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Day 203

Luke 16 : 19-31 "A QUICK REVIEW ON THE TEACHING OF "WEALTH"

Day 203 – Luke 16

Text: Luke 16 : 19-31

A QUICK REVIEW ON THE TEACHING OF “WEALTH”

Luke devoted a whole chapter to the subject of how to look on the subject of wealth.

1. Jesus emphasized wisdom with reference to the acquisition of wealth. Money was not to be shunned or feared. It was perfectly normal to obtain wealth through legitimate and gainful employment.

2. Faithfulness in the stewardship of funds was an absolute necessity as well.

3. Wealth must never be abused. It cannot be used to distort Scriptures to support one’s wicked agenda.

THE PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS

Luke drew the teachings of the Lord Jesus on the subject of “money” to a close with a parable popularly known as “The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus”. Sometimes the Parable is also called “The Parable of Dives (pronounced Di-ves which is the Latin word for “a rich man”) and Lazarus”.

When we consider why Jesus spoke using a parable we are reminded of the following:-

1. That this parable was meant to make the people THINK through even more carefully what Jesus had to say on the subject.

2. That the plain teaching of Jesus had already been set aside by the people. The parable was used because further plain teaching would be of little use.

3. The truth would remain hidden to the people who reject the truth. The only way they could comprehend the truth that Jesus taught would be for them to take extra trouble to understand. This would mean that they would have to do a lot of soul-searching. They would have to seek Jesus out to ask Him for help to understand the Word that He had taught. Unless they did this, they would remain unable to comprehend the truth that would be “hidden” in the parable.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN THE INTERPRETATION OF THIS PARABLE

It is important to take certain precautions when interpreting and applying the meaning of this parable. The point of this parable must be borne in mind at all times! This parable was spoken to warn people that being obsessed with wealth could lead to serious trouble.

Jesus once spoke another parable that is quite similar to this one. In Luke 12:13-21, Luke recorded “The Parable of the Rich Fool”. It was also a parable that warned about becoming obsessed with obtaining worldly wealth that one suffers the ultimate penalty – the loss of one’s soul!

The parable of “The Rich Man and Lazarus” is very similar. A very similar message is conveyed in the parable. Whether the hearers would benefit from the telling of this parable would depend on the response they gave to Jesus.

What are some precautions we must take when we look at this parable? Let us be careful not to press the details of the parable.

1. Some have used this parable to teach that Jesus was against being rich. This is obviously not the case because He had already spoken on the subject of wealth. He did not condemn wealth, but encouraged wisdom and faithfulness in stewardship.

2. Some have sought to develop a theology on the phrase, “Abraham’s Bosom” to suggest that this was an intermediate stage, between heaven and hell.

3. Still others have sought to elaborate on the idea of salvation being dependent upon doing good deeds.

Let us remember that Jesus was using a parable to teach an important truth! The details of the parable should not be pressed or the whole idea of the parable would become distorted!

WHAT WEALTH CAN DO TO PEOPLE

What can wealth do to people? In this parable, the rich man exemplifies how wealth can adversely affect a person.

1. It can cause a person to become spiritually dead! The rich man cared only about eating well! He did not show any inclination towards things spiritual!

2. It can cause a person to be indifferent towards people who are suffering. The Rich Man could have helped Lazarus, but he was indifferent towards his needs.

3. It can cause a person to forget that he is but mortal and that his life span on earth is very limited. There would come a time when he would die.

4. It can cause a person to forget that one day he would have to account for his life on earth. In this parable, the rich man discovered too late that God would judge him.

Wealth can do all of the above and more. How important it is that we take heed and then pray about how we are to use the gift of wealth.

APOSTOLIC ADVICE ON THE SUBJECT OF THE USE OF WEALTH

Let us consider the words of advice that Paul wrote in his first pastoral epistle to Timothy.

“Command those who are rich in this present age
not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches
but in the living God,
who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
Let them do good, that they be rich in good works,
Ready to give, willing to share,
Storing up for themselves a good foundation
for the time to come,
That they may lay hold on eternal life.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19

Wealth can cause a person to be haughty, and to trust in riches! Paul did not condemn wealth, nor the fact that wealth could enable a person to enjoy his earthly existence a little more. Paul simply urged all who were wealthy to make full and good use of their riches to bless the lives of others less fortunate. What are you doing with your wealth?