Rich in Stuff, Broke in Soul — June 27 [Description]Overview of the Passage:While Jesus is teaching profound spiritual truths to His followers, a man interrupts Him to demand help settling a personal financial dispute over an inheritance. This moment reveals the man’s selfish motives—he sees Jesus not as Savior, but as someone to leverage for personal gain. Jesus refuses to be sidetracked from His mission, highlighting instead that true life isn’t measured by material wealth. He warns against covetousness through a parable of a rich man who hoarded goods but died before enjoying them, ultimately possessing nothing that mattered eternally. Christ’s message is clear: focus on eternal realities, not temporary riches. Only the gospel has the power to heal the selfish human heart. 365D 178

Spirit of Prophecy Reading 365D 178

Christ’s Object Lessons pp.252-255: 365D 178.1

This chapter is based on Luke 12:13-21. 365D 178.2

Christ was teaching, and, as usual, others besides His disciples had gathered about Him. He had been speaking to the disciples of the scenes in which they were soon to act a part. They were to publish abroad the truths He had committed to them, and they would be brought in conflict with the rulers of this world. For His sake they would be called into courts, and before magistrates and kings. He had assured them of wisdom which none could gainsay. His own words, that moved the hearts of the multitude, and brought to confusion His wily adversaries, witnessed to the power of that indwelling Spirit which He had promised to His followers. 365D 178.3

But there were many who desired the grace of heaven only to serve their selfish purposes. They recognized the marvelous power of Christ in setting forth the truth in a clear light. They heard the promise to His followers of wisdom to speak before rulers and magistrates. Would He not lend His power for their worldly benefit? 365D 178.4

“And He spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall these things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” 365D 178.5