1 He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions.
2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’
3 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.
4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.
5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
6 He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’
8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.
15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
16 “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.”
17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.
18 “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.”
19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.”
20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’
25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house—
28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’
29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’
The True Meaning of Luke 16
This chapter of the Gospel of Luke was written by the physician Luke, a close companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke’s account provides a unique perspective on the teachings and parables of Jesus, offering insights into the nature of wealth, stewardship, and the afterlife. Jesus shares a parable about a dishonest manager who is faced with the consequences of his actions in this chapter. This parable serves as a powerful lesson on the importance of using one’s resources wisely and with integrity. Additionally, Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ love of money and the need to prioritize spiritual matters over material possessions, echoing the teachings found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:19-21). Jesus confronted the Pharisees, who scoffed at his teachings, as we delved into this chapter. We will also explore the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, which provides a sobering glimpse into the eternal consequences of one’s choices in life. These events serve as a reminder of the need to align our priorities with God’s will and to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
Luke 16:1-8
Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16:1-8. Let’s break down this passage:
- Verses 1-2: The parable begins with a rich man discovering that his manager was wasting his possessions. The manager is called to give an account of his management before he is dismissed.
Commentary: Here, the manager represents us as humans, and the rich man symbolizes God. We have been entrusted with various gifts and resources by God, and we are accountable for how we manage them. Just like the manager in the parable, we must be wise and faithful stewards of what God has given us.
- Verses 3-7: Faced with the reality of losing his job, the manager comes up with a shrewd plan. He reduces the debts of his master’s debtors to gain favor with them, so that after he is dismissed, they may welcome him into their homes.
Commentary: This part of the parable can be puzzling at first glance because it seems like the manager is being commended for his dishonesty. However, Jesus is not praising the manager’s deceitfulness but his resourcefulness and ability to plan for his future. The manager recognized his imminent downfall and took action to secure his future by making friends who would potentially help him later. This serves as a lesson for believers to be proactive and wise in preparing for their eternal future.
- Verse 8: Jesus concludes the parable by stating that the master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. Jesus then makes a profound statement, saying that the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.
Commentary: Jesus contrasts the actions of the dishonest manager with the attitudes of believers. The manager, though dishonest, demonstrated strategic planning and foresight in securing his future. Jesus challenges His followers to exhibit a similar level of wisdom and strategic planning in matters related to their spiritual lives. Believers should be as diligent and intentional in securing their eternal future as the people of this world are in securing their temporal well-being. The parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16:1-8 teaches us about the importance of being wise and faithful stewards of the resources and opportunities that God has entrusted to us. It also highlights the importance of being proactive and intentional in preparing for our eternal future, just as the dishonest manager took steps to secure his earthly future. This parable serves as a reminder for believers to be diligent, strategic, and forward-thinking in matters concerning both their earthly and eternal lives.
Luke 16:9-13
Jesus is teaching his disciples about the wise use of worldly wealth to secure eternal blessings in Luke 16:9-13. Let’s break down these verses into important sections for a deeper understanding.
First, in verse 9, Jesus says, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Here, Jesus is not suggesting buying friendships, but rather using our resources to help others and show love and generosity. We are storing up treasures in heaven by using what we have been blessed with to bless others. This principle underscores the importance of using our resources in a way that reflects God’s love and compassion.
Moving on to verse 10, Jesus speaks about faithfulness in small things leading to greater responsibilities. He says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” This emphasizes the value of integrity and faithfulness in all aspects of life, whether big or small. It reflects the biblical principle that God values our faithfulness in small matters before entrusting us with greater responsibilities (Matthew 25:21). Jesus makes a profound statement in verse 13, “No one can serve two masters.” Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” This verse highlights the incompatibility of serving both God and wealth. It echoes the Old Testament command to have no other gods before the one true God (Exodus 20:3). Jesus emphasizes the need for wholehearted devotion to God, recognizing that material possessions can easily become a stumbling block in our relationship with Him.
The rich man and Lazarus account in Luke 16:19-31 further illustrates the consequences of serving wealth over God. The rich man, consumed by his wealth and neglectful of the poor beggar Lazarus, finds himself in torment after death. Angels carry Lazarus to be with Abraham in paradise, despite his poverty and suffering in life. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the eternal significance of our choices regarding wealth and how we treat others. Luke 16:9-13 delivers timeless teachings on the wise use of worldly wealth, faithfulness in all things, and the exclusive devotion to God. It challenges believers to prioritize eternal values over temporary possessions and to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us. It calls us to examine our hearts and ensure that our allegiances are rightly placed, seeking to honor God above all else.
Luke 16:14-18
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, sneered at Jesus when they heard his teaching in Luke 16:14-18. Jesus, who knew their hearts, then directly addressed them, saying, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is detestable in God’s sight. Jesus delves into the issue of the Pharisees’ love for wealth and their misguided priorities, setting the stage for this interaction.
This passage highlights the contrast between the values of the world and the values of the Kingdom of God. Jesus is pointing out that while the Pharisees may appear righteous in the eyes of men, their hearts are not aligned with God. This serves as a timeless lesson for us all – to focus on spiritual wealth and righteousness rather than worldly success and approval.
The mention of John the Baptist in verse 16 is significant as it reminds the Pharisees of the prophetic voice that came before Jesus. John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus is drawing attention to the continuity of God’s message throughout history and the importance of repentance and seeking God’s Kingdom by mentioning John.
Jesus then goes on to talk about the permanence and reliability of God’s law, stating that not even the smallest stroke of a pen will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. This emphasizes the divine authority and immutability of God’s Word, underscoring the importance of living according to God’s commands.
The mention of divorce in verses 18 is significant because it reflects Jesus’ teachings on marriage and faithfulness. Jesus clarifies that divorce and remarriage, except in cases of unfaithfulness, constitute adultery. This underscores the sanctity of marriage and the commitment that it entails, pointing back to God’s original design for marriage in Genesis. This passage in Luke 16 serves as a powerful reminder to examine our hearts, prioritize spiritual wealth over worldly gain, and live in accordance with God’s unchanging Word. It challenges us to seek true righteousness rather than seeking validation from others, and to approach relationships and commitments with integrity and faithfulness. The timeless messages contained in these verses continue to resonate with believers today, urging us to align our values with God’s Kingdom and live in obedience to His Word.
Luke 16:19-31
Jesus gives us a parable in Luke 16:19-31 that addresses the issue of rich and poor, focusing on the afterlife and the consequences of how we live our lives on earth. Let’s break down this powerful passage into sections for a deeper understanding. Two characters – a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus – are introduced to us in the beginning. The rich man is described as being clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day. Lazarus, a beggar covered in sores, lies at the rich man’s gate, hoping to eat the scraps that fall from his table. This stark contrast sets the stage for the message that Jesus is about to deliver.
The poor man, Lazarus, represents the marginalized and oppressed in society, while the rich man symbolizes those who are engulfed in material wealth and luxury. The disparity between their earthly circumstances highlights the themes of compassion, justice, and the responsibilities we have towards those in need. This aligns with other verses in the Bible that emphasize caring for the less fortunate, such as Proverbs 19:17 which states, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. Both men die as the story unfolds, and we see a reversal of fortunes in the afterlife. Lazarus is carried by angels to be with Abraham in heaven, experiencing a state of comfort and bliss. The rich man in torment in Hades finds himself in agony and requests Lazarus to bring him relief, even just a drop of water to cool his tongue.
This reversal serves as a powerful reminder that our actions on earth have eternal consequences. The rich man, who lived a life of self-indulgence and ignored the suffering of Lazarus, is now facing the repercussions of his choices. This aligns with the biblical principle found in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Abraham responds to the rich man’s plea to send Lazarus to warn his living brothers so they may avoid the same fate with poignancy. Abraham explains that they have Moses and the prophets to listen to, and if they do not heed their words, even someone rising from the dead would not convince them. This illustrates the importance of heeding the teachings of Scripture and the prophets, emphasizing the need for repentance and faith. The parable in Luke 16:19-31 serves as a moral lesson about the consequences of our actions, the importance of compassion towards others, and the significance of heeding the teachings of Scripture. It challenges us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions and to live in a way that reflects God’s love and mercy towards all, especially the vulnerable and marginalized in society.
After Luke 16
Jesus tells a parable about a dishonest manager who is commended for his shrewdness in this chapter. He emphasizes the importance of being faithful with worldly wealth and using it to build relationships and help others. Jesus also warns against serving both God and money, highlighting the impossibility of serving two masters. Let us prioritize our relationship with God above all else as we reflect on the teachings of Jesus in this chapter. We should be wise stewards of the resources and opportunities we have been given, using them to further God’s kingdom and show love to those around us. In the next chapter, we will delve deeper into the importance of faithfulness and the eternal rewards that come from serving God wholeheartedly.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.