Rembrandt's The Parable of the Rich Fool

Rembrandt’s The Parable of the Rich Fool (1627), also known as The Money Changer, draws from Jesus' parable in Luke 12:16-21. In this story, a wealthy man plans to store his surplus in larger barns, believing he can live in comfort for years. But God calls him a "fool" for focusing on earthly riches over spiritual wealth, taking his life that very night.

Rembrandt’s painting captures the rich man lit by candlelight as he inspects his wealth—coins and ledgers before him. The towering stack of books symbolizes his worldly knowledge and wealth, as books were rare and costly in Rembrandt’s time, representing status and a constant pursuit of knowledge.

Yet, despite his wealth and intellect, the man is spiritually bankrupt. The chaotic stack hints at his misplaced priorities and the futility of trusting in material security.

The dim lighting emphasizes his isolation and hidden anxiety, masked by pride in his possessions. Unaware his time is nearly over, he clings to the false promise of wealth. Through his masterful use of light and shadow,

Rembrandt communicates the moral of the scene: the fleeting nature of riches and the danger of greed, revealing the vanity of pursuing earthly treasures while neglecting one’s soul.

When you hear the phrase “rich toward God”, what comes to mind? Surely it doesn’t mean making God rich. Is it about us becoming rich so we can give? Or maybe, it’s an invitation to something much bigger. In the new Rich Toward God study, FaithFi has created a way for you to explore and reflect on a well-known biblical parable about a very rich man with a very big problem. __Purchase a copy of the Rich Toward God study by going to Faithfi.com/Shop. __