Luke 16 - Mercy or Money

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager:
One of Jesus’ most perplexing parables. The manager isn’t necessarily dishonest—he’s shrewd. The point? Use worldly resources wisely to create eternal outcomes.

What Is “Unrighteous Wealth”?
Mammon comes from the root for trust. It’s not just money—it’s what people rely on. Jesus calls us to use even these unreliable things for God’s glory.

Are We Shrewd or Passive?
Jesus commends strategic thinking. Too often, people of faith are meek in planning. This parable pushes us to be thoughtful and intentional about the kingdom.

Serving God vs. Serving Money:
We can’t serve both. The tension between financial security and spiritual trust is real—and Jesus calls out misplaced trust in earthly wealth.

The Rich Man and Lazarus:
A stark picture of eternity. The rich man ignores suffering, and later faces permanent separation. Meanwhile, Lazarus receives eternal comfort.

Recognition in Heaven:
Abraham and Lazarus are identified by name—hinting that we retain our identities and relationships in eternity. Heaven isn’t abstract; it’s deeply personal.

Scripture Is Enough:
The rich man pleads for a miracle to warn his brothers, but Abraham says they already have the law and prophets. Faith grows from God’s word—not from dramatic signs.

God's Values vs. Human Status:
What the world admires—status, wealth, appearances—God often rejects. He cares about the heart, not the surface.

Faithful Stewardship:
The chapter challenges us to ask: What are we doing with what we’ve been given—our money, time, relationships, and influence?

Takeaway

Luke 16 challenges us to think wisely and intentionally about how we use what we've been given. Jesus doesn’t praise dishonesty—He praises shrewdness, the kind of thoughtful, strategic action that leads to eternal outcomes. We’re reminded that wealth, while not inherently wrong, can become a substitute for trusting God if we’re not careful. The call is to use our time, money, and relationships in ways that bring others closer to God, investing in eternal returns rather than earthly comfort. Faithfulness with little leads to faithfulness with much, and burying our talents out of fear or inaction misses the point of the gospel. We’re shown that heaven is personal and relational—we will know each other—and that God’s priorities often reverse what the world admires. Scripture is enough to guide us, and now is the time to act.

https://thebibleinsmallsteps.com/luke-16-stewardship-and-shrewdness/