Luke 12:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe that it states, ‘carried away by angels’ (Luke 16:22), while here it mentions ‘taken away’; one was seized as a captive, and the other was escorted triumphantly to receive a crown. Word 2 of Lazarus

It is stated that "But God said unto him," not indicating that God conversed with the affluent individual, but rather suggesting that at the moment when the rich man was filled with pride, God addressed him (as the parable indicates). God deems the rich man foolish because he harbored unwise thoughts in his heart, as demonstrated. Every person is vain and misguided, as David observes, "a man is vanity," and the reason for this is that he "gathers, and knows not to whom it shall go" (Psalms 38:7). How can one not realize that the extent of life is solely determined by God, and that no one can dictate the length of their own life?

Oh wealthy individual, you might claim to have ample stores for your harvest, yet where will you find your many years? For according to God's will, your life is but a fleeting breath. As the Lord declares, "Thou foolish man, tonight thy soul shall be required of thee." But what will become of the possessions you have amassed?

As you fixate on worldly matters, your desires have become your master, and you've succumbed to a life of fleshly indulgence. Listen to the title that rightfully belongs to you, a designation not bestowed by any human, but by the Lord Himself: Fool, this very night your life will be demanded of you, and what you have amassed, to whom will it belong? Such a mockery of foolishness is far more severe than everlasting torment!

It is more advantageous for individuals to seek an everlasting inheritance rather than accumulate earthly wealth. The one who collects riches does so in vain, uncertain of their future use, much like the affluent man whose granaries overflowed with produce, as he built storehouses for an abundant yield, unaware for whom he was gathering these treasures. All that belongs to this current age will remain here, and what we amass for our descendants will vanish—possessions that we cannot take with us! Only virtue accompanies the deceased on their journey, and only love will trail behind us, guiding us to celestial realms, preparing the way to eternal dwellings acquired with fleeting wealth that holds no true value.

God addressed him, saying, “Fool, tonight your life will be demanded from you." He spoke this to him in the depths of his conscience, for at that moment, when confronted with mortality, the conscience acknowledges it. Consider how "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15), and recognize that while surplus wealth may bring about anxiety, it does not contribute to the essence of life. To whom will the possessions you have gathered go? For not only will what you have hoarded not belong to you, but it is uncertain whose it will become—whether to an heir, a visitor, a friend, or an adversary—which in itself brings further distress.

In the Gospels, the Lord addresses the greedy individual who, despite the land producing plentiful harvests, contributed nothing to those in need and instead expanded his own storage. He warns, "Madman, in this night thy soul shall be taken from thee: but what thou hast prepared, to whom shall they be" (Luke 12:20). To clarify that this message is not solely aimed at a specific person from that era, He asserts, "So he who gathers to himself, and not to God is rich" (Luke 12:21). Although this wealthy man’s prosperity wasn't built on injustice—since he was not at fault for the fruitful yield of the land—he misused the blessings generously bestowed by God. His lack of generosity resulted in him being unworthy of life, as he failed to share his riches with those in need.

God sternly admonished him, deeming him foolish for prioritizing the temporary pleasures of food, drink, and physical desires over the dignity and eternity of his soul, as if it were merely physical and fleeting. He was foolish for believing himself to be the master of his own life, scheming elaborate plans, yet was abruptly taken from this world that very night, losing his life unexpectedly. He was foolish for failing to comprehend for whom he was collecting his treasures, not realizing that the unpredictability of death would thwart his ambitions. It is crucial to recognize that by 'soul' he referred to demons; hence, it was stated, "they will take away your soul," indicating that those demons will forcibly seize what has been ensnared.

Some individuals, noticing the profound way in which Jesus Christ taught and the significant impact His words had on the listeners, believed that a command from the Lord could persuade his brother to grant him his rightful portion of the inheritance. They thought that by obtaining the Lord’s endorsement, they could confidently make a demand of their sibling, citing Jesus Christ’s authority as justification. However, Christ declined to meet this request, clarifying to the individual that He, the Messiah, did not come to engage in the earthly political and social affairs of humanity. Seizing this moment, He cautioned His audience against greed and the desire for wealth, illustrating His point with the parable of the foolish rich man. This parable contains both an introduction and a conclusion, which clarify its primary message: material riches are incapable of extending one’s earthly existence and hold no value for eternal life.

Envisioning a future filled with countless years of happiness, he passed away that very night. What a fool! Who will inherit what you have amassed? Who shall receive it? This is a consideration that has long occupied the thoughts of many affluent individuals. Even Solomon, reflecting on this matter, lamented, "All is vanity and vexation of spirit! And I hated all my labor in which I toiled under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or foolish? He will manage all my labor in which I toiled and in which I acted wisely under the sun. This is indeed vanity!" (Eccl. 2:17-19). Seneca, in correspondence regarding the abrupt demise of a wealthy friend, remarked: "How absurd it is to plan for life!

Following the Feast of Tabernacles, there was a pause of two months before the next significant Jewish celebration, the Dedication of the Temple. During this time, Christ chose to revisit His homeland of Galilee, finding solace among the familiar landscapes and a small group of believers, allowing His spirit to rejuvenate after the stresses He had faced. His time in Galilee was notable for several original and impactful parables and miracles. These parables reflect His struggles, primarily highlighting the dangerous affection for worldly possessions that can lead one to forget about God and the well-being of the soul.

"God has declared," etc.: this striking contrast between divine revelation and the self-justifying logic of the deluded wealthy man is truly compelling. "Thy soul shall be taken from thee": you will face death. "To whom shall it go?" Your riches will not benefit you, and what purpose will your possessions serve after you are gone? What value do they hold for you?