The Living Word: A Daily Devotional with Jeff & Dale from The Jenkins Institute

Addressing the problem of greed, Jesus told a parable about a

selfish, rich farmer who had produced an abundant harvest but had

insufficient storage space. “And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear

down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my

grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have

ample goods laid up f

We should be cautious about mocking anyone. Mockery is usually

hurtful. Belittling another person is just not a very nice thing to do!

(See Jesus’ warning about this in Matthew 5:22.)

The pleasure principle seems to permeate modern life. “Enjoy

yourself.” “Have fun.” “Have a great day!” These are things that are

said when we share plans with friends or family. Except for Sesame

Street’s Oscar the Grouch, who would ever desire that we have a

rotten day?

We love productive people! Those who get things done and make things

happen are admired in our culture. There is something to be said for

those who can marry opportunities and abilities to create something of

value. Jesus once told a parable about a productive man.

Two years into His earthly ministry, Jesus faced increasing scrutiny and

criticism from the Jewish religious leaders, yet multitudes followed Him

because of His teaching and service to the people. In Luke 12, Jesus

warned the people that the Pharisees’ negative influence would be

detrimental to them. He reminded them that there is no need to fear

those leaders because God is sovereign and has ultimate power over life

and death.

God is far greater than the homeowner who provides for the

physical needs of his friend’s friend (I hope you followed that). God

will give greater gifts (Luke 11:13) and is never inconvenienced. He

desires us to ask, seek, knock—repeatedly if need be (Luke 11:8).

But I would like to dive deeper and elevate the courage of the

homeowner who reconsidered his initial denial, coming back to

help in the end.

The friend who came to ask for help requested three loaves of

bread, “Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has

arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him” (Luke

11:5-6, ESV). The three loaves may not have a specific meaning,

but they represent a sincere request for a physical need. It was

culturally shameful to host someone in your home without

anything to offer the guest. There was an urgent physical need that

needed to be filled. But could there be more?

Midnight in the parable represents the inconvenient and/or

desperate moments of life. The unexpected events, horrific tragedy,

or moments of feeling lost. Jesus elevates the disciples’ need to go

to God in all things, at all times, with all desperation. Think about

it, it’s not possible to inconvenience the God who created time!

Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray by teaching about the

God to whom they pray.

In this powerful parable, a man knocks on the door of his friend’s house

at midnight. That man had a friend who came to town and is staying at

his house but he has no bread to offer the traveling friend. That man goes

to his friend at midnight and asks for bread. The homeowner was

astounded because of how late it was and turned his friend away.

However, because of the friend’s “impudence,” the homeowner gave his

friend what he needed.

I got to put together my 2-year-old daughter’s Little Tikes

playhouse that her Pops and Beppa bought for her. It only had 4

walls, two connecting roof pieces, and a door—all made of pink and

purple pieces of plastic. And for the record, I can build. I have

power tools. I have a sliding compound miter saw. I make the wood

work, yes, I say it that way on purpose. I can piece together some

plastic walls for my toddler. Who needs instructions? Not this guy!

At least, I thought I could.