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Luke 12:13-21
With thanks to page sponsor:
Rev. Ruth Shaver
Pastor and Teacher The United Church of Schellsburg
United Church of Christ, Schellsburg, Pennsylvania

• 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: NRSV, RSV, 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• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts: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.
  • 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, Elisabeth Johnson, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 20169.
    • "Many who hear this parable, especially in a North American context, may wonder: Why is the rich farmer called a fool?"
  • "Poor Fool," Matthew Skinner, Dear Working Preacher, 2019.
    • "A sermon that will be faithful to a passage like this requires your courage, nuance, and forethought, working preachers."
  • Living by the Word, Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, The Christian Century, 2019.
    • "This is a funny story. We laugh. But we're laughing at ourselves."
  • "Rich Toward God," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2019.
    • "Be brave and wrestle with what this invitation means, becausethe richness we spend on God is the only richness we’ll keep in the end."
  • A Provocation, Richard Swanson, Provoking the Gospel, 2019.
    • "Greed comes down to not seeing the people who are doing all the work."
  • "Lord, Feed the Hungry," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2019.
    • "What we must remember is that if God is to feed the hungry, it will only be accomplished when people do the feeding. Not magically. Not other people. All people."
  • "The Real Tragedy of the Story," Janet H Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2019.
    • "What gifts of God do you find yourself hoarding for later? And where and how and with whom are you able to sort out how they might be putting them to good use now?"
  • "Resisting the Serpentine Whisper," Andrew Prior, 2019. Podcast.
    • "The thing about a second-by-second dependence upon God is that it is our natural state."
  • "Rich Towards God," Anna Macdonald, Ekklesia Project, 2019.
    • "Being rich towards God, then, means acknowledging that God is the provider and source of all resources, which frees us from the 'fruits-of-me' mindset."
  • Commentary, Luke 12:13-21, Meda Stamper, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2016.
    • "The parable of the rich fool (or "barn guy," as I always think of him) at the heart of this week's text illustrates simply and memorably the futility of choices made in isolation from ..."
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2016.
  • Commentary, Luke 12:13-21 | Katie Savage | Writer | A Plain Account, 2016
    • "A woman in a chic yoga outfit with a tiny dog walked by our garage sale, which we were holding on the lawn of a posh little house only four blocks from the beach in Santa Monica. She lingered near us, even though we could tell she was completely uninterested in anything that was for sale."
  • Lectionary Greek, Rob Myallis, 2016.
  • "The Rich Fool and the Saint Francis," Dan Clendenin, Journey with Jesus, 2016.
  • "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry?," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer.
    • "The real solution to seeking our lives in how much stuff we have is to find our lives in the new life that God offers us all. It is a a life of learning that becoming content with God's love turns whatever we have into everything we could ever need."
  • "Profit Sharing," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2016.
  • Commentary, Luke 12:13-21, Elisabeth Johnson, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
    • "The rich farmer is a fool not because he is wealthy or because he saves for the future, but because he appears to live only for himself, and because he believes that he can secure his life with his abundant possessions."
  • "What Money Can and Can't Do," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2013.
    • "It's not about the money. Not in this parable or in life."
  • "Where's Your Treasure?" Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
    • "Doesn't grain eventually rot if not used, if simply stored in silos? What is implied in the words of God to this man?"
  • "Inheritance, Greed, and Living toward God," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
    • "Inheritance was a fundamental part of enabling or ensuring livelihood in ancient cultures. I think we need to let what follows indicate why it is that Jesus is not willing to take on the role of the arbiter in this matter."
  • "Watch Out for Greed!" Pentecost 11, Daniel B. Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2013.
    • "Cassian observed how monks who had renounced great wealth got angry over a small sum or a lost book. Monks who practiced renunciation agreed that the possession of money wasn't the ultimate problem. What mattered most was one's disposition, desires, or attitude. The renunciation of money is an outward sign of the more important inward struggle."
  • "The Rich Man and Me," Janet Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
    • "Do you hear Jesus' story as judment or hope or both?"
  • "Vain Possessions," Andrew Prior, 2013.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Pentecost +11, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • "Trapped by Trappings," Christopher Burkett, Preacher Rhetorica, 2013.
    • "The rich farmer made the mistake of believing that he really possessed his great wealth – stuff love – although Jesus said that the reality was that it possessed him."
  • "Heavenly Minded," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2013.
    • "From Paul's perspective it would seem that those who are the most heavenly minded are those who are able to do the most earthly good."
  • "Wound and Harbor," Larry Patten, 2013.
  • 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 11, 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."
  • "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."
  • "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'."
  • 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 he matter."
  • "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.
  • 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."
  • "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."
• 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. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • 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
• Sermons:
  • "The Liturgy of Abundance," Rev. Luke Powery, Duke University Chapel, 2013.
  • "Generosity as a Way of Life," The Rev. Alberto Cutié (TEC), Day 1, 2013.
  • "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.
  • "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.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily
    • Ordinary 18, 2007
    • Ordinary 18, 2004
    • Ordinary 18, 2001
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Proper 13, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2013.
  • "A Fool and His Money," children's sermon, coloring page. Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons 4 Kids.
  • "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:
  • "Bigger Barns," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette's hymn inspired by Jesus' parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-31). Tune: ABERYSTWYTH 7.7.7.7 D ("Jesus, Lover of My Soul" and "Watchman, Tell Us of the Night").
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • 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
• With Children:
• Drama:

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