The stories in this chapter seem to revolve around money and riches and using them wisely.
I really am at a struggle with this first story about the "shrewd" manager! It seems as though Jesus is approving the dishonesty? The master praises the shrewd manager; then v 8b comes in "Yes, worldly people are smarter with their kind than spiritual people are." I need some help figuring this one out! More research to do I guess!
I think the theme of the next series (vv 9- 12) are about planning for the future and using resources wisely. Money wasn't a big issue to Jesus, so I think he is speaking negatively about accumulating huge riches just to have them? The Pharisees were all about money and gathering funds for themselves- but it would often happen at the expense of ministry to the poor.They became a servant to the money. If you have money and become a servant to that, then you can't realistically be a servant of Christ. Do we struggle with trying to serve two masters-- money and God?
The money theme continues with the story of Lazarus and his eventual death. The rich man, sent to Hades, wasn't there because of his wealth- he was there because of his lack of help to Lazarus. Again, money was the master in this case. Lazarus, in the bosom of Abraham, didn't complain and ask why life was unfair for him; he was with Abraham! Do we ask why life is unfair? Do we think life is unfair?
Sorry, that's all I have for this short chapter. The theme seems to be riches and using them wisely.
Shalom
Pastor Paul
Chapter 16 is a puzzle to me. I have read versus 1-12 in a few difference translations and the explanation in my study bible and still do not understand the point. I agree - it seems like it is rewarding the dishonest steward. In fact in the KJV this section is called The Unrighteous Steward. In the KJV it even says “And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely; for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of the light.” So the Lord says the steward is unjust but commends him? I really don’t understand it at all. When I read vs. 9 and 10, I was thinking it meant to help those more unfortunate because someday that person may be you and you may need help. Vs 13 is another verse that Abraham Lincoln used. I think the two masters are God and whatever else is in your life that you love just as much. After all, he said we must hate our family and even our own lives to truly become his disciples. So we are not to have two masters - only God. Again Jesus makes the point of helping those in need because someday it may be you in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man did not help Lazarus on earth, but after death the rich man begged Lazarus to help him. I think it’s that we should always remember all that God has given us we should be sharing. The saying - to those that much is given much is expected! I think that is one of the points Jesus makes here!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely need to do more work on the unjust steward...or whatever we want to call him! Good points about Lazarus too! Build a bigger table not a taller fence type of story! Thanks!
DeleteI don't get the meaning of this chapter the first verses seem like it is okay to "cheat" as the man advised the men to repay only part of what they owed?? I'm sure God doesn't mean this!! The most I can get from this chapter is that riches(money) won't get us into God's kingdom
ReplyDeleteYah, Clara, we are all struggling. I am definitely going to do more work on that one...that will definitely preach- maybe!
Delete“You cannot serve God and wealth”. Should this be true? How much wealth should a person have? It seems like God would want us to have enough to take care of ourselves and not be a burden to
ReplyDeleteothers. If we have enough wealth we can help in many ways. We can help those less fortunate, support charitable causes in our communities.
Maybe it’s worshiping wealth that’s the issue.
I think you're right Cathy, God wants us to have enough to not be a burden on others, but we can also use it to help others. I think the morale of the story is, like you said, don't worship the money that we store up! Too many people, like the wealthy man, look at Lazarus and see right past them. That's the point Jesus is making here- see those that are out there and do what you can to help them. Good comments! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe rich man admires the dishonest man for being so shrewd. It's true that the citizens of this world are more shrewd then the godly are. Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friend's. This way your generosity stores up rewards for you in heaven. I think what we sow, is what we reap and sometimes stuff just happens.
ReplyDelete