Two parables and three distinct teachings make up this
chapter. The parables take on a different
tone, especially the later one (vv. 19-31). Likewise, the three sayings that
appear in the center of the chapter are delivered with a tone that is direct
and unequivocal. Jesus is engaged in direct and serious teaching (vv. 14-18).
Lets look at some specifics.
The first parable is about the dishonest steward (vv. 1-8).
The parable tells the story of a steward who was placed in charge of his
master’s supplies. The steward squanders these supplies and is then called to
account by his master. Fearful of his fate, the dishonest steward produces
dishonest promissory notes and is later commended by his master for his
prudence. Now, at first glance, it may be tough to find the value/virtue in
this parable. Jesus, probably aware of that, explains the parable in vv. 8-13.
The lesson of the parable is not so much about the prudence of the steward but
is instead about where one decides to keep his/her value. The lesson of the parable is given at the end
of Jesus’s explanation (i.e. v. 13).
Following this parables, there are three ‘sayings’ by Jesus.
There’s a saying against the Pharisees, one about the Law, and a third against
divorce. In short order Jesus delivers these quick teachings in one or two
sentences. It’s important to remember that while look offers these sayings in
short order, the other Synoptic Gospels, offer longer explanations and further
words from Jesus. Suffice it here to say that Jesus is prepping the crowd for
the next parable. Look at the sayings-
all three are about the old Law that the Pharisees have held onto, together
with their hypocrisy. Jesus will use the following parable to once again
demonstrate the New Covenant that he brings, the New Law that will fulfill and
transcend the Old.
The parable is about a rich man and Lazarus (a different
Lazarus than the one Jesus raises from the dead in John’s Gospel). There’s a
two-fold interaction here: there is Jesus teaching the parable to the crowd,
with particular attention to the Pharisees gathered; and there is the
interaction between the rich man and Lazarus. Both of them are archetypes for
the crowd gathered, again, with particular attention to the Pharisees.
Notice the way the parable ends: it ends badly for the rich
man. This parable is a clear indictment of the Pharisees. But what can the
parable teach us? I think there are numerous nuggets here: the need for
compassion; a warning against hypocrisy; a lesson about Trust in Jesus and the
commitment of Faith and Discipleship. There’s a lot going on here. And at this
point, Jesus is about to step it up a notch…
Point for Prayer
“Dear Jesus, imaginative and merciful, you open me to see
how much creativity I need to be your disciple and how much mercy I must show
to act as a disciple. Urge me to be more imaginative in growing spiritually
than worldly people are in their quest for materialistic triumphs. Invite me
more urgently to learn your basic guideline about giving mercy in order to
receive it. Make me a just and merciful person” (150). Amen.
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