Greed Exposed: Luke 12:13-15
“13) Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14) But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15) Then He said to them, “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.”” Luke 12:13-15
Unfortunately, people often use “God” for selfish means. In this story, a man wanted Jesus to step In and settle a family dispute. He did not believe the family inheritance was settled properly.
Interestingly, Moses had devoted much of his time to settling disputes between people. Significant portions of the Old Testament Law as written by Moses was devoted to Justice and conflict management.
But Jesus never stepped into that role. His mission was to mend the breach between people and God. He came to seek and to save the lost. He aimed at inner change.
Jesus then exposed the root problem of greed within the man. Like so many people, the man measured success and happiness in life by wealth and possessions. He was motivated by greed.
He was so focused on his brother having more than him that he became bitter, jealous and miserable. Getting more wealth was not going to heal his inner problem. Jesus had no part in the man’s religious game.
Sadly, many people use and manipulate people to get things rather than using things to reach people. They then use “God” toward the same selfish end.
But Jesus measured success in life through a totally different lens. He viewed it as a right relationship with God and agape love toward people. This is the opposite of human nature.
This encounter prompted Jesus to tell a parable aimed at exposing greed and hedonism. He prefaced this by saying; “Watch out and beware of every form of greed.” It is intoxicating and blinding.
Greed wears many disguises. It dresses in Justice, fairness, politics, psychology and even religion. It always has a money trial back to self.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“13) Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14) But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15) Then He said to them, “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.”” Luke 12:13-15
Unfortunately, people often use “God” for selfish means. In this story, a man wanted Jesus to step In and settle a family dispute. He did not believe the family inheritance was settled properly.
Interestingly, Moses had devoted much of his time to settling disputes between people. Significant portions of the Old Testament Law as written by Moses was devoted to Justice and conflict management.
But Jesus never stepped into that role. His mission was to mend the breach between people and God. He came to seek and to save the lost. He aimed at inner change.
Jesus then exposed the root problem of greed within the man. Like so many people, the man measured success and happiness in life by wealth and possessions. He was motivated by greed.
He was so focused on his brother having more than him that he became bitter, jealous and miserable. Getting more wealth was not going to heal his inner problem. Jesus had no part in the man’s religious game.
Sadly, many people use and manipulate people to get things rather than using things to reach people. They then use “God” toward the same selfish end.
But Jesus measured success in life through a totally different lens. He viewed it as a right relationship with God and agape love toward people. This is the opposite of human nature.
This encounter prompted Jesus to tell a parable aimed at exposing greed and hedonism. He prefaced this by saying; “Watch out and beware of every form of greed.” It is intoxicating and blinding.
Greed wears many disguises. It dresses in Justice, fairness, politics, psychology and even religion. It always has a money trial back to self.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
