The Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-18)

[Hiddenthings]

The greater message and meaning is to make a friend of those who carry the gospel and word from God in spite of their worldly failures--God’s got this.

The greater message is the responsibility of those who shepherd the household of God: to lead it toward righteousness, not by lessening the weight of men’s obligations to God and to one another in order to preserve their own influence, but by upholding God’s true requirements.

 

[Hiddenthings]

@VictoryinJesus, the next parable study will actually reinforce the very principles taught in this one. Without question, it is one of the most intricate and brilliantly crafted parables of the Master! Most Christians cannot accept its truth!

 

[Hiddenthings]

Next study

The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

The parables Jesus told during this period of his ministry are remarkable for their emotional intensity. Love, anger, pity, anxiety, rejoicing, and sorrow continually jostle for prominence, spoken, of course, by a Jesus whose emotions were heightened as rejection by his own nation became...

www.christianityboard.com

 

[ScottA]

The greater message is the responsibility of those who shepherd the household of God: to lead it toward righteousness, not by lessening the weight of men’s obligations to God and to one another in order to preserve their own influence, but by upholding God’s true requirements.

Your hypothesis assumes the future is unwritten, and depends on those created to do their part in addition to God doing His, as if He alone were not enough for His will to be done. Your hypothesis is wrong.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

The point of the parable being that, despite the failings of those who carry the water of God's truth--"all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." "Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do." But by doing so, you even "make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home."

I’m curious what your perspective of …that when you fail …or it fails…they may receive you into an everlasting home.

Who are “they” may receive you into “an everlasting home”?

 

[Hiddenthings]

Your hypothesis assumes the future is unwritten

Do you even know what you are saying? What does this have to do with the Parable at all?

 

[VictoryinJesus]

The difficulty with @Deborah_ traditional interpretation is that it places the focus on money and wealth, yet most of the disciples (not all) had already left such things behind.

I’m not sure why Deborah was brought into our conversation?

Rather, stewardship in the Gospel narrative is chiefly concerned with how one handles the Word of God and the care of his body (church) an area in which, as the Synoptic Gospels reveal, the Pharisees failed miserably.

agree…the Pharisees failed miserably. Which makes me think of when “you fail” or “it fails” and even when Jesus told them their house was left desolate. I don’t think Jesus was speaking of a literal house, but their body of religious vanity without any power to bring forth fruit unto God.

You said “Rather, stewardship in the Gospel narrative is chiefly concerned with how one handles the Word of God and the care of his body (church)” 1 Corinthians 11:29 For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

Many Christians forget that the Gospel is and remains the Hope of Israel. Those who try to claim the promises exclusively for themselves risk falling into arrogance and pride. These matters will ultimately be resolved at His second coming.

I agree concerning “those who try to claim promises exclusively for themselves risk falling into arrogance and pride” I agree because Paul also (Christ speaking in him) always spoke of for another’s benefit. “You are our crown of joy” we will be weak “so that you be made strong” …but also in seeking the perfecting of others, their brothers…they do inherit the promises of “bring forth fruit unto God” …as Paul spoke of travailing in labor again until Christ be formed “in them”.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Next study

The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

The parables Jesus told during this period of his ministry are remarkable for their emotional intensity. Love, anger, pity, anxiety, rejoicing, and sorrow continually jostle for prominence, spoken, of course, by a Jesus whose emotions were heightened as rejection by his own nation became...

www.christianityboard.com

I’ll probably avoid this one. It will only bring tons of perspectives and eventually, will it change anything? I will read your perspective on it though.

What I view as the most vital allegory of all which helps with the parables Jesus spoke to them, is
Galatians 4:24-25 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. [25] For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

The mystery of “Woman” in scripture. Not me as a Woman…but as you pointed out here

I believe like many of the Lord's parable he is teaching to great covenant shift that salvation comes not through clinging to the old system or corrupt ties, but through entering the eternal dwelling mediated by Christ and his apostles.

So, how can we approach His teaching to great covenant shift ..when thinking it’s about money is same as thinking it’s about a literal “Woman” ? Instead of literal woman is an “allegory” as “money” is the symbol of something larger, so IS “the woman” a symbol of a great mystery that runs through all the parables. As “teaching the great covenant shift” as Paul speaks of “you are dead to the law by the body of Christ” from called an “an adulterous woman” to born of “the Free Woman” which is “New Jerusalem above”.

Romans connects
Romans 7:4-6 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. [5] For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. [6] But now (this covenant shift you speak of?) we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Beautifully with Numbers 5:
Numbers 5:28 And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.

Interesting, Numbers 5 “allegory” is told to “the sons” of Israel teaching which they think is about their wives “women”, and can they divorce them? not about them as “the adulterous woman” …point is I hope one day you start a thread on the “allegory” of “Woman”. Because someone on the board asked how can something be a mystery when it’s written in plain sight? “Woman” is a Mystery in plain sight, yet hidden unto Christ reveals Her. It changed everything I think about “The Woman” and who is Her Husband who if she is clean, she is free and conceives seed. Romans 7:4.
Wherefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that you should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

 

[ScottA]

I’m curious what your perspective of …that when you fail …or it fails…they may receive you into an everlasting home.

Who are “they” may receive you into “an everlasting home”?

All the world including us fail and pass away, even "we who are alive and remain." Even so, the keys to the kingdom are ours, and also those who even misuse them to "their own destruction", by whom some of us came into the fold even by their schemes.

"They" are those who have perpetrated the beliefs of those "false teachers" and the "lie" foretold and warned of by Peter and Paul. But for the sake of Peter, by the grace of God, even "they" have promoted the true gospel of Christ, if only in part. Thus, even at the hand of evil men, God has made good His promise.

 

[ScottA]

Do you even know what you are saying? What does this have to do with the Parable at all?

Other than the moral context regarding ministry and the handling of God's word, the parable also includes a revelation of prophecy...as I have explained (and yet you keep coming back to the moral context as if that were the extent of what is written):

The parable is a warning and prophecy of "false teachers" entering into the church spreading "destructive doctrines" and a "lie"--that we should expect and thus not be victims of their "strong delusion"; knowing that God has allowed it all to exist and even to grow as tares among the wheat, while preserving the gospel in part for the salvation of many.

 

[Hiddenthings]

I’ll probably avoid this one. It will only bring tons of perspectives and eventually, will it change anything? I will read your perspective on it though.

What I view as the most vital allegory of all which helps with the parables Jesus spoke to them, is
Galatians 4:24-25 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. [25] For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

The mystery of “Woman” in scripture. Not me as a Woman…but as you pointed out here

So, how can we approach His teaching to great covenant shift ..when thinking it’s about money is same as thinking it’s about a literal “Woman” ? Instead of literal woman is an “allegory” as “money” is the symbol of something larger, so IS “the woman” a symbol of a great mystery that runs through all the parables. As “teaching the great covenant shift” as Paul speaks of “you are dead to the law by the body of Christ” from called an “an adulterous woman” to born of “the Free Woman” which is “New Jerusalem above”.

Romans connects
Romans 7:4-6 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. [5] For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. [6] But now (this covenant shift you speak of?) we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Beautifully with Numbers 5:
Numbers 5:28 And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.

Interesting, Numbers 5 “allegory” is told to “the sons” of Israel teaching which they think is about their wives “women”, and can they divorce them? not about them as “the adulterous woman” …point is I hope one day you start a thread on the “allegory” of “Woman”. Because someone on the board asked how can something be a mystery when it’s written in plain sight? “Woman” is a Mystery in plain sight, yet hidden unto Christ reveals Her. It changed everything I think about “The Woman” and who is Her Husband who if she is clean, she is free and conceives seed. Romans 7:4.
Wherefore, my brethren, you also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that you should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Love your references to the two women in Sarah and Hagar! Law (Moses) vs. Promise (Abraham).

Numbers 5:28 “But if the woman has not defiled herself and is clean, then she shall be free and shall conceive children.”

In other words, if the woman is acquitted of the charge brought against her and found clean, she is restored to her rightful place as wife, free to continue in her role and to bear fruit to the honor and glory of her husband. The Spiritual overtones are obvious and was the work of Paul in the body of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:2. “For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.”

The cleansing work seen in the blood of Christ washes His bride and purges her conscience from dead works.

This is why parables must first be understood in the context of their original audience. If we rush to impose only future fulfillments, we risk missing the Lord’s immediate purpose: his call to moral and spiritual cleansing in the present. Once we grasp the immediate moral and doctrinal lesson, we can then lift it beyond the first-century context to apply it not only to the end times but also to Kingdom living today.

Sadly, many fail to put in the effort to unlock these lessons, unlike those, who diligently seek to understand the depth of Christ’s teaching.

Amen!

 

[Hiddenthings]

I’m not sure why Deborah was brought into our conversation?

The reply deal with her post as well.

agree…the Pharisees failed miserably. Which makes me think of when “you fail” or “it fails” and even when Jesus told them their house was left desolate. I don’t think Jesus was speaking of a literal house, but their body of religious vanity without any power to bring forth fruit unto God.

No, their house (Temple) was left desolate - God had left the building as the phrase goes.

You said “Rather, stewardship in the Gospel narrative is chiefly concerned with how one handles the Word of God and the care of his body (church)” 1 Corinthians 11:29 For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

Exactly. Paul gives extensive guidance to bishops and deacons on how to shepherd and oversee the household of God, and the Apostle Peter does as well. We will have no excuse when the Master of the House returns.

I agree concerning “those who try to claim promises exclusively for themselves risk falling into arrogance and pride” I agree because Paul also (Christ speaking in him) always spoke of for another’s benefit. “You are our crown of joy” we will be weak “so that you be made strong” …but also in seeking the perfecting of others, their brothers…they do inherit the promises of “bring forth fruit unto God” …as Paul spoke of travailing in labor again until Christ be formed “in them”.

Lovely points, Victory! I have many brothers and sisters who are also very close friends, and the red text is a key focus for me. This is exactly why the moral lessons in Christ’s parables must be given the highest importance, they teach us how to live as faithful citizens of the Kingdom here and now. Yet, even as we follow these lessons, we remember that Christ has already overcome this world, which cannot ultimately be changed. Like Abraham, we look forward to a future city, whose architect is God, the New Jerusalem...coming down from Heaven to be established on Earth.

 

[JohnDB]

This parable is a 4th in a series of parables that ALL go together.

The amounts are confusing to us Because we are accustomed to a fiat based monetary system.

The first three parables cover 4 different sins.

Lost sheep is sin of ignorance
Lost coin is sin of negligence
Prodigal son covers two sins:
Planned sins
Sin of unforgiveness

Since these sins are listed in more egregious order Jesus told the fourth parable to more completely discuss unforgiveness because it is the most difficult to forgive for God.

The amounts of debt forgiven were equal in value among those who had debts. Some owed almost nothing but others still owed significant amounts after being forgiven.

Jesus didn't get so complicated with his parables. People, although forgiven and trying to follow Jesus, are still rather poor stewards of the gifts He has charged us with stewardship over. But so long as we forgive EVERYONE as much as we are able we are allowed to keep our position of employment in God's kingdom/household.
Man is not God and incapable of forgiving like God can and will. (And in some instances we should not)

This does include yourself....the most difficult person to forgive in your world so long as you aren't a narcissist....

 

[Hiddenthings]

Since these sins are listed in more egregious order Jesus told the fourth parable to more completely discuss unforgiveness because it is the most difficult to forgive for God.

It’s rare to find a Christian willing to write on something this challenging. I would only add that it is impossible for God to forgive a sin that is, by nature, unforgivable.

Cain and Judas stand as obvious examples of this truth.

If you or I choose to exalt our sin above the grace of God, then He, in His righteousness, is just in withholding mercy.

 

[Webers_Home]

I would only add that it is impossible for God to forgive a sin that is, by nature, unforgivable.

● Mark 3:28-30 . . I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men
will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will
never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin. He said this because they
were saying, "He has an evil spirit."

The Scribes and Pharisees were highly respected in their communities. No
doubt quite a few people believed them as they went about insinuating that
Jesus was a sorcerer. The Pharisee's sin was even worse because according
to John 3:1-2 they were confident in their own minds that Jesus was on the
up and up.

You know, I can almost forgive highly respected entertainers and athletes
stooping to slander in the world of politics, but it is nigh unto impossible for
me to forgive spiritual big wigs for talking advantage of the public's trust in
the world of religion
_