Luke Chapter 16 — Stewardship and the Rich Man
Jesus teaches about the wise use of wealth through the parable of a clever manager and describes the contrasting eternal fates of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Luke 16:10
“He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
This verse establishes a core principle of integrity and the testing of character in small matters.
Luke 16:13
“No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to one and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and Mammon.”
It clearly defines the impossibility of divided loyalty between divine service and the pursuit of wealth.
Luke 16:31
“He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’”
This concluding statement emphasizes the sufficiency of the scriptures for leading people to repentance.
Chapter Summary
Luke Chapter 16 addresses the relationship between faith and material wealth. It begins with the Parable of the Unjust Steward, where a manager facing dismissal reduces the debts of his master's clients to secure his own future. Jesus uses this narrative to encourage his followers to be shrewd with worldly resources for eternal purposes, emphasizing that no one can serve two masters: God and Mammon. When the Pharisees scoff at this, Jesus addresses the condition of the heart and the permanence of the Law. The chapter concludes with the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. While the rich man lived in luxury and ignored the suffering beggar at his gate, their roles are reversed in the afterlife. The rich man experiences torment in Hades while Lazarus is comforted by Abraham. The passage ends with a warning that those who ignore the scriptures will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead, highlighting the priority of God's Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
The parable encourages believers to be as diligent and forward-thinking with their spiritual lives and resources as worldly people are with their temporary finances. It highlights the importance of using 'unrighteous mammon' to secure an eternal legacy.
Mammon refers to wealth, riches, or property, often personified as a false god that competes with the Creator for a person's devotion and trust.
No, the Lazarus described in this chapter as a beggar is a different person from Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha, whose resurrection is recorded in the Gospel of John.
The text states that Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom where he is comforted. The rich man dies and goes to Hades, where he experiences torment and realizes he cannot cross the great gulf to find relief.
Study Note
The phrase 'Abraham’s bosom' was a common Jewish idiom of the first century used to describe the place of honor and comfort for the righteous in the afterlife.
Related Chapters
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.