In Luke 16, Jesus takes us on a journey through the complexities of wealth and relationships, revealing profound lessons through vivid parables. One story in particular flips our understanding of success on its head, leaving us to ponder what really matters in our lives.
The Reading: Luke 16
World English Bible1 He also said to his disciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a manager. An accusation was made to him that this man was wasting his possessions.
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2 He called him, and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’
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3 “The manager said within himself, ‘What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I don’t have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg.
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4 I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from management, they may receive me into their houses.’
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5 Calling each one of his lord’s debtors to him, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe to my lord?’
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6 He said, ‘A hundred batos of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
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7 Then he said to another, ‘How much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred cors of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’
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8 “His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own generation, wiser than the children of the light.
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9 I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the eternal tents.
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10 He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
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11 If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
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12 If you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
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13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and Mammon.”
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14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at him.
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15 He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
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16 The law and the prophets were until John. From that time the Good News of God’s Kingdom is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.
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17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall.
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18 Everyone who divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery. He who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery.
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19 “Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.
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20 A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was taken to his gate, full of sores,
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21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
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22 The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried.
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23 In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom.
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24 He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’
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25 “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But here he is now comforted, and you are in anguish.
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26 Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that no one may cross over from there to us.’
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27 “He said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house;
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28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’
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29 “But Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’
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30 “He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
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31 “He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Shrewd Manager
Jesus begins by telling a story about a rich man who had a manager accused of wasting his possessions. The rich man confronts the manager, telling him he can no longer keep his job. Facing unemployment, the crafty manager devises a plan: he reduces the debts of his master's clients to secure his future. To his surprise, the rich man praises him for his cleverness, saying that the children of this world are often wiser than the children of light.
Faithfulness and Wealth
Next, Jesus shares insights about being faithful with what we have. He emphasizes that if we can't be trusted with small amounts, we certainly won't be trusted with larger responsibilities. This leads to the famous declaration that no one can serve two masters - either you will love one and hate the other. He highlights that serving both God and money is impossible, inviting deeper reflection on our priorities.
The Rich Man and Lazarus
The chapter closes with a powerful tale of two men: a wealthy man who lived luxuriously and a beggar named Lazarus who suffered at his gate. After both die, their fates diverge dramatically. Lazarus is comforted in the afterlife, while the rich man finds himself in agony, pleading for relief. Abraham explains that there is a chasm between them that cannot be crossed, underscoring the importance of our choices in life. The rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his family, but Abraham insists they have the scriptures to guide them. If they won't listen to those, even a resurrection won't change their hearts.
Why It Matters
Shrewdness with a Purpose
The story of the shrewd manager shows us that wisdom in managing our resources is essential. It challenges us to think creatively and responsibly about our wealth and relationships, encouraging us to build bridges that last beyond our earthly lives.
The Weight of Faithfulness
The call to faithfulness rings throughout the chapter. It reminds us that our actions with small things reflect our character with bigger responsibilities. How we handle our resources reflects our values and priorities. Are we investing in things that matter?
Eternal Perspectives
The stark contrast between the rich man and Lazarus highlights the eternal consequences of our earthly choices. It pushes us to consider our compassion towards others and how we respond to those in need. Remember, your choices echo into eternity. As you navigate life, consider using the Sancta app to find a church near you where you can engage with others on these profound topics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Luke 16 is a call to evaluate our lives, ensuring we align our actions with our values and faith in God. It's about prioritizing what lasts beyond this life.
Coming Up Next: Luke 17
In the next part of our journey through Luke 17, we'll explore themes of forgiveness, faith, and the kingdom of God. Get ready for more thought-provoking teachings from Jesus as we continue to uncover His wisdom.