Beware Of Covetousness, Part I

"Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (1)

Someone from the crowd asked Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me" (2). Jesus responded, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" Then He said to the crowd, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."

As usual, Jesus was speaking to His disciples and others who had gathered around Him. There were those who desired the grace of heaven for their souls salvation and there were many others who desired the obvious power and grace of Christ only to serve their selfish purposes. They recognized the marvelous power of Christ in the miracles of healing that He performed and His ability to speak the truth so clearly. Would He not lend His power for their worldly benefit?

God had given directions concerning inheritance of property through Moses. The oldest son was to receive a double portion of the father's estate (3), while the younger brothers were to share alike. This man believes that his brother has defrauded him of his inheritance. His own efforts have failed to secure what he regards as his own, but if Christ will intercede, his end will surely be gained.

In the midst of solemn instruction that Jesus was giving, this man had revealed his selfish motivation. He could appreciate the ability of Jesus to work for the advancement of his own temporal affairs; but spiritual truths had not taken hold of his heart. Gaining of the inheritance was absorbing his mind. "Jesus, the King of glory, who was rich, yet for our sake became poor, was opening to him the treasures of divine love. The Holy spirit was pleading with him to become an heir of the inheritance that is 'incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.' (4) He had seen evidence of the power of Christ. Now the opportunity was his to speak to the great Teacher, to express the desire uppermost in his heart. But like the man with the muck rake in Bunyan's allegory, his eyes were fixed on the earth. He saw not the crown above his head. Like Simon Magus, he valued the gift of God as a means of worldly gain." (5)

1. Luke 12:15.
2. Luke 12:13.
3. Deut. 21:17.
4. 1 Peter 1:4.
5. Christ's Object Lessons, p. 253.