The Parable of the Rich Fool, found in Luke 12:13-21, tells the story of a rich man who had an

abundant harvest and decided to tear down his barns to build larger ones to store his goods. He
believed that he could relax and enjoy his wealth for many years to come. However, God spoke to
him, calling him a fool because that very night, his life would be demanded of him, and he would
lose everything he had worked for. The parable warns against greed and materialism and
emphasises the importance of being prepared for one's inevitable death.

The three Worlds of the Text help us to understand the meaning and purpose of the parable of the
rich fool. The first world, the world behind the text, explores the historical and cultural context in
which the text was written. In this case, the parable was likely told in a society where wealth and
status were highly valued, and the divide between the rich and poor was stark. The parable
challenges these values and urges individuals to focus on the eternal rather than temporary wealth.

The second world, the world of the text, examines the plot, characters, and themes within the text.
The rich man in the parable represents those who prioritise their material possessions over their
relationship with God. The parable illustrates the importance of using one's resources to serve
others and to prepare for the future instead of hoarding wealth for personal gain.

The third world, the world in front of the text, considers the contemporary relevance of the text for
modern-day believers. The parable challenges Christians to consider how they use their resources
and to focus on eternal treasures rather than temporary possessions. It reminds believers that their
lives on earth are fleeting, and they must use their time and resources to serve God and others.

The key characteristics of the text include a focus on greed and materialism and the consequences of
such attitudes. The parable highlights the importance of being prepared for one's inevitable death
and the fleeting nature of wealth. Additionally, the text emphasises the need to use one's resources
to serve God and others rather than to hoard wealth for personal gain.

The key characteristics of the text present understandings of God as a just and righteous God who
values the heart of an individual over their material possessions. The parable suggests that God will
hold individuals accountable for how they use their resources and that those who prioritise their
material possessions over their relationship with God will face consequences.

Foundational beliefs of Christianity are evident within the text, such as the belief in the importance
of serving God and others and the belief in eternal life. The parable also emphasises the importance
of repentance and forgiveness, as the rich man is called a fool for prioritising his possessions over his
relationship with God.

In conclusion, the three Worlds of the Text help us to understand the meaning and purpose of the
parable of the rich fool by exploring the historical and cultural context in which the text was written,
examining the plot, characters, and themes within the text, and considering the contemporary
relevance of the text for modern-day believers. The parable challenges Christians to focus on eternal
treasures rather than temporary possessions and reminds believers of the importance of using their
resources to serve God and others.