Luke 16
BSB1 Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in to ask, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’ 3 The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking away my position? I am too weak to dig and too ashamed to beg. 4 I know what I will do, so that after my removal from management, people will welcome me into their homes.’ 5 And he called in each one of his master’s debtors. ‘How much do you owe my master?’ he asked the first. 6 ‘A hundred measures of olive oil,’ he answered. ‘Take your bill,’ said the manager. ‘Sit down quickly, and write fifty.’ 7 Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ ‘A hundred measures of wheat,’ he replied. ‘Take your bill and write eighty,’ he told him. 8 The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings. 10 Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." 14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus. 15 So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God. 16 The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. 18 Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 19 Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. 20 And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that even those who wish cannot cross from here to you, nor can anyone cross from there to us.’ 27 ‘Then I beg you, father,’ he said, ‘send Lazarus to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also end up in this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let your brothers listen to them.’ 30 ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone is sent to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 Then Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’"
Study Notes — Luke 16
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 16
- Themes from Luke 16
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 16
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke 16 begins with the parable of the unjust steward, who is commended for his shrewdness in managing his master's resources, despite his dishonesty. Jesus teaches that we should be faithful stewards of God's resources, using them to further His kingdom. The chapter also includes the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. Additionally, Jesus teaches about the importance of faithfulness and obedience, warning against the dangers of hypocrisy and dishonesty. Key verses include Luke 16:10-12, which emphasize the importance of faithfulness in small things, and Luke 16:15, which warns against the dangers of hypocrisy.
Context for the Chapter
Luke 16 is part of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where He will ultimately be crucified and resurrected. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience, and of the consequences of neglecting our relationship with God. The chapter is also closely tied to the preceding chapters, which emphasize the importance of humility and dependence on God. In the larger biblical narrative, Luke 16 serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Him.
Heart Application
As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and of using our resources wisely. We must examine our hearts and ask ourselves whether we are faithful stewards of God's resources, and whether we are prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. May we be faithful in small things, and may we use our resources to further God's kingdom.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Luke 16 teaches us about the importance of being faithful stewards of God's resources and of prioritizing our relationship with Him. We must use our resources wisely and focus on building up treasures in heaven, rather than on earth. As Jesus says in Luke 16:13, we cannot serve both God and money. We must prioritize our relationship with God and use our resources to further His kingdom.
Voices from the Church
“The parable of the unjust steward teaches us that we should be faithful stewards of God's resources, using them to further His kingdom. We must prioritize our relationship with God and use our resources wisely.”
— John Calvin
“The parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. We must focus on building up treasures in heaven, rather than on earth.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13) — Jesus teaches about the importance of faithful stewardship, using the parable of the unjust steward to illustrate His point.
- The Pharisees' Reaction (Luke 16:14-15) — The Pharisees react to Jesus' teaching, and He responds by condemning their hypocrisy.
- The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) — Jesus teaches about the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth, using the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to illustrate His point.
- The Importance of Faithfulness (Luke 16:10-12) — Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small things, teaching that if we are faithful in managing God's resources, we will be entrusted with even greater resources in the future.
- The Dangers of Hypocrisy (Luke 16:15) — Jesus warns against the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing that outwardly appearing righteous is not enough. We must also be inwardly pure and faithful to God.
Core Doctrines
- Stewardship
- This chapter teaches us about the importance of faithful stewardship, emphasizing that we are responsible for managing God's resources wisely.
- Faithfulness
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small things, teaching that if we are faithful in managing God's resources, we will be entrusted with even greater resources in the future.
- Hypocrisy
- Jesus warns against the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing that outwardly appearing righteous is not enough. We must also be inwardly pure and faithful to God.
- Eternal Rewards
- The parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God's kingdom, teaching us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth.
Lessons from Luke 16
- The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter teaches us about the importance of faithfulness in small things, emphasizing that if we are faithful in managing God's resources, we will be entrusted with even greater resources in the future.
- The Dangers of Hypocrisy — Jesus warns against the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing that outwardly appearing righteous is not enough. We must also be inwardly pure and faithful to God.
- The Priority of Spiritual Wealth — The parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. We must focus on building up treasures in heaven, rather than on earth.
- The Importance of Stewardship — This chapter teaches us about the importance of faithful stewardship, emphasizing that we are responsible for managing God's resources wisely.
- The Eternal Nature of God's Kingdom — The parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God's kingdom, teaching us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth.
Themes from Luke 16
- Stewardship — This chapter teaches us about the importance of faithful stewardship, emphasizing that we are responsible for managing God's resources wisely.
- Faithfulness — Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small things, teaching that if we are faithful in managing God's resources, we will be entrusted with even greater resources in the future.
- Hypocrisy — Jesus warns against the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing that outwardly appearing righteous is not enough. We must also be inwardly pure and faithful to God.
- Eternal Rewards — The parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God's kingdom, teaching us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth.
- Accountability — This chapter teaches us about the importance of accountability, emphasizing that we will be judged for our faithfulness in managing God's resources.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to be a faithful steward of God's resources, and how can we apply this principle in our lives?
- How does the parable of the rich man and Lazarus serve as a warning to those who prioritize material wealth over spiritual wealth?
- What are some ways in which we can prioritize our relationship with God and use our resources to further His kingdom?
- How does Jesus' teaching on faithfulness in small things apply to our daily lives, and what are some ways in which we can demonstrate faithfulness in our relationships and responsibilities?
- What are some dangers of hypocrisy, and how can we guard against it in our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)
| 16:1 | Jesus begins by telling the parable of the unjust steward, who is commended for his shrewdness in managing his master's resources. |
| 16:2 | The master calls the steward to account for his actions, and the steward is forced to justify his management of the master's resources. |
| 16:3 | The steward realizes that he will be fired, and so he begins to make friends with the master's debtors, reducing their debts in order to gain their favor. |
| 16:4 | The steward's plan is to have a place to stay when he is fired, and so he reduces the debts of the master's debtors in order to gain their gratitude. |
| 16:5 | The steward calls in each of the master's debtors and reduces their debts, hoping to gain their favor. |
| 16:6 | The first debtor owes 100 jars of olive oil, and the steward reduces his debt to 50 jars. |
| 16:7 | The second debtor owes 100 measures of wheat, and the steward reduces his debt to 80 measures. |
| 16:8 | The master commends the steward for his shrewdness in managing his resources, despite his dishonesty. |
| 16:9 | Jesus teaches that we should be faithful stewards of God's resources, using them to further His kingdom. |
| 16:10 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small things, teaching that if we are faithful in managing God's resources, we will be entrusted with even greater resources in the future. |
| 16:11 | Jesus teaches that if we are faithful in managing worldly wealth, we will be entrusted with true riches. |
| 16:12 | Jesus teaches that if we are not faithful in managing someone else's property, who will give us property of our own? |
| 16:13 | Jesus teaches that we cannot serve both God and money, and that our loyalty must be to God alone. |
2. The Pharisees' Reaction (Luke 16:14-15)
| 16:14 | The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. |
| 16:15 | Jesus said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." |
3. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
| 16:19 | There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. |
| 16:20 | At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores |
| 16:21 | and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. |
| 16:22 | The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. |
| 16:23 | In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. |
| 16:24 | So he called to him, "Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire." |
| 16:25 | But Abraham replied, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. |
| 16:26 | And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us." |
| 16:27 | He answered, "Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, |
| 16:28 | for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment." |
| 16:29 | Abraham replied, "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them." |
| 16:30 | "No, father Abraham," he said, "but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent." |
| 16:31 | He said to him, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Luke 16?
The main theme of Luke 16 is the importance of faithful stewardship and accountability before God. Jesus teaches that we should be faithful stewards of God's resources, using them to further His kingdom.
What is the parable of the unjust steward about?
The parable of the unjust steward is about a steward who is commended for his shrewdness in managing his master's resources, despite his dishonesty. Jesus uses this parable to teach about the importance of faithful stewardship and accountability before God.
What is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus about?
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is about the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. Jesus teaches that our focus should be on building up treasures in heaven, rather than on earth.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 16:1 → Matthew 25:14-30 | The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 is similar to the parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16:1-13, emphasizing the importance of faithful stewardship and accountability before God. |
| 2 | Luke 16:13 → Matthew 6:24 | The teaching on serving two masters in Matthew 6:24 is similar to the teaching in Luke 16:13, emphasizing that we cannot serve both God and money. |
| 3 | Luke 16:19 → Psalm 73:3-12 | The description of the rich man in Luke 16:19 is similar to the description of the wicked in Psalm 73:3-12, emphasizing their luxury and lack of concern for the poor. |
| 4 | Luke 16:20 → Proverbs 21:13 | The description of Lazarus in Luke 16:20 is similar to the description of the poor in Proverbs 21:13, emphasizing their poverty and lack of resources. |
| 5 | Luke 16:22 → 2 Corinthians 5:8 | The description of the afterlife in Luke 16:22 is similar to the description in 2 Corinthians 5:8, emphasizing the idea of being with the Lord after death. |
| 6 | Luke 16:24 → Luke 23:42 | The request of the rich man in Luke 16:24 is similar to the request of the thief on the cross in Luke 23:42, emphasizing the idea of seeking comfort and relief in the afterlife. |
| 7 | Luke 16:25 → Psalm 73:24 | The response of Abraham in Luke 16:25 is similar to the response of the psalmist in Psalm 73:24, emphasizing the idea of being comforted in the afterlife. |
| 8 | Luke 16:29 → John 5:46-47 | The reference to Moses and the Prophets in Luke 16:29 is similar to the reference in John 5:46-47, emphasizing the importance of listening to the Scriptures. |
| 9 | Luke 16:30 → Matthew 27:63-64 | The request of the rich man in Luke 16:30 is similar to the request of the Pharisees in Matthew 27:63-64, emphasizing the idea of seeking proof and confirmation. |
| 10 | Luke 16:31 → Acts 2:32-33 | The response of Abraham in Luke 16:31 is similar to the response of Peter in Acts 2:32-33, emphasizing the idea of being convinced by the Scriptures and the testimony of the apostles. |
Sermons on Luke 16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hell No Exits by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and highlights three aspects of it: Majesty, mystery, and misery. He encourages the audience to seek inspiration from |
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Ash Heap Lives by Francis Schaeffer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of viewing material possessions from a different perspective. He suggests that Christians should visit a city dump to see the |
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A Cry From Torment by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who were lovers of money and were scoffing at Him. He tells a story, possibly a parable, about a rich man and a beggar named Lazar |
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Hell: Isn't the God of Christianity an Angry Judge? by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the concept of hell in order to understand one's own heart. He uses the parable of the rich man and Lazarus fr |
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Between Death and Resurrection - Part 2 by David Pawson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of regret and the certainty of the afterlife. He emphasizes that once a person is in the prison of death, there is no going back |
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(Revelation - Part 2): A Prognosis of Events by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ. He uses a story about a boy who eagerly awaits his father's return |
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Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha |
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God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
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A Few Sighs From Hell (Reading) by John Bunyan | In this sermon transcript, the preacher warns the listeners to consider the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and not to delay in accepting it. He emphasizes the consequences of rejec |
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The Voice of the Lost by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that man is a moral wanderer, far from God and unwilling to return. However, God is constantly calling humanity to come back to Him through |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 16
In Luke 16, Jesus teaches about the importance of faithful stewardship and accountability before God. The parable of the unjust steward emphasizes the importance of being faithful in small things, and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus teaches about the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. Matthew Henry notes that Jesus' teaching is not just about money, but about our hearts and our relationship with God. He emphasizes that we cannot serve both God and money, and that our loyalty must be to God alone. As Henry writes, "We must make a right use of the things of this world, that we may make a comfortable passage to the things of the other world." Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Faithfulness
Throughout this chapter, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small things. He teaches that if we are faithful in managing the resources that God has given us, we will be entrusted with even greater resources in the future.
The Dangers of Hypocrisy
Jesus warns against the dangers of hypocrisy, emphasizing that outwardly appearing righteous is not enough. We must also be inwardly pure and faithful to God.
The Priority of Spiritual Wealth
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth. Jesus teaches that our focus should be on building up treasures in heaven, rather than on earth.