There is a distinct difference between being shrewd and being wise. As I see it, at least, someone is shrewd if they know how to get what they want for selfish reasons. Someone who is wise knows how to get what they want but for the benefit of others.
To explain his parable about the shrewd manager, Jesus said, “Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” The manager was definitely shrewd! Continue reading “Luke 16:1-18 – Shrewd or Wise?”
Today’s reading is longer than usual, as you may have noticed. The common theme is lost and found, so let’s take a look at that. Because Jesus uses three different parables for this message, I would say he’s pretty serious about this. It’s a topic that needs to be emphasized. Its part of our mission, to find the lost, so let’s dig in!
What did you think of this reading? I struggled with “hating” the people I love most. The words, “by comparison,” help us to see what Jesus is saying. He is not contradicting himself or his command to love one another. He is, instead, being totally serious as to how much we need to love HIM to be his follower. He demands our full attention and devotion.
Do you ever make excuses at the last minute for not attending a gathering you’re invited to? I’m trying to remember doing so, but I know I’ve had it done to me. It’s like the people decided at the last minute that a better offer came along. I always struggled with that because for me, a commitment is a commitment. If I say I’m going to do something (or don’t say I’m not), I am committed to that thing. I call it integrity or being considerate.
Jesus takes every opportunity he has for a teachable moment. We get a front row seat to all of this great wisdom. Granted, there were days not memorialized to be sure, but when situations aligned, Jesus used them to teach. That’s what a good teacher does.
