Luke 12:13-21

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• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • "Renunciation of Wealth," Comparative World Scriptures from United Communities of Spirit.
  • III.XIV.3, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter VI, On Prayer,  Tertullian (c. 199)
  • II.13, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • III.6, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • IV.28, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Concerning Works and Almsgiving -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 254)
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "God is the author and preserver of man's life; goods are not."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary (c. 1700).
    • "Covetousness is a sin we need constantly to be warned against; for happiness and comfort do not depend on the wealth of this world. The things of the world will not satisfy the desires of a soul."
  • From Wesley's Notes. John Wesley (1703-1791).
    • "Do? Why, lay up treasure in heaven."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "Why is this man called a "fool?" (Lu 12:20) (1) Because he deemed a life of secure and abundant earthly enjoyment the summit of human felicity. (2) Because, possessing the means of this, through prosperity in his calling, he flattered himself that he had a long lease of such enjoyment, and nothing to do but give himself up to it. Nothing else is laid to his charge."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "He spake a parable. To show that riches do not secure one from evil."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Luke 12:13-21, David Lose, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
    • "Stewardship season, already?"
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "Money Can't Buy Me Love," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2010.
    • "The allure of money is that creates the illusion of independence."
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 10, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "‘Is my life worthwhile?’ is for many a fearful question. It is no answer to moralise and command. Ultimately the answer is an act of healing. People need preaching which identifies the pain very clearly - and gently - and offers healing."
  • Blogging toward Sunday, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century. Current lectionary comments are by William H. Willimon, 2007.
    • "What a challenge to worship a friend and savior who is also the true and living God!"
  • "Possessed by a Thing," Michael Battle, The Witness.
    • "We learn the essential lesson: do not attempt to possess things, for things cannot really be possessed. Only make sure you are not possessed by them, lest your god change."
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "Perhaps a distinction could be made between "existing" on earth and really living."
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Luke 12:13-21, David Ewart, 2010.
    • "While Jesus does not ALWAYS attack wealth, this parable is reflective a consistent theme of his teachings: Possessions distract us from true wealth; from what is rich in the eyes of God."
  • "Lifting our Mater from Materialism," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
    • "So greed seems to be a rather universal concept, from Norse and Saxon to Indian Sanskrit, the word seeks to describe the universal problem. A 'sickness to have something'."
  • Parable of the Rich Fool, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2010.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "It turns out, however, that the market is not God.  All life comes from God who may "require it back" at any time.  Therefore, in discerning whether one should place their interest in their own self-advancement, or the needs of their neighbors, it might be prudent to consider God's opinion on the matter."
  • "The Land of Rich Men," Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2010.
    • "Can I be honest about my desire for material abundance and the security it promises?"
  • "Super-Sized!" Lee Koontz, Reflectious, 2010.
    • "This is a universal human situation.  When life is insecure, we seek security."
  • "A Lot of Junk," Lawrence Wood, The Christian Century, 2004.
    • "Everything belongs to God, so everything must go for a good cause. And if we have not been generous in our lifetimes, God will compel us to give those things away, for someday we must go, too."
  • "'Eat, Drink, and Be Merry,' Materialism & Consumerism," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2007.
  • "Wealth: Hazmat or Good Gift?" study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • "Stuff-Love," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Consumerism," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
  • Wellspring of the Gospel, Ordinary 18, Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner, Weekly Wellsprings.
  • "The Parable of the Rich Fool," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
  • "A Different Kind of Riches," Expository Essay, Luke 12:13-21, Dr. William R. Long. Part 2.
    • "The parable tells us about two different kinds of riches--those toward oneself and those toward God. He really doesn't give lots of wiggle room to those who think they can do both in life--pursue one's own economic fortune and be rich toward God at the same time."
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Luke 12:13-21, Wesley White. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
    • "Jesus tells a story intended to revive our thoughtfulness regarding life beyond simply our life."
  • "Parable of the Rich Fool," Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, JesusWalk: Disciple Lessons from Luke's Gospel.
    • "If a jury of your peers were to examine your life and bank accounts and every action, would they believe that you are strongly motivated (even primarily motivated) by money?"
• Articles & Background:
  • "The Rich Fool," wikipedia.
  • "Hazmats or Good Gifts?" Dorothy Jean Weaver, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
    • "Jesus' striking parables on wealth in the Gospel of Luke paint a vivid portrait of the two-sided impact of money and possessions on our lives."
  • "The Tension between Poverty and Possessions in the Gospel of Luke," John Sheila Galligan, Spirituality Today, Spring 1985.
    • "No fanatic about renunciation of possessions, Jesus nevertheless warned us that they could hinder our being open to the Kingdom and that we have to use them for others welfare."
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.
  • Carter, Kenneth H., Jr., "Off the Treadmill," The Christian Century, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Curkpatrick, Stephen, "Parable Metonymy and Luke's Kerygmatic Framing," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Davis, David A., "Treasures and Abundance: Preaching the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)," Word & World, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Dillon, Richard J., "Ravens, Lilies, and the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:25-33 / Luke 12:22-31), The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Malherbe, Abraham J., "The Christianization of a TOPOS (Luke 12:13-34)," Novum Testamentum, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Orr, Mary C., "Between Text & Sermon - Luke 12:13-23," Interpretation, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Sellew, Philip, "Interior Monologue as a Narrative Device in the Parables of Luke," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Stacy, R. Wayne, "Luke 12:13-21: The Parable of the Rich Fool," Review & Expositor, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Stegman, Thomas D., S.J., "Reading Luke 12:13-34 as an Elaboration of Chreia: How Hermogenes of Tarsus Sheds Light on Luke's Gospel," Novum Testamentum, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Taylor, Barbara Brown, "Treasure Hunt: Luke 12:13-21, Interpreting Text, Movie and Congregation," Review & Expositor, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wood, Lawrence, "A Lot of Junk," The Christian Century, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Reviews:
  • Review: Jacob Neusner, Rabbinic Literature and the New Testament: What We Cannot Show We Do Not Know. (Trinity Press International, 1994) Reviewed by J. Duncan M. Derrett in Higher Critical Review. 
  • Metzger, James A., Consumption and Wealth in Luke's Travel Narrative. Brill, 2007. Review by Kenneth Litwak, Review of Biblical Literature, 2008.
• Sermons:
  • "On Securing the Soul," Mary Hinkle Shore, Pilgrim Preaching, 2010.
  • "The Rich Fool," Alyce McKenzie, Patheos, 2010.
  • "This Very Day, Our Lives Are Being Demanded," Catherine A. Caimano, Faith and Leadership, 2007.
  • "Why Jesus Called A Man A Fool," the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • "A Gospel for Hard Times," John Killinger, 30 Good Minutes, Chicago Sunday Evening Club, 2009.
  • "When God Won't Stop Love, We Shouldn't Either," the Rev. John Thomas, Day 1, 2004.
  • "Possessed by Possessions," 1 August 2004, David Zersen, Goettinger Predigten: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Sermon on Luke 12:13-21," 1 August 2004, Samuel Zumwalt, Goettinger Predigten: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Then What?" John Jewell, 1998.
  • "Beating Inflation -- God's Way," John Jewell, 2001.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily
    • Ordinary 18, 2007
    • Ordinary 18, 2004
    • Ordinary 18, 2001
• With Children:
  • "A Fool and His Money," children's sermon, coloring page. Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons 4 Kids.
  • "Rich Fool," Fr. Max Bowers, Kid's Church.
  • "A Rich Man Behaves Like a Fool," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "New Clothes," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
• Drama:
  • "Rich Fool," Jane and Mark Lewis, Potted Jam.
  • "The Rich Fool," Edgar Mayer, dramatix.
  • "What's Your Plan?" Mike Orlowski, dramatix.
  • "Get a Life!" John McNeil, dramatix.
  • "Choosing a Future," Greg Brook, dramatix.
  • "Prayer Sketches," Trevor Fletcher, dramatix.
  • "The Mouse and the Money," adapted by Michelle Pitman from a fable by James Thurbur. Dramatix.
  • "The Day Perception Met Reality," Glenn A. Hascall, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Luke 12:15, Luke 12:19, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 12:13-21, Luke 12:13-21 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Luke 12:13-21 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Original Hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette: If I Had Only Known, Tune: LEONI 6.6.8.4.D. Copyrighted by the Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, who are happy to give permission to churches and study groups to reprint the hymn (see attachment) for worship.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Parables
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
• Find Worship Resources & Suggested Other Readings for use with this text:
  • Proper 13C/Ordinary 18C
  • Thanksgiving A (Roman Catholic)
  • Thanksgiving B (Roman Catholic)
  • Thanksgiving C (Roman Catholic)
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Luke
• Reviews:
• With Children:
• Drama: