Friday, March 2, 2018
READ Luke 16
MEDITATE on Luke 16:14, "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him." What kind of person would ridicule Jesus?
REFLECT
There are a lot of comments here about rich people and wealth. Luke's Gospel account noticed the social implications of the Gospel, and we'd certainly understand the call to be honest and faithful in managing affairs and finances. There are too many stories today of people who lie, cheat, and steal, and hurt too many people by their dishonesty and unfaithfulness.
But what was it really like in Jesus' day? The first pericope in this chapter always confused me: why would the rich man praise the dishonest manager, and why was Jesus seemingly doing the same? Well, each parable is used to tell one point. Over-analyzing the parable can lead us to unintended conclusions. Jesus was not praising dishonesty. He was praising leveraging the things in this life, which do not last, to gain future rewards and security. It's helped to also consider how corrupt systems were in that day. Those who owed money may have very well been victims of injustice already, so the rich man didn't mind the changing of debts. In any case we're being called to re-value our possessions and wealth in light of Kingdom concerns. The Bible is consistent in pointing out that wealth, power, and position are meant to be tools for us to use for God's greater purposes. We are not to love money, and we are not to look down on others.
How has money affected your life and your walk with God? What lessons did your parents teach you? Do you pray about managing your finances for God's glory? Or is wealth an idol that, as it did for the Pharisees, blinds you and makes it impossible to really see and understand Jesus' life and death and resurrection.
PRAY
Pray for a humble heart and an openness to the Spirit's leading.
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