Luke 12:13–21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool) + The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Jesus could have taught in lectures, but instead, He told stories. His listeners were captivated by stories about fathers and sons, widows and judges, banquets and vineyards, lost coins, unexpected neighbors, and servants waiting in the night. At first glance, the parables in the Gospel of Luke seem simple. But beneath these familiar stories lies a deeper invitation—not merely to understand the symbolism of the parables, but to be transformed by them.

In this series of the Be Still podcast, Every Good Story Whispers the Gospel, Lisa journeys through some of the most beloved parables in the Gospel of Luke. Each episode pairs Scripture with a memorable work of literature, exploring how great stories help us recognize ourselves in Jesus' teaching and encounter the heart of God in a fresh way.

Together we'll discover that the parables are not just stories Jesus told long ago. They are stories that continue to tell the truth about us—and about the God who is still seeking, forgiving, inviting, and restoring His people today.

How often do we stop long enough to ask whether the life we're building is the one God is calling us to live?

In this episode of Be Still, Lisa pairs Kazuo Ishiguro's masterful novel The Remains of the Day with Jesus' parable of the rich fool. At first glance, these stories seem to have little in common. But together they reveal the quiet danger of living without honest self-reflection.

As Mr. Stevens looks back over a lifetime of unquestioning loyalty, and the rich fool confidently plans for an even more prosperous future, both men reveal how easy it is to settle into assumptions that never get brought before God. Their stories invite us to ask a difficult but life-giving question: Where might I have a blind spot?

Jesus leaves the parable unfinished, inviting each of us to enter the story ourselves. Rather than defending our own perspectives or seeking to justify ourselves, we are invited to become people who welcome God's loving examination of our hearts. This kind of humility is not a threat to our dignity—it is the path to becoming truly rich toward God.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why honest self-examination is essential for spiritual growth.
• What The Remains of the Day reveals about misplaced loyalty and the cost of an unquestioned life.
• Why Jesus refuses to settle an inheritance dispute and instead addresses the deeper condition of the human heart.
• How self-justification keeps us isolated while humility opens us to grace.
• What it means to become "rich toward God."

Journaling Questions

1. Where have I become so comfortable in my way of seeing the world that I no longer invite Jesus to challenge me?
2. What gifts—my time, possessions, influence, or abilities—have I quietly begun to think of as "mine" rather than God's?

Key Scripture
Luke 12:13–21. The Parable of the Rich Fool

Presenting Sponsor
Our presenting sponsor is Verità. Verità is a Catholic women’s ministry awakening women to their dignity as beloved daughters of God through truth, beauty and grace. Verità invites you to join them on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi March 6–14, 2027. If your heart has been longing for more-more peace, more purpose, more intimacy with Jesus, perhaps this is your invitation. To learn more or reserve your place, visit https://lolekpilgrimage.org/2027verita or @Verita.Mission on Instagram.

Show Mentions
Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Sisters of Strength
Lisa Brenninkmeyer and Katie Brenninkmeyer, Heart of Vines: An Invitation to Escape the Life that is Slowly Killing You
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Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Heart of Vines Masterclass on our YouTube channel.

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