Luke 16:1-18
Q.1. Why did the master of the careless steward commend him? What point was Jesus driving home? – (Lk.16:1-9)
When the rich man realised that his manager had been squandering his possessions, he asked for the records of his dealings telling him he was to be dismissed (see Lk.16:1-2). However, even he could see the shrewdness of his servant’s dishonesty in building up some creditors who would be beholden to him in his time of need (see Lk.16:3-7). The master commended the dishonest steward’s shrewdness, acknowledging that – the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light (Lk.16:8). Jesus makes the point that if this steward prepared for his future on earth (not unlike superannuation), how much more should believers use their wealth to build treasure in heaven – I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings (Lk.16:9).
Q.2. What challenge did Jesus leave for those who serve Him? How did the Pharisees respond to Him? Why? – (Lk.16:10-15)
Jesus indicated that there is an eternity of reward awaiting His faithful servants on earth (see Mt.19:28). These blessings will be entrusted to those who have acted as faithful stewards. However, we need to have the right perspective when it comes to wealth (see Lk.16:10-12). Wealth is a means provided by God to serve Him. Yet it is difficult to keep the balance when we have plenty. Jesus observed – No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Lk.16:13). We can use wealth to advance God’s kingdom but must avoid trusting in riches lest these material blessings turn into a curse. The Pharisees loved their wealth and scoffed at Jesus who told them – You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; For what is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God (Lk.16:15).
Q.3. In what way does the gospel complete the message of the Old Testament Law and the Prophets? – (Lk.16:16-18)
The Pharisees had completely missed the point of the Law and the Prophets that pointed to Christ, and the sinner’s need of the Saviour (see Lk.24:44; Gal.3:23-25). It held sway until John the Baptist preached the need for repentance as the prelude for the coming of the Saviour (see Mt.3:7-9; Lk.3:3 & 16). Since then, many had forged their way into the Kingdom in response to the preaching of the gospel. Why forged? Because coming to Christ is ‘counter-cultural’ and people had to embrace Christ despite the confusion caused by His rejection by the religious leaders (see Lk.16:14 c.f. Lk.5:27-32; 12:49-51; Jn.9:22). The gospel does not dismiss the Law but fulfils and supersedes it. As Jesus declared – But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail (Lk.16:17). He warned that marriage was intended to be permanent (see Lk16:18). The gospel does not cancel out these laws but will motivate many to turn in repentance to the Saviour (c.f. 1 Tim.1:8-11).