack comes, and you’re dead! (2) You didn’t SHARE your goods with anyone. Instead of the goodness of sharing, you now LOSE IT ALL! And who will enjoy it? Probably some undeserving nephew you despised anyway!

In verse 21, Jesus says that this is the lot of the selfish. Note that he doesn’t specifically talk about charity. He talks about not being “rich toward God.” This would include charity, but it is so much broader. Jesus’ intent from the beginning was character over possessions (12:15). ALL RICHES are measured by character-likeness and service to God.