The Man Who Built Bigger Barns
Based on Luke 12:16–21
There was once a rich farmer whose land produced an abundant harvest. His fields were overflowing with grain, and he had gathered so much that his barns could not contain it all.
He looked across his prosperous fields and thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have nowhere to store all my crops.”
The farmer already possessed more than enough, yet he never considered sharing with the poor, helping the hungry, or giving thanks to God. Instead, he made plans for himself alone.
“I know what I will do,” he declared. “I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones. There I will store all my grain and possessions. Then I will say to my soul, ‘You have plenty laid up for many years. Take life easy—eat, drink, and be merry.’”
The man believed that his wealth had secured his future. He had prepared larger barns, but he had not prepared his soul. He had planned for many years upon the earth, but he had made no preparation for eternity.
That very night, God spoke to him:
“Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”
—Luke 12:20
Before another sunrise, the rich man’s life was over. His barns remained full, but his hands were empty. Everything he had worked for was left behind for someone else.
There are no pockets in a burial shroud. We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. Houses, land, money and possessions may be useful during our lifetime, but they cannot purchase salvation or follow us into eternity.
Jesus concluded the story with this solemn warning:
“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
—Luke 12:21
It is not wrong to work, save or prepare wisely for the future. The farmer’s great mistake was that he prepared only for this world. He trusted his possessions, lived entirely for himself and forgot the God who had given him everything.
Earthly barns will eventually become empty, but treasures laid up in heaven will never fade away. Be generous, serve the Lord, care for others and trust in the finished work of Christ. Prepare for tomorrow—but above all, prepare to meet your God.
You cannot take your earthly treasures with you, but you can send treasure ahead by living faithfully for Jesus.
God is a Good God
God Knows God Loves God Cares
30/08/2026
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