In the Western world inheritances are larger than they have ever been. The general increase in prosperity and especially the significant rise in the value of family homes mean that many older people have sizeable estates. Some are asset rich but cash poor. Children may anticipate becoming much better off when Mum and Dad die. This is a factor in the present debate about assisted dying. Most people have less money when they are younger and expenses are higher, especially of raising a family, but are better off when they are older and have less outgoings.
A man came to Jesus with a request, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” Jewish laws on inheritance were clear: if a man had two sons, then the older son received two-thirds of the estate and the younger son one third. This man was probably a younger son. Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said to the man and to the people who were there, ““Beware! Be on your guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Jesus then told a story to illustrate what he had said. “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
On another occasion Jesus said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Some rich people give no thought to death and eternity whereas poorer people may put their trust in God both for this life and for the life to come. The Apostle James said, “Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?”