The parables in Luke 16 offer significant illustrations of Jesus' teachings on wealth and stewardship.
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13)
This parable tells the story of a manager who, facing dismissal for wasting his master's possessions, acts shrewdly to secure his future. He does this by reducing the debts of his master's debtors, thus gaining favour with them.
- Shrewdness in Worldly Matters: Jesus commends the dishonest manager for his shrewdness, noting that "the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light". This suggests that believers should be as diligent and wise in using worldly resources as non-believers are in pursuing their own interests.
- Using Worldly Wealth Wisely: Jesus states, "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings". This implies that worldly wealth, though temporary, can be used in ways that have eternal consequences, such as acts of generosity and kindness that foster relationships.
- Faithfulness in Little and Much: Jesus teaches that trustworthiness in small matters reflects trustworthiness in larger ones: "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 principle extends to wealth; if one cannot be trusted with "worldly wealth," how can they be trusted with "true riches"?. Similarly, if someone is not trustworthy with "someone else’s property," they are unlikely to be given "property of your own". This highlights the importance of responsible stewardship even with seemingly insignificant amounts.
- Serving God and Money: The parable concludes with the stark warning: "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money". This underscores the fundamental conflict between devotion to God and the pursuit of wealth as a primary goal.
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
This parable contrasts the fates of a rich man who lived in luxury and a poor beggar named Lazarus who lay at his gate, longing for scraps.
- Reversal of Fortunes: After death, their situations are reversed. Lazarus is "carried... to Abraham’s side" (a place of honour and comfort), while the rich man is in "Hades, where he was in torment". This illustrates that earthly wealth does not guarantee eternal blessing, and earthly poverty does not preclude it.
- Consequences of Neglect: The rich man's torment is not explicitly linked to how he acquired his wealth, but rather his apparent indifference to the suffering of Lazarus at his doorstep. This suggests a teaching on the responsibility that comes with wealth – to care for those in need.
- The Authority of Scripture: When the rich man asks for Lazarus to be sent to warn his brothers, Abraham replies, "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them". Even the extraordinary event of someone rising from the dead would not convince those who ignore the clear teachings of scripture. This implies that true stewardship also involves heeding God's word regarding how to live and use resources.
- Beyond Material Provisions: The parable highlights that eternal destiny is determined in this life and that material comfort in this life does not guarantee a favourable outcome in the next. It suggests that true riches are not material but spiritual, and that failing to act justly and compassionately with the resources one has can lead to eternal separation from God.
