Luke chapter 16 contains two significant parables and teachings from Jesus that emphasize stewardship, faithfulness, and the consequences of wealth and poverty in relation to God's kingdom. Jesus speaks to his disciples, the Pharisees, and the broader audience, challenging them to reconsider their attitudes toward money, justice, and eternal priorities.
The chapter begins with the parable of the dishonest manager. Jesus tells of a rich man who has a steward managing his property. When the steward is accused of wasting his master's possessions, the master calls him to account and informs him that he will be dismissed. Realizing that he is about to lose his position, the steward devises a clever plan. He calls his master’s debtors and reduces their debts, ensuring that they will welcome him into their homes once he is unemployed.
When the master hears of this, he surprisingly commends the steward, not for his dishonesty but for his shrewdness in planning for the future. Jesus then draws a lesson from the story, saying that the children of this world are often wiser in dealing with their own affairs than the children of light. He encourages his followers to use worldly wealth wisely, investing in relationships that have eternal value. He teaches that if one is faithful in small matters, they will be entrusted with greater things, but if they are dishonest in little, they will be dishonest in much. Jesus stresses that no one can serve two masters, declaring that a person cannot serve both God and money.
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, ridicule Jesus for his teaching. In response, Jesus rebukes them, pointing out that while they justify themselves before men, God knows their hearts. What is highly esteemed among people is often detestable in God's sight. He reminds them that the law and the prophets were proclaimed until John, but now the kingdom of God is being preached, and people are forcefully entering it. He emphasizes that God's law remains unchanging and includes a brief teaching on the permanence of marriage, affirming that divorce and remarriage are forms of adultery in God's eyes.
Jesus then tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, a striking and sobering account that contrasts the earthly lives and eternal destinies of two men. The rich man lives in luxury, feasting daily and wearing fine clothes, while Lazarus, a poor and sickly beggar, sits at his gate, longing for crumbs from the rich man's table. Dogs come and lick Lazarus' sores, emphasizing his helpless state.
Both men eventually die. Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham’s side, a place of comfort, while the rich man finds himself in torment in Hades. Looking up, he sees Lazarus with Abraham and cries out for mercy, asking that Lazarus be sent to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue, as he is suffering in the flames. Abraham responds that during their earthly lives, the rich man enjoyed good things while Lazarus suffered, but now their positions are reversed. A great chasm exists between them, preventing anyone from crossing from one side to the other.
Realizing that his fate is sealed, the rich man pleads for Lazarus to be sent to warn his five brothers so they will not share in his torment. Abraham replies that they already have Moses and the prophets to instruct them. The rich man insists that if someone rises from the dead, his brothers will repent, but Abraham declares that if they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.
This parable carries powerful themes of justice, reversal of fortunes, and the sufficiency of God’s revelation through Scripture. It warns against the dangers of wealth when it leads to complacency and indifference to the suffering of others. The rich man is not condemned simply for being wealthy but for his lack of compassion and failure to use his resources to help the needy. Lazarus, though suffering in life, finds comfort in eternity, demonstrating that God sees and vindicates the afflicted.
The chapter as a whole underscores the importance of faithfulness, wise stewardship, and the right attitude toward wealth. Jesus teaches that material possessions are temporary and should be used in ways that reflect God's kingdom values. He confronts the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, exposing their love for money and their unwillingness to heed God's message. The contrast between the dishonest steward and the rich man highlights different aspects of financial responsibility—one who uses wealth strategically for future benefit, and one who hoards wealth selfishly without regard for others.
Luke 16 challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding money, justice, and eternal priorities. It calls for wisdom in handling worldly wealth, faithfulness in small things, and a deep concern for those in need. It reminds us that God sees beyond outward appearances and values faithfulness, compassion, and obedience over status or material success. Through these teachings, Jesus invites us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else.