Bible Stories for Adults

The Parable of the Foolish Rich Man

Luke 12:13-34

Next Week - Jesus Heals Ten People with Leprosy (Luke 17:11-19)
Bible Words to Remember:
Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. ... Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:15, 32

Besides His powers, what attracted people to Jesus that was evident from His childhood?
Luke 2:47, 52
What happened when the Jewish leaders tried to use His reputation for wisdom against Him?
Luke 20:20, 26, 39-40
Why were they unable to trap Him in a bad answer to a difficult question?
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Besides the Jewish leaders who tried to trap Him, did anyone else come to hear Jesus' wisdom?
Luke 15:1

What request of Jesus' wisdom prompted the story in today's lesson?
Luke 12:13
How did Jesus wisely respond to this request?
Luke 12:14
The term man was a severe form of address. Where else do we see this word used?
Luke 22:58-60

Why was the man wrong in looking for Jesus' wisdom in this question?
Numbers 27:8-11
Should there ever be a question about how an inheritance should be given?
Deuteronomy 21:15-17
Note: First-born received a double share of the inheritance

Using Israel and the land as an example, what did people have to do to get their inheritance?
Leviticus 20:24
Didn't the Israelites have to fight the Canaanites to get their inheritance?
Deuteronomy 4:37-38
What condition did God have in His covenant for the Israelites to keep their inheritance?
Deuteronomy 6:13-15

What inheritance do we have as part of God's new covenant through Jesus?
Hebrews 9:15
Where will we receive our eternal inheritance?
1 Peter 1:3-4
Do we need to be as good as we can to receive this inheritance?
Galatians 3:17-18
How do we know that we will receive this inheritance?
Ephesians 1:13-14
What great Old Testament prophet understood the importance of the inheritance of the Spirit?
2 Kings 2:9

Why was Jesus so bothered by this man's request?
Luke 12:15
With all of the other sins displayed around Him, why would Jesus be so upset at seeing greed?
Colossians 3:5
How important is it to God that His people avoid greed, or covetousness?
Exodus 20:17
Why is the idolatry of greed such a horrible sin to be avoided?
Ephesians 5:5

How could simple greed keep someone from going to heaven?
Luke 16:13
Is there any way for a greedy person to be saved?
Acts 3:19
How easy is it for someone to turn from greed?
Luke 18:24-25
Does this mean it is impossible to be rich and go to heaven?
Luke 18:26-27

What story did Jesus then tell to make sure the people understood His point?
Luke 12:16-20
How does this story fit with Jesus' message on greed? (Reread with emphasis on I and my)
Luke 12:16-19
How does God show this rich farmer that his wealth is a foolish god?
Luke 12:20
Is Jesus here saying that it is wrong to be wealthy and to prepare for the future?
Luke 12:21

How does this rich farmer fit a description David gave of an evil man?
Psalm 52:7
Do only rich or cut-throat people need to hear this lesson?
Matthew 10:37-38
What treasures should the rich farmer have stored?
Matthew 6:19-20
Why would treasures in heaven be so secure?
Matthew 6:21

What should we remember when we are tempted to store treasures on earth?
1 Timothy 6:7
There are no pockets in a shroud. You don't see a U-Haul behind a hearse.
How much earthly treasures should it take to make us content?
1 Timothy 6:8
What did Jesus say after the parable that tells how much we should worry about these needs?
Luke 12:22-31
Besides giving us these things, what more valuable thing has God given us?
Luke 12:32

What about all of the people who aren't content with food and clothing and want to get rich?
1 Timothy 6:9
Will going to church every week keep up out of this trap?
Matthew 13:22
Is this because money is so evil?
1 Timothy 6:10

What if we have more than basic needs? Do we need to get rid of our material wealth?
1 Timothy 6:17
What should we remember about our wealth?
Acts 17:24-25

Why might God bless us with material blessings and wealth?
Genesis 12:2
How does Paul describe this to Timothy?
1 Timothy 6:18
What does this do to the treasures we are storing up?
1 Timothy 6:19

Did Jesus agree that giving from what God gives us can store treasures in heaven
Luke 12:33
Does this mean that we can get to heaven by giving money to others?
Luke 12:34

In conclusion, should we ask to be rich to bless others or to be poor to keep from temptation?
Proverbs 30:7-9
What was the one material request Jesus included in His example of how to pray?
Matthew 6:11

What six reasons does Jesus give why we should not worry about material things?
Luke 12:22-23
Luke 12:24
Luke 12:25-26
Luke 12:27
Luke 12:28
Luke 12:29-30