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 (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 (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, 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 (c.f. 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 (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 – 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 (c.f. 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 (c.f. 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 people had to embrace Christ despite the confusion caused by His rejection by the religious leaders (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 (Lk16:18). The Gospel does not cancel out these laws but will be the means of many turning in repentance to the Saviour (c.f. 1 Tim.1:8-11).