Straight from the Heart - Luke 16:14-18

The seventh parable in this series of eight re-directs Jesus’ discussion to the Pharisees. A strange interjection seems to interrupt the flow of thought. It is no accident however, since the interjection introduces a seventh parable of the eternal consequences straight from the heart of the previous parable. Salvation is still the theme of these parables, but the focus shifts from God’s intensive labor to save the sinner and His acceptance of their repentance to the outcome of Pharisees ensnared by the self-righteous delusion that God’s riches are their personal possession. Wanton disregard of stewardship described in the parable of the prodigal son morphs into the sin of personal avarice rather than profligacy. The interjection provides any hearer with an indelible mark of warning should they mistake self-justification for God’s justification. It fulfills Luke’s purpose of this Gospel, to steady the God-lover’s wobbly faith regarding a proper regard for law, mercy, and justice.