This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 12:16-21, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once, while Jesus was teaching, a man came up to Him and said, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
But Jesus replied, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, “Be careful and watch out for all kinds of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Jesus then told them a story about a rich man who had a lot of food and crops, but did not know what to do with them. He thought to himself, “I know what I’ll do! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones so I can store all of my stuff and relax, eat, drink, and be merry!”
But God said to him, “You foolish man! You will die tonight, and then what will happen to all your things?”
After telling the story, Jesus explained to the crowd that it’s not a good idea to only care about having a lot of things and not caring about God.
Biblical Lessons
- Life is short and uncertain, so we should focus on things that are eternal and will last forever.
- Our possessions do not define who we are or our value in God’s eyes.
- It’s important to be content with what we have and be thankful for the blessings God has given us.
- We should use our resources to bless others and to further God’s kingdom, rather than hoarding them for ourselves.
Related Stories
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
The Parable of the Wedding Feast
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
God's Big Picture
Traces the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a clear, Christ-centered way.
View on Amazon
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
Explains and defends the doctrines of grace and God's sovereign election from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Trusting God
Encourages believers to trust God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
The Gospel Comes with a House Key
A call to radical, everyday hospitality as a means of gospel witness and discipleship.
View on Amazon
The Universe Next Door
Surveys competing worldviews and contrasts them with the Christian view of reality.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
Religious Affections
Examines the nature of true spiritual experience and the marks of genuine conversion.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon