Faithfulness And Covetousness

Following the parable of the unjust steward, these words give use further insight into the meaning of the story.

Luke 16:9-18

Faithfulness

• A backup plan, a parachute (v. 9).
• An argument from the lesser to the greater—he that is faithful in little things will be faithful in greater things.
• If you aren’t faithful in worldly things, why do you expect God to trust you with heavenly riches? (v. 10).
• If you aren’t faithful with someone else’s goods, what makes you think you will be a better steward over your own?
• You can’t be devoted to money and to God at the same time. Nobody can.

Covetousness

• Men often object to that which they find objectionable (v. 14).
• The pursuit of earthly wealth was commendable among men; but God would have us pursue true, eternal and spiritual wealth.
• The Pharisees were infamous for there avoiding the direct commands of God’s word. But Jesus reminded them that God’s word is eternal.
• Their failure to adhere to God’s commands regarding adultery, divorce and remarriage was evidence that they were not concerned with the riches of God.

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The Lost Job

Often called the parable of the unjust steward, this story teaches a profound spiritual truth: you don’t have to be holy to be clever.

Luke 16:1-8

• What should a rich man do when he discovers that one of his servants has been cheating?
• What would you do if you had been caught cheating your boss?
• Would you be able to dig a ditch? Would you be humble enough to beg?
• The unjust servant hit upon a plan whereby he would immediately increase the cash flow of his employer. Of course it meant revising all of his master’s accounts and accepting much less than was owed. Further, by rewriting the purchase agreements, he both made himself responsible for less and he gained favor with the debtors.
• ard (v. 8).

Meditation Points:

1. Today’s debt collectors often discount the balance to get some money from an otherwise dead account.
2. Do you think the unjust steward saved his job?
3. The “master” who commended him was the rich man, not Jesus. He is commended for his worldly-wise shrewdness. Even in the end of his employment he was unjust still. But he was clever.
4. Jesus concluded that unsaved people can be wiser about the things of this world than believers are about the things of God.

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The Lost Son

Often called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, this story teaches about much more than wayward children.

Luke 15:11-32
I. The Giving Father (v. 11-12)

• The younger son’s request/demand
• The custom of apportionment: 2 shares to the eldest, 1 share to others.
• The division of the estate was made to both sons–though it seems that the elder did not take exclusive possession of his share at the time.

II. The Lost Son (v. 13-16)

• Expensive, riotous living
• Famine–the hand of God at work
• Economic catastrophe for the younger son.
• Forced to find gainful employment
• Don’t muzzle the ox that treads out the gain–in reverse!

III. The Repentant Son (v. 17-19)

• He came to himself; he came to his senses.
• My father treats his servants a lot better than this.
• Determined to return with “tail between his legs.”
• Willing to beg his father for a job.

IV. The Forgiving Father (v. 20-24)

• Looking for and running to meet the returning son.
• Stopping the boy before he could beg for a job.
• A robe, a ring, shoes and steak–the father’s idea of a welcome home party.
• He’s alive; he has been found.

V. The Other Lost Son (v. 25-32)

• The elder brother returned from working in the field, and he found the party in full motion.
• Upon learning the occasion, in anger he refused to go inside to celebrate.
• The giving, gracious father came outside to urge the elder brother to come inside.
• Defending his actions and his anger, he points out his own faithfulness to the father and the father’s neglect of ever making such a party for him.
• He also is upset that the wasteful, sinful son has been restored to favor.
• The father’s only concern, and great joy, was that the younger son was as dead, but he was alive again; he was lost, but now is found.

Meditation Points:

1. Would you fault the father for being indulgent?
2. Would you fault the father for his forgiveness?
3. Would you fault the father for his extravagance?

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Lost Coin

If there was joy over 1 lost sheep returned to the fold of 100, imagine the joy of regaining 10% of your money!

Luke 15:8-10

• “What woman…” Men and women are alike in their desire to find lost possessions.
• Light…sweep…seek. No darkness or dust was going to prevent her finding the lost silver.
• She celebrates by calling her friends and neighbors. What did such celebration cost? Wouldn’t she have been further ahead if she had just phoned them all to tell the good news? Do you think they would have been genuinely interested in her recovery? Does this say anything about changing societies?
• So also there is great joy among the angels when a sinner repents. Why do they care? What interest have they in the salvation of men?

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