Context / meaning
Luke 16 [8.] “His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own generation, wiser than the children of the light. 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. He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? If you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and Mammon.”[c]
Luke 16 [14.] The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at him. He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John. From that time the Good News of God’s Kingdom is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall.
Footnotes:
c. Luke 16:13 “Mammon” refers to riches or a false god of wealth.
Meaning
In Luke 16:13-14, we encounter verses that delve into the complex relationship between material wealth, loyalty, and the heart's true affections. These verses provide insights into the dangers of serving both God and wealth and the necessity of maintaining sincere motives in our pursuits.
- The Incompatibility of Two Masters:
"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and mammon." Jesus uses a clear metaphor to highlight the incompatibility of serving both God and material wealth. Just as a servant cannot truly serve two masters with divided loyalty, one's allegiance cannot be fully devoted to both God and riches (often symbolized by the term "mammon").
- The Contrast of Affections:
"either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other." The verse underscores the fundamental contrast in affections that arises when trying to serve both God and wealth. The divided heart inevitably leads to a shift in priorities, as one master takes precedence over the other.
- The Pharisees' Response:
"The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at him." The Pharisees' reaction reflects the tension between Jesus' teachings and their own attachment to wealth. Their love for money blinds them to the truth Jesus is imparting, leading to a dismissive response.
Cross-References:
Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon." This parallel passage in Matthew reinforces the message of divided loyalty.
1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows." This verse highlights the dangers of the love of money.
Luke 16:13-14 presents a stark contrast between serving God and serving material wealth. These verses remind us that our loyalty and affections are not meant to be divided between God and worldly pursuits. Instead, we are called to prioritize God above all else, recognizing that a divided heart can lead to compromised values and priorities.
As we reflect on these verses, let us examine our own hearts and motives. Are we truly serving God with undivided loyalty, or have we allowed the pursuit of material wealth to distract us from our spiritual journey? Let us strive to align our values and actions with the teachings of Christ, seeking to cultivate a heart that is fully devoted to God and His purposes. Ultimately, these verses challenge us to reevaluate our allegiances and to choose the path that leads to genuine fulfillment and eternal significance.
Luke 16:13-14. “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and Mammon.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at him.
loan - money