The Gospel Meditation

Luke 16:1–17

Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.

1.         The parable has been variously understood by Biblical scholars down through the centuries. For instance, was the manager trying to cover his dishonesty, or was he cheating his boss and hoping that those whom he reduced their debt would help him when he ran out of money?

2.         Also, it is thought that perhaps Jesus was teaching His disciples about dealing with money and possessions. He wanted them to live honestly and to be generous with money.

3.         A great lesson is stated in verse 10: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” And then in verse 13 is a statement that goes directly to the point, “You cannot serve God and money.” And Paul echoes this in 1 Timothy 6:10 when he states that the love of money is the root of all evil.

4.         Here is the call to integrity, to being faithful with other people’s money and as well with one’s own.

5.         The follower of Jesus is called to live an open and honest life thereby not having to struggle with a guilty conscience and having to lie and cheat.

6.         Jesus, in the second section, knew that the religious leaders, the Pharisees in particular, were “lovers of money.” And hearing what Jesus said, they “ridiculed Him.” But the God who knew their hearts would one day bring them into judgment.