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Luke Chapter 16

  • Bible Study on Luke 

    Luke Chapter 16


    >> Click Here For Audio Version << 
     

    Luke 16 Outline:

    16:01-09 The unjust steward.
    16:10-13 God and mammon.
    16:14-15 The covetous Pharisees.
    16:16-17 The law and the prophets.
    16:19-31 The rich man and Lazarus.


    Fun Facts:
    — The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is only mentioned in the book of Luke.
    — Lazarus is the only person given a name in the parables of Jesus.


    Study Notes:
    Luke 16:01-09 The parable of the unjust steward is one of the most difficult parables of Jesus to interpret. Mainly because the manager was dishonest, and the Lord commended him. Reconcile that one.

    The most acceptable answer that I have heard is that managers then often added a commission, or interest onto the bill for themselves. The manager removed this extra charge and used what was coming to him, to buy the favor of those that owed it. That also fits with the next sentence of: “I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the eternal tents” (Luke 16:9).

    Luke 16:10-13 Jesus makes it clear that you cannot serve two masters whole-heartedly. Your attention will be divided and you will obtain neither. If you chase two rabbits, you will lose them both. The key is to seek God and all of these things will be added to you anyway. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:4).

    Luke 16:14-15 The sharp word of God upset the Pharisees who loved money. They liked to appear righteous and disguise their sin. They saw their money as the blessing of God and the evidence of their righteousness. Even though a lot of it came from charging their neighbors exorbitant interest that was forbidden by the law, they found a workaround. Jesus made it clear that what they loved so dearly, was an abomination in the sight of God. The love of money causes people, to take advantage of other people.

    Luke 16:16-17 The time of Israel was until John, then Jesus began teaching “The kingdom of God” and everyone is now welcome to be a part of it. You no longer have to be born a Jew, you just need to be “reborn.” Still Jesus said that the law and prophets, which make up the old testament, will be completely fulfilled right down to the smallest dot. All of the prophecies in the old testament will still come to pass, if they have not already and many were fulfilled in the life of Jesus.

    An example of the usefulness of the law was divorce. Deuteronomy 24:1 allowed a man to divorce his wife (though strangely a woman was not allowed to divorce her husband). The Pharisees added onto this until they could divorce a wife for spoiling a meal, and then later “if he found another woman that was prettier.” They took great liberty with the law.

    Jesus made it clear that the law was not to be used like that and if you divorced, you committed adultery because you were originally meant to be joined till death do you part. Jesus may have been making a remark about Herod as well, who had recently divorced his own wife and married his brother’s wife which would have fulfilled both of the statements.

    Divorce is a very lengthy subject and too much to get into here. If you want to know how I feel about divorce, please read my teaching on “Marriage and Divorce.” Divorce is never the perfect solution, but sometimes it is better than a slow death.

    Luke 16:19-31 The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is only mentioned in the book of Luke and Lazarus is the only person given a name in the parables of Jesus. The rich man lived a very lavish life. He was clothed in purple and fine linen. The purple dye was obtained from shellfish, was very expensive and hard to come by. The combination of purple clothing for the outer garment and fine linen for the undergarment represented the ultimate in luxury. It does not say that the rich man committed any grave sin, only that he lived for himself. That was his condemnation.

    Lazarus lived in complete opposite circumstances. He was hungry, covered in sores and lay at the rich man's gate begging. One man had all that he wanted, while the other had nothing. When Lazarus died, he was taken by angels to a great feast and seated at a table with Abraham. He was probably reclining by Abraham with his head resting on him at the table in the same manner that the disciple John, rested on Jesus (John 13:23, Matt 8:11).

    Something interesting about this story, when death came to each they were immediately taken to the appropriate place. Angels carried Lazarus to a feast and the rich man was somehow moved to a place of torment. There was no waiting period mentioned.

    There was a great chasm separating the two places and no one could pass from one side to the other. In eternity, where you are is where you will stay. Make this life count. It is short compared to what is coming.

    Even though the rich man was in torment, he still felt that Lazarus was beneath him and asked Abraham to send him like a servant or messenger to bring him some water, and then again to warn his brothers. The rich man implies that if he had known what was coming, that he would behaved differently.

    Lazarus has nothing to say throughout the parable and accepts what God has given him, both while on earth and after. He does not respond to the rich man still wanting to send him on errands.

    Abraham explains that those that will not heed the writings of Moses and be caring even when a beggar is living outside of their door, will still not believe or change if someone did appear to them from the dead.

    It was not money that caused the rich man to be lost, but his attitude and what he did with it. Abraham himself was very rich and very saved. So was David. This man was not rich toward God and did not concern himself with helping anyone else.


    Study Questions: (if your answers are very long, you may want to type them first in something like Notepad, which doesn't require an Internet connection, then copy and paste (Ctrl-A to select, Ctrl-C to copy, Ctrl-V to paste), to prevent mishaps. If you have a lot to say, feel free to post more than once, and just answer a couple of questions at a time, to avoid your post getting cut off. Also, you are welcome to post any questions you may have. We look forward to your thoughts!)

    1. In Luke 16:1-13, Jesus described the parable of the dishonest manager. In this story, the master commended the manager for his shrewdness. As we know that He would not have us be dishonest, what can we learn from this parable?

    2. Jesus said in Luke 16:15 that “what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God”. What do you think some of the things are that we, as people, may value that are abhorrent to God? What do you think God values in us?

    3. In Luke 16:18, Jesus said that “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.” What are your thoughts on this subject?

    4. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man neglected to show mercy on someone who was only asking for the scraps from his table. After they had both died, the rich man asked for mercy, but there was none. What can we learn from this story?


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19 comments
  • 3
Lorna Smetak
Lorna Smetak #2. Money, being Upper Management and not treating people underneathe you with respect, how much land or property you have, whether you are dressed perfect (high end clothing), find a wallet and return to proper owner if you can and not keep it. God values in us are kindness, faithfulness, trusting, providing even if you do not have (enough of). Our next door neighbor comes up from down state (not knowing that he is coming) i start to make dinner for 3 of us and i hear that he is next door ( with someone that he brings as well) I start to wonder/worry if i have enough to feed 5 of us. Then i stop and remember that God will supply enough for us all. Everytime it is super time there is always enough. #3. I think that it all depends on the situation of why the couple divorces. If a person is in a dangerous situation (abuse) then this shouldn't apply. If a person passes on then of course this doesn't apply. I found more about marriage in the book of Romans. #4. Be kind to one another. Just because you have alot of money or alot of one thing not to hord it all but to share. You can not take all your riches and belonging's into heaven.     
August 17, 2015
  • 2
Kay Rushin
Kay Rushin Q1- Pastor, Pastor the first question is hard. He is  only commending him for being shrewd, but goes on to say you can't serve         two masters......for me it says choose wisely. Nothing wrong with having money to advance the kingdom. Wrong if I                  am using it for my own selfish wants. It is God's money after-all. I don't see how one scripture supersede another. Both of        those men are up to know good. The love of money at the expense of others is the offensive crime for me. Q2-Success I don't think he cares about, who determines success? I think he cares about your heart. He already know we are         not perfect " hence the need for a savior" Do I love him. Q3-I would not stay in abusive marriage. I thought all sins are forgiven when you are saved and ask for forgiveness, all sin are        the same to God so.... Q4-I should treat people the way I want to be treated.
August 17, 2015
  • 2
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wylesedited: August 18, 2015 1) This is a tough one but I think I agree with pastors explaination above, "The most acceptable answer that I have heard is that managers then often added a commission, or interest onto the bill for themselves. The manager removed this extra charge and used what was coming to him, to buy the favor of those that owed it."   If this is the case then it wasn't really dishonest to forfeit his commission to gain favor and that is comendable. I believe what we can learn is>> to think outside the box & get creative but not dishonest.
August 18, 2015
  • 2
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wylesedited: August 18, 2015 2) We as people value money, success, possessions, entertainment and instant gratification, to name a few. I believe God values our worship of him, honesty, love, endurance, kindness, mercy, willingness to help others, & humbleness to name a few 3) I believe this to be true. I believe marriage is blessed in heaven and not to be thrown away lightly. There are very few reasons in the bible that makes it ok to leave your spouse( I think adultery is one of them, & I'm not sure if it states it in the bible, but I think abuse should be), everything else should be worked out together through prayer, love, and forgivness. I am blessed to say my husband & I are 30+ years strong through thick and thin and ALWAYS with God by our side. 4) We can learn to show mercy in abundance so it will be shown to us.
August 18, 2015
  • 2
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Thank you Pastor Dion, I have been missing  these bible studies and am blessed that they are back!! Thank you for all the hard work you do to bring us these wonderfully inspired studies. May the Lord bless you and keep you always :)
August 18, 2015
  • 2
Carol Pady
Carol Pady 1. I honestly am not sure why he was commended. Perhaps for his ability to turn a deficit into gain. 2. Exalting the rich and famous or storing up worldly treasures. Vanity for our appearance. God looks upon the conditions of our hearts not our physical beauty. 3. I believe that marriage should last unto death, although if you are being physically abused and your life is in danger, I believe that you may divorce. I  did divorce my first husband for this reason. I don't feel condemnation for that. 4. We must not delay in coming to repentance and salvation,  lest we die in our sin, forever separated from God.      
August 18, 2015
  • 2
Shelby Casey
Shelby Casey Lots of meat here packed into this one chapter of Luke. I don't have a beggar living at my gate but how many times have I passed someone who is hurting and had my own agenda and kept right on going and I hate to admit sometimes it was even when I believe the Holy Spirit was telling me to stop and take notice. Yet when there were times when I was obedient to the Spirit calling, I was never sorry that I listened and obeyed. I pray that we all can listen and follow that even quiet whisper to care for our brother and sister even if we are just called to give a smile or word of encouragement. In Jesus holy name, Amen.
August 18, 2015
  • 2
Kealtis &quot;Key&quot; Austin
Kealtis "Key" Austin For the first parable, I would say the lesson to learn is to be honest in all of our dealings.  Be honest at work, and work as if you're working for God.  I too did not get this parable at first, but how you described it Pastor Todd makes sense.  If you are a honest stewart and can be trusted with a little, then God will trust you with a lot.
August 18, 2015
  • 2
Carolyn  Douglas
Carolyn Douglas Bible study ...Question 2 Our expectations is that we are to have all our needs met and as many wants as we can possibly afford...we look at our time and talents as ways to gain "stuff" comparing to everyone else's "stuff"! We believe more is best and spend every second generating more.We develop pride of life, greed, status, position, independence, elevating things above the Lord are what I believe God finds  extremely objectionable.    God's view is that less is more and a simpler life true contentedness...Jesus didn't spend time accumulating material goods for He knew that things are temporary ...eternal things are forever and Kingdom mindedness is blessed living and produces sweetest spirit. 
August 18, 2015
  • 2
Carolyn  Douglas
Carolyn Douglas Bible study Question 3   I believe Jesus is talking about covenant relationship which in marriage is one of the heart and body. A covenant is to be forever and unbreakable. This concept should be taught and understood long before you make such a commitment so that it is not entered into without great thought and prayer. But once made only adultery,which is a sin that is so destructive and damaging to the covenant, will allow one grounds for divorce. Adultery is the visible action of mental cheating that occurs long before one actually does it. I believe Jesus is conveying that the effects of adultery to the marriage that is destroyed by it ...it's effects are going to be there forever. Remarrying.won't change it but actually will compound it. Jesus wants us to understand the serious thoughts that God has about marriage and divorce. We have made both words synonymous with all things temporary in our culture today, thereby watering it's permanency and covenant status. A fact that must grieve the Lord greatly.
August 19, 2015
  • 1
Cathy Webb
Cathy Webbedited: August 20, 2015 Q1:  I often look at God's word from multiple perspectives and I like the way the New English translation describes the decision by the dishonest manager: 3b The steward said to himself, “What am I to do now that my employer is dismissing me? I am not strong enough to dig, and too proud to beg. I know what I must do, to make sure that, when I have to leave, there will be people to give me house and home. The manager used the acceptable thinking of his world to “fix” his future existence. He then went about accomplishing this fix in what we think of as a dishonest way. I feel like this is often how I respond to negative situations trying to correct or fix my mistakes or procrastinations using the politically correct methods of business practice, such as omission, blame, or “white lies” to cover my errors. The translation further describes his rich master’s commendation: 8 And the master applauded the dishonest steward for acting so astutely. For the worldly are more astute than the other-worldly in dealing with their own kind. I don't necessarily see the rich man as God, but rather more as figures of power or authority in our world. Often I’m commended by supervisors and others around me for my “fixes."  I believe Jesus is teaching and reinforcing the point that my goal of being in His image is not to be of this world. To be in the Lord’s will is to be in tune with His thoughts and ways which are not of this world. 9 ‘So I say to you, use your worldly wealth to win friends for yourselves, so that when money is a thing of the past you may be received into an eternal home. I take this admonition to mean I should make use of the resources God provides me, whether they be material or intangible, to do the work presented to me on earth because these will be of no use in God’s new earth. I don't relate this to mean I can be dishonest or continue in my "fixing," but rather to understand that the things and work of this world is finite. I need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and my eternal home as I live and work on earth. Just my thinking on this parable ...
August 20, 2015
  • 1
Carolyn  Douglas
Carolyn Douglas Question 4...Luke 16 I believe that we can learn that we reap what we sow and heaven responds accordingly ...Pride has no place in the heart of a believer ...There is no reason for us to feel puffed up about ourselves because it is GRACE given unearned and unmerited that allows us into His Presence through belief and acceptance of Jesus ...Also it was indicative of Sadducees and the Pharisees and how they saw themselves and behaved ...God detests and rejects the proud 
August 20, 2015
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 1) Jesus would not have us to be dishonest in any of our doings, but He would have us to learn how to be good stewards of our money, not to take what is not ours and use it wrongly, but to take what we get honestly and use it for God's Kingdom to built up.
August 21, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 2) I don't think Jesus wants us to be boastful if we have plenty and others out there are giving their all and it seems they are getting no where. I think sometimes when we are blessed with material things, we put our eyes on them and our trust in our material blessings, where as Jesus would rather we put our eyes upon Him and trust Him for our needs to be met. We as humans sometimes put way too much faith in ourselves, like if we are doing all ourselves, but that is so not true, if it wasn't for the wonderful blessings and love and grace Jesus has for us, we would none have what we have today. No matter how hard we work and strive for things, they are still blessings from God above. I think Jesus values in us our true belief and trust in Him for our every need. He also wants us to know that we have greater things to give than just material things, such as love, compassion, forgiveness, our talents and so many other things, that are too much too number.
August 21, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I have always believed that if you divorce, unless your spouse has been unfaithful or you are in a relationship that is abusive or detrimental to your life and your soul, that what God has put together no man should tear apart. But in todays society it seems as if satan is on the rampage of trying to tear families apart, not just with adultrey, but with so many little things. We truly should pray and know who God would have us to have for a mate, because if we are in God's will, even in the tough times, we can make it, but if we are not in God's will, then its possible, the marriage may not stand through the storms. Put God first and let Him guide you to the mate for you. 
August 21, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member 4) I think we should realize no matter what, if we are rich or poor we should show love and kindness to everyone. Like this rich man he had no mercy on this poor beggar and all he wanted for was just a few crumbs, so he wouldn't be so hungry, but all the rich man cared about was his riches and all his worldly possessions, but in the end the poor man gained it all, he was able to make heaven his home and the rich man ended up in hell, not because he was rich, but because He didn't come to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness of his sins and he had no mercy on this poor little man. My heart always breaks when I hear this story. we are a blessed people and we many times really don't even know how and if our neighbors are in need. I pray I would be like the poor man, that even if I couldn't get but crumbs, that I would be more concerned about my soul and not what I could gain on this earth, because all these things will pass away, but our salvation through Jesus will last and we will live eternally one day with Jesus. No more worries and cares in this life, but I am just waiting for the returning of Jesus to be in Heaven with Him.
August 21, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Thank you so much for the wonderful teachings, I am learning something new all the time. I love studying God's Word. It brings so much peace and strength to my soul. God bless.
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Q#4=I'm a firm believer in what God said whatsoever a man reapeth that shall he also sow, therefore we are to have Mercy on others just as God dialy gives us new Mercies each day.
August 27, 2015
  • 1
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor!
August 29, 2015