Episode 092 – Parable of the Rich Fool Pt 3: The Christmas Identity
Key Passage(s): Luke 12:13-21
We are not the sum total of our possessions and accomplishments. Nor are we the sum total of our faults and failures. And yet, we often live as if that’s the case. We believe our worth and our value comes from what we have or what we do. Jesus confronted this toxic perspective in the Parable of the Rich Fool. But even more than that, he obliterated it in his coming at Christmas. And until we’ve understood and embraced the Christmas identity, we’re going to struggle significantly, and miss out on one of the most foundational and freeing truths in life.
Discussion Questions
- What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
- Where are you seeing yourself as the sum total of your possessions or accomplishments? What about your faults or failures? How so?
- Where do you need to be reconciled anew? Are there any relationships in your life that you might consider reconciling this Christmas season? How could you do that?
- What might need to be reconciled in your life with God this Christmas season?
- How will you begin living out the truths of this teaching this week?
For Further Study
- Stories With Intent by Klyne Snodgrass – Pages 117-143
- Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes (Combined Ed.) by Kenneth Bailey – Chapter 4 in Through Peasant Eyes
- Jesus, The Middle Eastern Storyteller by Gary M. Burge – Chapter 7
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Brad as always thank you for this teaching. It’s funny I struggle with my abilities, such as memorization, speaking scripture etc…. Always know others can do it better. I have never taken a verse to speak on your trips as I didn’t want to “mess up” God’s word. This made me think it is ok to not be as “smart” as others just be who God created. Who knows on the Turkey trip I might just take a verse! Merry Christmas to you and your family. I know they are a great part of who you are so thank you all for what you do for His kingdom. Sue
Thank you, Sue. And yes, Turkey … Scripture card 🙂
Thank you for your teachings. We have been brain washed in thinking our self worth lies in our accomplishments, successes, wealth, power, failures and faults and so on. We are bombarded by those kinds of messages. Thank God for His love and forgiveness. We must be on guard and love and live out God’s word.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Donna.