Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

Analyse a particular section of scriptural text with reference to its literary form and relationship to the biblical text as a whole and discuss the way in which it informs your practice. In this essay I will be analysing Luke 12: 13-21, also known as The Parable of the Rich Fool. Luke, as a person, is widely known as a physician and the travelling companions of Paul or Saul. However, reading his writings and looking at historical findings, shows him to have a keen interest in the Synagogue, appearing to be at home with Hebrew Scriptures and their Greek translations, although historians believe he was a Gentile. Luke used Marks gospel as a guide to writing his own book, and, although Matthews gospel is similar, both Luke and Matthew wrote their books independently of each other. All of Lukes writings are synoptic, giving us Jesus life as accurately as possible. As well as writing a gospel, Luke also wrote the book of Acts, seemingly wanting them to be read as two halves to one book, rather than two separate books, as they are now. It is also said that Luke wrote Pauls letters when his eyesight began to fail in his old age. According to C.A. Evans, author of New International Biblical Commentary1, the book of Luke is a very synoptic piece of writing, closest in style to that of the Ancient Greek classical writers, a great example of this is Luke 1: 1-14. Evans (2002:6) also talks of Luke having traces of a subtle sense of humour, but believes it appears more in the book of Acts, than in Lukes gospel.

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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

As well as this, Evans 1 believes that Luke sets the same amount of importance by the Old Testament as he does by Marks original writings. _________________________________ When I first read Luke 12:13-21, I noticed that, as a parable, it is heavily concerned with the evils of greed, selfishness and materialism, as well as talking about being ready when the time comes. Lukes retelling of the parable itself does not quote or make reference to the Old Testament, or to Q (a source unknown to historians or theologians), making a change to Lukes classical style of writing. This appears to be the same with all the parables in Lukes gospel, perhaps because all the parables used are a direct quotation, or as near as, to what Jesus said in their original capacity. Therefore, Luke perhaps felt that trying to keep his writings as accurate as possible would be a fairer testament to the work Jesus did. _________________________________ In verses thirteen and fourteen, a man asks Jesus to demand his brother to divide his inheritance equally between them. Seemingly indignant at this demanding of him power, which, at the time the synagogues and rabbis had. Jesus mission is too urgent and too important for a task that just as easily could be settled by a Rabbi. (Evans: 2002:196) However, Jesus, although seemingly indignant about what had been asked of him, he out of concern for fair and proper division of the inheritance (2002:196), continued by telling the story of the rich fool (verses 15 to 21)
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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

The parable that follows tells us a story about a rich man, who having had a plentiful harvest, decides that to store all his produce he will tear down his existing barns, and build bigger ones. The idea of barns alludes again to this mans riches, people that could afford barns rather than store houses in which to store their produce, were very wealthy. After doing this, the man says to himself to 19And Ill say to myself, You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.(2006:1745) However doing this displeases God, who brands him a fool, and teaches him a lesson by demanding his life that very day. God does this to show the rich man that the only people enjoying his material wealth after his death are those who are still alive, proving to the man that material wealth will gain you nothing, if you are not rich towards God. The rich man in the parable is selfish and greedy, thinking only of himself, and how his wealth would affect him, instead of sharing his harvest with those around him, so that everyone had plenty and everyone would be equal. The Parable of the Rich Fool strikes a chord with those whom Jesus is teaching. He is asked to divide an inheritance, yet tells a story about the evils of being rich towards only you and not being rich towards God. If Jesus was to be believed, then he wanted his students to take their wealth and share it, so that everyone had enough. It was believed that riches were a gift from God and that the people receiving those riches deserved them, so why would God want them to share them with those who had been deemed not worthy by God? Jesus wanted his disciples and the crowds who gathered around him to think about what God really wanted, and what it really took to get into heaven. Having riches was all well and good,

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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

but Jesus wanted them to be used in a responsible way e.g. to help those in need, not to show off with. I believe that Jesus wanted the man mentioned in the parable to be comparable to those he was teaching; for them to see something of themselves in the rich fool. Even though the rich fool was rich in produce, Jesus wanted it apply to all types of riches in all situations. Using the parable to tell the crowd that if they wanted an abundance waiting for them in heaven, then they needed to learn that generosity and selflessness with their riches, sharing with those around them out of love and not because they wanted to look good, because those riches seen as worldly and materialistic, if shared out for the wrong reasons, and not out of love, will only count against them in the kingdom of heaven and/or on judgement day, because it is what was in that persons heart and soul that truly counted, not what they had here on earth. In the nine verses following the parable, after teaching the crowd, Jesus withdraws to talk to the disciples alone. He tells them that there is no need to worry about were food, clothing and shelter will come from, reminding them of the Ravens 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. (Barker 2006:1746) Jesus uses Ravens and Lilies in comparison to the disciples to show them that, as a creator God, he cares for the smallest and seemingly most insignificant of his creations, knows everything about them and will always provide for and protect them. They, as Gods children, are more valuable than all of these, and they should never forget this. They are told that the rest of the world may worry, but they do not have to, 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.(Barker 2006:1746)
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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

_________________________________ Throughout Lukes' gospel, Jesus has to remind his disciples, just as we have to be reminded to have faith, not in him, but in God. Evans believes that Jesus wants his disciples to be guided by interests other than the worldly, material ones (Barker 2002:196) To worry less about how they will live day-to-day life in the material world, because God will provide them with all they need. In return God asks the disciples to concentrate on spreading his word. Jesus uses all of this discourage his disciples from being materialistic and from worrying. To be different from those around them, to set themselves apart from those who did not believe, by living in a different way, just as the Jews were asked to set themselves apart when they were brought out of Egypt in the Old Testament (Exodus 19) _________________________________ As a person who works for the church, I see the need for money every day; buildings in need of repair, kitchens without sufficient capacity to cope with the work we do. But we need to constantly remind ourselves that Jesus, creator of the very first Christian church, didnt have a building in which to teach, but this didnt matter, because he constantly saw the need of people. He didnt solve this by throwing money at it, but, by showing love, kindness and caring. All churches have money, whether they have a little or a lot, and many Churches support mission projects and charities around the world such as Project Ruth and Christian Aid. The church is trying to use Jesus ministry literally, giving to others so they, in turn, receive, not now, but in heaven. With many churches it is hard to establish whether do this out of love of
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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

people, love of God or simply because they feel they have to. However, the Bible tells us in Matthew 6:24, we are told, No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.(2006:1620) The church uses money every day, but could we, as churches, be depending on money too much, and losing sight of what we want to achieve in our church, in our wider community, the country we live in and the world? When Jesus talks of riches, he doesnt just mean monetary wealth, but wealth in talent, ministry and in many others. Jesus wants us to share all of this with the world, by using our talents to serve him. For example, imagine someone from the church, who has the ability to help within the churches worship, but wasnt sure where to start, what would you do? Would you encourage them and help them to share their amazing ability with the church, showing them the love of Jesus, and helping them to begin creating their treasure in heaven, or would you leave them to flounder, not wanting to risk them becoming materialistic and selfish in the use of their talents? Paul solves this problem to an extent, when he wrote his first letter to Timothy, the leader of the church in Ephesus. In chapter four, Paul gives instructions and the reasons for them, verse fourteen states, in apparent reaction to neglected gifts, with rule and teachings on selflessness being taken literally, rather than seeing good and nurturing it, Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy, when the body of elders laid hands on you (2006:2034) Ministry is also something that we need to make sure we dont hoard. As Christians, we are gifted with ministers who spend their lives giving their time to us, their congregations,
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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

selflessly and willingly, so that we can be taught. Jesus did this, not only for his disciples, but for the community around him, and, ultimately, the world. This is something Jesus wants us to think about when we hear the story of the Parable of The Rich Fool. He does not want us to store up our ministers passion and knowledge for him, he wants us to share it with the community we live in, and ultimately, the world. In Matthew 28:19 20 Jesus says 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (2006:1665) We cannot do what Jesus commanded of us if we hoard our minister and/or those gifted in ministry. In the same way that we need to share our faith ministry, we need to share our ministry with those in the community that surrounds our churches and home groups. What if it didnt help the community? How would we make links with our surrounding area if we stored up the energy and passion of our church and kept it in the church building and within ourselves and did not share our facilities, knowledge, caring and experience? The church would disintegrate, decrease and become insular, isolated and unapproachable, an island separated from a linked and accessible society, developing prejudice in both directions. To avoid this, we need to follow the ideas set out in another of Jesus parables, the Parable of the Sower. We cannot be selective about where we sow the seeds, we need to sow our sides far and wide in our community, letting the seeds fall, not just on the good and fertile soil, but on the hard path, the rocky ground and the ground covered with thorns and weeds. How Can I Apply This Now?
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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

Luke 12:13-21, at the time it was written, was used to teach, as I have already mentioned, about the evils of setting store in material goods, and things seen as important or that showed wealth. Taking Luke 12:13-21 and applying it now would mean using the same content, but putting it into the context of todays world. Children and young people are not affected by riches from produce, but by the riches of technology. In the 21st century, technology appears to be at the centre of all we do, and many, if not all, children come into contact with some form of technology everyday of their lives. To many of them having a mobile phone, MP3 player and access to a computer and the internet, is not out of the ordinary. However, many, if not all children and young people, know that there are people all around the world who do not have access to the technology the way they do, and some do not even have enough to eat or drink. We see advertising almost every day telling us that there are others who need our help, but often do not respond to them, thinking that we, as one small person, cannot make a difference. The parable of the rich fool shows Jesus teaching us that if we are rich towards those around us, then we are also rich towards God, and is storing ourselves up eternal treasure in Heaven, but how do we teach this to the children and young people within our churches and our wider communities? We need to start by teaching the children we work with that money isnt everything, and that material possessions mean nothing, no matter how much money they have, or how big their house is. We need to teach them that a heart for God is as valuable to a person spiritually, as any amount of money is to a person who cares for material goods and wealth.

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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

A love for God and a deeper yearning for his teachings are the best foundation we can give any child we work with, in any situation we work with them in, whether that be within our toddler groups, our junior churches, our church services and those we work with on a one-toone basis. By showing them Gods love, and nurturing them, by walking alongside them in their faith journey, answering their questions, and being there when they stray or fall and allowing them to make mistakes for themselves. If we dont do this, and do as the rich man did, and store up wealth which doesnt really exist, then we are not being true to the teachings of Jesus and the work he was trying to do in the world. We need to share our own faith journeys with them, show them where we made mistakes, or had problems, or needed support, and do everything we can to support them. We cant store up our wealth of knowledge in our own hearts and heads, we will not gain anything from this, but if we share our knowledge and experience with them, we can store up our eternal treasure in heaven, safe in the knowledge that we have made one small step in helping those children with their faith journeys. Sometimes, we choose not to share our faith with those around us, thinking that it wont do any good, that no one will listen, that the story will fall on deaf ears, we have no rational reason to think this or to doubt ourselves. Jesus sent his disciples out into the world, in the same way he was sent. We need to remember that we are also being sent into the world, to show the love of Jesus, and we cant do this without sharing what we have. If we went out into the world to show Jesus love, but kept everything to ourselves, then we would not achieve anything.

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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

In Conclusion... In summary, Luke 12:13-21, or the Parable of the Rich Fool, not only includes teaching about selflessness and the storing up of material goods, but teaches us about working in our churches, our communities, and by doing this, affecting our wider world. We not only need to share our knowledge, passion and love of God with those around us, but with the younger generation, so they, in turn, can share what they have learnt about God with others. Without this, the church will become insular and backward facing, instead of looking forward. Jesus Parable of the Rich Fool, talks about not only our love, but sharing that love with others. Without love we will not go anywhere, in faith, or in life.

Bibliography
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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.

Student Name: Amieclaire Gold Student Number: 10007060

Module Title: Biblical Studies Module Number: YCW101

C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary (5th Printing), Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. E. Earle Ellis (2003) the Gospel of Luke, Eugene, Wipf & Stock Publishers Joseph A. Fitzmyer (2000) Gospel According to Luke 10-24, New York, The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group Ed: Kenneth L. Barker, (2006) TNIV Study Bible, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan

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C.A. Evans (2002) New International Biblical Commentary, (5th Printing) Peabody, Massachusetts:

Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.