The Parable of the Rich Fool
Lesson: Jesus is all we need
1. Story
- Tell the story based on Luke 12:13-21; 32-34
- Once there were two brothers. Their daddy had died and left some money, and they both were fighting over it. They came to Jesus to complain about how to divide up what their father had given them.
- Jesus reminded them that our life is not measured by how many possessions or money we have. “Because your true life is not made up of the things you own, no matter how rich you may be.” (Luke 12:14)
- He tells us a story of a rich man who had big harvest from his land. When he ran out of space to keep his crops, he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones. He thought, “If I keep all these for myself, I don’t have to worry about what I will eat or drink for many, many years. I can now enjoy life.” But one night, he died. And he couldn’t bring any of the crops or money with him.
2. Lesson: Good News for Today!
- Do these stories sound familiar? Do we fight and cry and complain when someone else gets more toys or candies than us? Do we try to hoard all we have instead of sharing? Why is that? We always want more toys, more candy, more stuff. We’re afraid someone else will take our share. We’re afraid we won’t have enough.
- The good news is: We don’t have to be like this rich man, or the two brothers. We don’t have to fight over things or keep things for ourselves. We don’t have to chase after stuff – toys, sweets, games, money etc. These things don’t last. And we can’t bring them with us when we die.
- But Jesus is our source. He is our everything. When we have Jesus, we don’t have to worry about not having enough. We don’t have to worry about people taking our things. We don’t have to worry about others having more than us. Because when we have Jesus, we have everything!
- When we have Jesus, we can give what we have generously to others because we know we will never lack. When we have Jesus, He provides all we need. And no one can take Him away from us forever. (Luke 4:33)
- Memory Verse: Luke 12:32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
3. Activity Ideas
- Make bookmark/simple craft with the words, “I can share and give because Jesus has given me everything.”
- Break into groups and get them to share: What is one thing God has blessed me with and how can I bless someone with it?
