LESSON: KINDNESS is sharing what we have.
Memory Verse:
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” – Hebrews 13:16
BIBLE STORY: The Parable of the Rich Fool
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What did the rich man have? (an abundant harvest)
- What was the rich man’s problem? (he needed a bigger barn)
- What was his plan? (to tear down his barns and build bigger ones)
- Why was that his plan? (He wanted to have enough grain stored so he would not have to work anymore. Instead, he will simply relax and enjoy himself.)
- What happened to the rich man? (God took his life that very night.)
- Who benefitted from the rich man’s abundant harvest? (definitely not the rich man)
- What is the purpose of God’s blessing for us? Is it only for our own benefit and enjoyment?
READ: 2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
GOD’S PURPOSE FOR HIS BLESSINGS
The rich man’s problem was that he only thought of himself. He clearly had more than enough for himself, but it did not occur to him to consider sharing his abundant harvest to anybody. This is not the attitude of a man with a kind heart.
A kind person does not only think of his or her own needs. Instead, a person shows kindness by sharing what he or she has. Whether it is for one’s own family or friends, and especially to those who are poor an unable to return the favor. The Bible shows us that God’s purpose for blessing abundantly is so we can be a channel of his blessings to others. If we are blessed with a lot and we only want to keep it for ourselves, then we have failed to use it for its purpose.
The parable of the rich fool is a reminder to us it is He who gives blessings, our generous and awesome God. Therefore, it is only fitting that we find and fulfill his purpose for the blessings He has graciously given us. We can ask God for wisdom in how to manage His blessings and as we follow His lead then we are able to please Him. It is a sign of our respect and gratitude for the blessings we receive.
