Tell Him To Share

“Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.”  But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?”  Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.””  Luke 12:13-15

What do you do when a family member dies and leaves his whole estate to someone other than you?  Should you ask for your fair share?

When Jesus was asked this question, Jesus did not give the answer that the one who asked wanted.  Instead He pointed out that life is more than possessions.  An abundance of possessions does not mean a good life.  What if this man’s brother begrudgingly gave Him part of the inheritance?  Odds are the giver would resent the receiver for his greed and the receiver would not think he was given enough.  Two brothers would be divided over a dead man’s decision and perhaps end up not speaking to one another.

Jesus knew where greed rules, love dies.  Our family relationships are more important than anything money can buy.  Sometimes we need to forgive and forget things which we and others had no control over.