Interrupted By Greed

A man once interrupted Jesus because of his greed. In Luke 12 Jesus was talking about God’s wonderful care and provision for us, “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows” (vs. 6,7).

Jesus went on to speak of God’s care even in the midst of persecution and how the Holy Spirit would help them. Just then, the greedy fellow spoke up, “And someone in the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me’” (vs. 13). Never mind what Jesus was teaching, he wanted the Savior to help him get his money. 

The worldly and carnal life is one of infinite dissatisfaction, always wanting more, and taking from or before others to get it. J.D. Rockefeller was once asked how much money it took to satisfy. He reportedly said, “Just a little more.” 

We should never consult our greed when considering what to do, what to take, what to buy, what to share, or what we think others should do for us. Greed is a terrible career counselor, family counselor, relationship coach, and pastor. So Jesus said, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (vs. 15).