In Luke 16, Jesus told two parables about generosity. In the first, a dishonest manager ingratiates himself to his boss’ debtors to gain favors after he’s fired. Surprisingly, Jesus says such shrewdness is an example to his disciples. The second parable has a rich man and a poor man whose fortunes switch in the afterlife. The second parable illustrates the shrewdness of the first. By giving generously to those in need, we are investing in our future with God.
Luke 16:1-13 Jesus tells a story about a dishonest manager and then tells his disciples that this “shrewdness” is an example for them.
Luke 12:16-21 The parable of the rich fool illustrates the flaw in amassing wealth amid spiritual poverty.
Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus provides a sterling example of heartfelt generosity.
Luke 16:14-18 The Pharisees were lovers of money. They did not appreciate his instruction to use money to make friends with the poor.
Luke 16:19-23 We know the story is a parable because: (1) it begins the way parables begin, (2) it includes unrealistic exaggerations, and (3) it completes a massive unit of five parables.
Isaiah 14:9-11 The Bible repeatedly says the dead are asleep. Even Jesus himself said the real Lazarus had fallen asleep when he was dead (John 11:11). Isaiah 14 and Luke 16 tell fictional tales about the consciousness of the dead to make other points unrelated to the intermediate state.
Luke 16:24-31 Jesus tells a story that was floating around in their culture, but with a new twist. The living have everything we need to do what is right. Even if someone came back from the dead (which Jesus did later), many will not believe.
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