Luke 16:1-13
16:1 a a certain rich man who had a manager: Wealthy landowners commonly put managers over their estates.16:2 b Get your report in order: This financial statement was probably for the benefit of the manager’s successor.
16:3 c I’m too proud to beg: The Jewish wisdom writer Sirach said, “It is better to die than to beg” (Sirach 40:28), a reflection of Jewish attitudes.
Summary for Luke 16:5-7: 16:5-7 d The manager called in his master’s debtors and reduced their debts, thus making friends who would help him during his unemployment.
16:6 e 800 gallons ... 400 gallons: The size of the bath—a standard liquid measure—is not known with certainty.
16:7 f 1,000 bushels ... 800 bushels: The size of the cor—a standard dry measure—is not known with certainty.
Summary for Luke 16:8-9: 16:8-9 g Jesus seems to commend the manager’s dishonesty, but Jesus’ point is that believers need to use resources shrewdly in preparation for eternity. 16:8 h The ways of the world are the opposite of God’s ways. The children of this world use all their resources to get ahead in this world. God’s people do just the opposite (16:9 i).
• The children of the light are the people of God (see John 12:36 j; 1 Thes 5:5 k).
16:9 l worldly resources: This is a better translation than the traditional “mammon of unrighteousness” (KJV). Believers are to use their resources wisely for spiritual benefit.
• they will welcome you to an eternal home: They are probably the friends. Just as the manager’s friends would give him security, the friends we win to the Kingdom will warmly welcome us for eternity.
16:13 m No one can serve two masters: Complete love and devotion can be given only to one master.
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