The Parable of the Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-15
Understand It
- How did the rich man respond to the manager who was "wasting his possessions"? (16:1-2)
- Why was the manager scared to lose his job? (16:3)
- What plan did the manager devise to secure his future? (16:4-7)
- How did the rich master react to the dishonest dealings of the manager? (16:8)
- Who are the "people of light" to whom Jesus referred? (16:8)
- How does Jesus want us to use money? (16:9)
- What main principle should govern the way we use our resources? (16:10-12)
- Why is it impossible to serve two masters? (16:13)
- Why were the Pharisees upset with Jesus’ teaching? (16:14)
- How did the Pharisees "justify" themselves? (16:15)
- How does God judge people? (16:15)
- What does God think of the things that we typically value? (16:15)
Apply It
- What can you do during this next week to become a better steward of the resources God has given you?
- During the next few weeks, what is one way you can use money to serve others and show them the love of God?
- During the next few weeks, what is one way you can live more simply?
Additional Teachings - Luke 16:16-18
Understand It
- What two eras did John the Baptist’s ministry divide? (16:16)
- What changed after the ministry of John the Baptist? (16:16)
- What was being preached? (16:16)
- Who was "forcing his way" into the kingdom of God? (16:16)
- What is easier than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law? (16:17)
- Why did Jesus emphasize the importance of the Law? (16:17)
- What relation does the section on divorce have to the previous verses about the Law? (16:18)
- What two conditions constitute adultery? (16:18)
- How does Jesus view divorce? (16:18)
- How has Jesus’ life changed the importance of the Law? (16:16-18)
Apply It
- What can you do this week to renew your obedience to the commands of Jesus in your everyday life?
- What could you do to help a person who is experiencing marriage difficulties?
The Rich Man and Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31
Understand It
- How did Jesus describe the rich man in the story? (16:19)
- What does the story tell us about Lazarus? (16:20)
- What role did angels play in this story? (16:22)
- Where did the angels take Lazarus? (16:22)
- What difference did the rich man’s wealth make in his eternal destiny? (16:22-23)
- What does this parable reveal about heaven and hell? (16:22-31)
- What did the rich man see from his place in hell? (16:23)
- How did Abraham respond to the request of the rich man? (16:25)
- What was the other reason why Lazarus could not help the rich man? (16:26)
- Why did the rich man want Lazarus to go to his father’s house on earth? (16:27-28)
- Why did Abraham say that Moses and the Prophets should be enough for the rich man’s brothers? (16:29, 31)
- What did the rich man think was necessary to convince his brothers to believe? (16:30)
Apply It
- In the next few days, how can you demonstrate your thankfulness to the Lord for His provision of eternal life?
- How many people like Lazarus do you know who could benefit from your compassion today?
