S4E18: The Parable of the Rich Fool

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In this episode we discuss the parable of the Rich Fool from Luke 12:13-21. Jesus exhorts his followers to steward wealth with sobriety in light of the coming judgment and the age to come. The apocalyptic context of the parable is often overlooked in commentaries, but Jesus’ words to his first-century hearers are just as applicable today as they were then (if not more!). 

Show notes

• The apocalyptic context of the parable (5:54)
• A lack of sobriety concerning the coming judgment – 1 Corinthians 15:32-34; Isaiah 22:12-13; Matthew 24:38 (9:57)
• The rich are oppressing the poor – 1 Enoch 97:3-9; Luke 16:19-31; James 4:13-14; 5:1-6 (18:34)
• Being “rich toward God” – Matthew 6:19-21; Proverbs 19:17; Luke 12:32-34 (23:26)
• The incompatibility of inaugurated eschatology with Jesus’ teachings on money and reward (28:50)
• Modern approaches to the parable (35:19)
• The appropriate response to Jesus’ parable – 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (41:55)