Month: December 2022

A NEW Bible Reading Plan for 2023

What will God reveal about Himself today?

What an exciting time of year!  Who is ready for 2023 and a NEW SeekGrowLove Bible reading plan?  

At the bottom of this post you will find the new schedule!  Wouldn’t it be great if 2023 was the year you daily read the Bible more than ever before?  

What does God want to reveal about himself to you – every day of 2023?  Come along on the journey with Seek Grow Love to find out!  

This year the Seek Grow Love reading plan includes 3 daily readings.  Choose 1, 2 or 3 of the readings to complete each day – if you do all three everyday (or get caught up if needed) you will read through the whole Bible in 2023. 

  – The Old Testament reading is 2-3 chapters a day and takes you through the entire Old Testament, with the exception of Psalms and Proverbs.  

  – In the second column, one Psalm or Proverb is assigned to each day and through the year each will be repeated.  

  – The New Testament column is typically one chapter of the New Testament each day.  The gospels are spread out throughout the year, Matthew is at the start and end of the year, and Acts will be read after Luke in the spring, the rest of the New Testament is mostly in order.  A few weeks will be devoted to a theme related to a holiday season, FUEL theme, or a doctrinal topic.

You may find benefit in spreading out the readings through your day and praying through the Psalm. Perhaps one or more of the readings will work well to do together with your family.  You may also find it helpful having an accountability partner, or even creating a small group to share what you have been reading and learning.

Visit SeekGrowLove.com to read daily devotions based on this reading plan, and on the website you can sign up to have the devotions emailed to you every morning.  Each devotion will include reflection questions.  This year, we specifically challenge you to search everyday for what God is revealing about himself throughout His Scriptures.  It would be a great year to start a little journal (or note in your Bible margins or online Bible notes) and record daily what you have read and what you learn about God, His character, His power, His love, His Son, etc… in that passage. 

You can also follow on our Facebook page (Seek Grow Love) and Instagram (seekgrowlove).   

God bless you as you seek the LORD and read His words this year!

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Best Day Ever

Luke 24

Saturday, December 31, 2022

            It was frustrating writing about the way Jesus was tortured and killed, but I get to end the year by writing about the number one very best day in human history.  No other day could have been more exciting, felt so good, and impacted so many people, including you and me.

            Sorry, but I need to start off by dissing a bit on those who loved and supported Jesus throughout his ministry.  Were they not paying attention to what he said?  He told them he was going to die and be raised in three days.  Did nobody remember that fairly critical piece of information?  I could understand them being a bit skeptical and not totally believing that he was going to come back to life until they saw it with their own eyes, but it seems like the ladies that were going to visit the tomb should have been going there to see if it really happened on the third day.  Instead, they were convinced that he was still dead; moreover, they were perplexed when they didn’t find his body there.  Suddenly, two dazzlingly dressed dudes appeared to them and reminded them about the three-day thing.  They did remember at that point they had been told he was coming back to life, so they went back and reported what they had seen to the eleven apostles and others.

            Certainly, the apostles, of all people, would remember what was going to happen.  They had seen many amazing miracles with their own eyes, so of course, they would have enough faith to believe it could have happened, but no; they thought the story was nonsense and didn’t believe the women.  Peter does get some credit, though, because he bounced up, ran to the tomb, and marveled at what had happened.  He believed Jesus was alive before he actually saw him with his own eyes.

            Strangely enough, their sad state of mind made the day that much sweeter for them when they finally saw it was true that he was alive.  They had believed that Jesus was the Messiah, but when he was killed, their hope of him saving the day vanished.  They incorrectly thought he was there to redeem Israel during that time.  They assumed he would get rid of the Roman government and save the world then – not later.  They were truly heartbroken and depressed when they saw Jesus die.

            Think about someone you loved dearly that died.  Perhaps, you saw them laying in the casket and then buried.  A few days have passed, and you are still raw with emotions, experiencing the sting of death.  Then picture the doorbell rings, you answer the door, and that person is standing there with a big smile on their face.  Whoa!!  How doubly incredibly happy you would be!  I think that’s how people felt when they saw Jesus alive again.  It had to be the best day ever!

            You may think it was a bit cruel for me to have you dwell on one of your loved ones that has died.  I am sure you are still missing them.  It still hurts.  However, the fact that Jesus was resurrected on that day a couple thousand years ago can be a promise about the future of your loved one.  If they accepted salvation in their lifetime, they too will come back to life and greet you with a big smile if you also are saved.  What an amazing day that will be – like the amazing day Jesus came back to life.  Jesus was the first to come back to life forevermore, but you or any of your loved ones that die before his return can be next up.

-Rick McClain

Time to ponder:

Do you agree that the resurrection of Jesus was the best day ever?  Can you think of a better day?

Most of Jesus’ closest followers soaked up every word he spoke and were convinced he was the Messiah, but their faith faded fast when something seemed to go very wrong.  Is your faith strong enough to make it through the tough times?

Jesus’ resurrection can give people great hope about the future, but only if they believe.  The story is absolutely meaningless to those who haven’t made the decision to follow God.  Is there a loved one in your life that needs to hear about the good news?

2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload

The Mob

Luke 23

Friday, December 30, 2022

            I’m just going to put it out there.  Luke 23 really frustrates me.  There is so much wrong with what happened to Jesus, and it should have been obvious to anyone with an ounce of common sense, but “the mob” got their way because they were the loudest and most obnoxious.  Has anything changed in 2,000 years or is the mob still getting their way?  Why did God allow the mob to get what they wanted?  Why didn’t He protect His son?

            My first point of frustration is that the people wanting to kill Jesus were not the ones that didn’t believe in God; they were the ones who supposedly had devoted their lives to God.  Apparently, “Thou shall not kill” was too difficult for them to understand.  They also weren’t too bright about recognizing that Jesus was the Messiah that they had been told would be coming.  It is true that Jesus rocked their world a bit by telling them they needed to reevaluate their laws and their hearts, but it is amazing that their response to that was that they believed Jesus should be killed.  I am trying to picture an elders’ meeting today at our church where we had to talk about someone stirring up the congregation in a way we thought was inappropriate.  I can’t imagine someone would suggest, “We need to kill them.”  (Although, I guess I did just imagine that or I wouldn’t have written it.)

            The most frustrating part of this chapter is reading about how an innocent man was sentenced to death.  Pilate knew Jesus was not guilty and he tried to convince the mob of such.  They weren’t having it, so Pilate sent Jesus to Herod because he didn’t want any part of condemning an innocent man.  Herod also could not find anything that Jesus had done wrong, so he sent him back to Pilate.  Pilate pleaded with the people again, but the people wouldn’t listen.  Pilate tried one last time to get Jesus released with the rule about letting a prisoner go free.  Instead, the mob said they wanted an insurrectionist/murderer released.  Again, if the mob had one shred of common sense, they would have freed Jesus.  This was so wrong!

            Lastly, it was ridiculous enough that they put Jesus to death, but it is extremely frustrating to read about how they did it.  Why did they have to choose the most torturous, horrific way of killing someone?  The pain Jesus felt had to be excruciating and it lasted way too long.  I get mad thinking about what they did, and they did it to the one person who literally never did anything wrong to anyone.

            This was a terrible act by the people, but why did God not stop it?  Strangely enough, it was always a part of God’s plan.  Think about what would have happened if God had not allowed Jesus to die on the cross.  I suppose he would have gone on teaching, healing, and revealing the kingdom, and at some point, Jesus would have died of old age.  No crucifixion.  No resurrection.  Nobody paying the price for our sins.  God allowed the most terrible act in history to happen because it was also the most wonderful act in history.  There has never been an act in all of time that was greater than what Jesus did for you and me on that day.

            I am sorry to say that the mob is still alive and well.  I am continually frustrated by all the things I see today that happen because the mob gets what it wants.  Christians are losing many battles today, just like Jesus lost to the mob back then.  I feel like the women and acquaintances that were mentioned in verses 27 and 49.  They too were watching the injustice from a distance, knowing they couldn’t stop the mob.  However, I think about what Jesus said while he was dying on the cross.  He asked his Father to forgive them because they didn’t know what they were doing.  I believe the mob today truly believes that what they are doing is right; they just don’t understand what they are doing.  And we should ask God to forgive them as well, the same way Jesus did while he was being tortured and killed back then.

-Rick McClain

Time to ponder:

Take some time to remember what Jesus went through on that horrible day so that our sins could be forgiven.  Also, think about what it must have been like for God to watch His son die in that way when He had the power to stop it at any time.  Do you love someone enough that you would make your son take their punishment of death or would you decide that they should take the punishment themselves since they are the one who committed the crime and deserve it?  Thank Jesus and God for that incredible loving act.

Are you frustrated today when you see the loudmouths get their way, especially when it is against Christians?  Are you willing to forgive them?

2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload

How Could They?

Luke 22

Thursday, December, 29, 2022

            Can you imagine if you lived in Bible times and the son of God handpicked you to be a part of his very exclusive inner circle?  How amazing that would have been to be chosen as one of the twelve disciples!  Spending time in conversation with him daily, watching him perform many miracles, listening to him teach the people and reveal the coming kingdom, and just being around the most awesome dude ever would have been incredible.  Surely, that group of twelve would be so devoted to him that they would never turn against him.  Or, maybe they would.

            Let’s start with Judas.  I’m not making excuses for him, but Luke 22:3 does say that Satan entered into Judas right before he went to the chief priests and officers to devise a plan to betray Jesus so he could be put to death.  Although, how in the world could one of the twelve disciples get to the point where Satan would be allowed to have so much influence over him.  He didn’t have to go along with the temptation Satan presented to him, but he willingly did turn his back on Jesus.  I don’t really understand how he could have justified in his mind such an evil plan, but clearly, he was weak in the faith department and not strong enough to not give in to the temptation.

            I think we accept the fact that Judas betrayed Jesus – because he was Judas.  Who has anything good to say about Judas?  It’s not like he was John, James, or Peter, some of the most impressive disciples.  They would never turn their back on Jesus, until Peter did.

            Peter showed over and over that he loved Jesus and was totally onboard for the cause.  His faith was pretty strong also – strong enough to walk on water for a little bit.  So what went wrong?  How could he have denied Jesus three times in one night.  Furthermore, to make it worse, Jesus even told him right beforehand that he was going to deny him three times.  It seems like after the second time he would have thought, “Okay, that was two times, but there’s no way I’m messing up a third time.  I’m not falling for that one.”  But one of the most devoted of Jesus’ inner circle was not strong enough to not give in to the temptation.

            Let’s fast-forward to today.  How strong is your faith?  Are you onboard with the cause 100% or are you a fair-weather Christian?  What can you do to make sure you don’t give into temptation when tough times hit?  There is one suggestion from Jesus that he stated in verse 40 and again in verse 46.  He told the disciples to pray that they wouldn’t enter into temptation.  I find it interesting that he didn’t tell them to pray to not enter into sin; he told them to pray to not enter into temptation.  Temptation is not wrong.  Jesus was tempted in the same way we are tempted, but he did not give into the temptation and sin.  That is deep, at least to me it is.

-Rick McClain

Time to ponder:

Many of us spend time figuring out how we are not going to enter into sin, but have you ever thought about what you could do (or not do) to not enter into temptation?  That seems like a great place to be because you will probably not sin if you are not tempted to sin.

Is there anything else you can do to prepare yourself to be strong enough to not give in when strong temptations arise?

I’m not going to give you a third question because I think it would be wise to use your time to keep thinking about the first two questions.  There really is a lot there to think and pray about.

2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload

Tough Times Ahead

Luke 21

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

            Most people are a bit apprehensive about living in the end times.  In Luke 21, Jesus described many things that are going to happen, and quite frankly, most of them don’t give us the warm fuzzies.  There will be a lot of death and suffering, but Jesus gives us some good advice on how to approach those days.

            I don’t want to freak you out but there will be wars, disturbances, earthquakes, plagues, famines, terrors, great signs from heaven, persecution of Christians, family and friend betrayals, some will be put to death, you will be hated by all, roaring of the sea, men fainting from fear, and the powers of heaven will be shaken.  It is safe to say that these will be scary times for Christians, and for non-Christians as well.  Therefore, you might think the word to describe the end times is “hopeless”, but quite the opposite is true according to Jesus.

            In verse 9, he tells us not to be terrified.  He tells us in verse 28 to straighten up and lift up our heads when these things begin to take place because our redemption is drawing near.  He continues in verse 31 saying that when we see these things happening, we will know the kingdom of God is near.  These are actually going to be pretty exciting times for Christians because we know the start of the kingdom is right around the corner.

            Jesus also gives us some advice on how to handle the end times.  In verse 34, he tells us to be on guard so our hearts will not be weighted down with the worries of life, and to be on guard so it does not surprise us like a trap.  He instructs us to stay alert in verse 36, and to keep praying that you will have the strength to escape all these things.

            However, the most surprising and interesting part of this chapter to me was verses 13 to 15.  “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.  So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.”  I surely wasn’t expecting that guidance.  We’re not supposed to be preparing beforehand to defend ourselves because we could potentially have a chance to give our testimony to those who we would be defending ourselves from.  We could help someone be saved at this last hour by talking to them, with the words and wisdom given to us by Jesus, rather than fighting against them.

            If you are alive during the end times, it will be difficult to watch what will be happening all around you.  Nevertheless, you need to remember that we already know who wins in the end, and it is not the bad guys.  Some that are weak will lose faith, but those who understand what is happening will be glad that the kingdom is near.

-Rick McClain

Time to ponder:

Do you worry about what is going on in the world today?  If so, do you not believe that God is in control and those who put their trust in Him will live happily ever after?  Ask God for a big dose of peace that only comes from Him during these difficult times.

How can you prepare today for the end times?  How should we not prepare (verse 13)?

Why is it important to study what is going to happen in the future?  What could happen to you during the end times if you are not aware of what is happening?

2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload

And in This Corner…

Luke 20

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

            Yesterday we mentioned that there were people that flustered Jesus.  In Luke chapter 20, we get a big dose of people hating on Jesus.  How bad was it?  How did he handle it?

            Don’t you find it strange that a man who never sinned against anyone ticked so many people off?  He never did anything wrong to anybody, but so many people disliked him, especially religious people who believed in the same God we worship today.  Moreover, they didn’t just ignore him; rather, they spent a lot of energy trying to take him down.  In Luke 20 alone, the religious folks confronted Jesus about his authority, tried to lay hands on him (and that wasn’t to pray over him), and sent spies who pretended to be righteous in order to catch him in a statement so they could hand him over to the authority of the governor.  They really didn’t like Jesus at all and wanted him silenced.

            Put yourself in Jesus’ sandals for a moment.  How would you feel if people were constantly attacking you even though you had never done anything bad to them?  I’m a fairly patient person, but I think at some point if someone continually attacked me when I had done them no wrong, I would lose my cool and flip out at them.  If someone continually tried to turn others against me, tried to physically harm me, and tried to get me arrested, my anger would most likely boil over eventually.

            How did Jesus react?  He used the “3 C” approach – Calm, Cool, and Collected.  He didn’t raise his voice.  He didn’t call them names (like the Pharifesces).  He didn’t ignore them or run the other direction.  He didn’t get physical with them.  On the other hand, he did treat them with respect.  He did take the time to speak with them.  He was completely civil with them, but he also didn’t hold back the truth.  He explained to them that what they were doing was wrong and that they would pay for it.

            I must admit that it is entertaining to me to see how Jesus masterfully with his words put them in their place time and time again.  They knew he had gotten the best of them, and they backed off so they could regroup and try again.  I’m sure many of the scribes and priests became even angrier in defeat, but we do get a small glimpse of Jesus’ approach changing some minds about him.  Luke 20:39-40 says, “Some of the scribes answered and said, ‘Teacher, you have spoken well.’  For they did not have courage to question him any longer about anything.”

            Today, anger rules the day.  When people don’t agree, they tend to blow up at each other, call each other names, ignore each other, and just really dislike each other.  They want so bad to change the minds of the people on the other side of the issue, but their strong words and actions actually entrench the other side further into their beliefs.  If you want to have any chance at persuading someone, don’t attack them; try to stay calm, cool, and collected the same way Jesus dealt with his adversaries.  You don’t need to like the things they say and do, but you do need to love them as your neighbor.

-Rick McClain

Time to ponder:

Is there a person or group of people that you don’t like because of the viewpoints they hold?  If so, their viewpoints may be completely wrong or even evil, but it is time to forgive them and not hold those wrong beliefs against them personally.  You may also need to apologize to them for your words or actions.

There is a time to be angry at people.  The Bible even records Jesus getting very angry and acting out…once.  He took a whip into the temple and flipped over tables…once.  People constantly persecuted him, and he got angry…once.  Anger is not the best way to act…except maybe once.  How quickly do you get angry with others?  Try to separate the issue from the person.  You don’t have to agree with them, but you do need to control your temper and love them.  Is there anyone you need to apologize to that has been on the wrong side of your wrath?

2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload

Don’t Be a Hater

Luke 19

Monday, December 26, 2022

            You may have noticed there is a huge culture war going on within our country.  There is no shortage of issues that are dividing people such as politics, abortion, LGBTQ issues, gun control, removing names from buildings, taking down statues, and climate change to name a few.  It is very easy to demonize the “other side”, and both sides do it to each other every day.  However, as Christians, we shouldn’t be demonizing anyone.  God created all the people on both sides of the issues, and we are told to love everyone.

            I have some pretty strong opinions about many issues.  I strongly believe that your mother should not have had the right to end your life, and I believe you became you at conception.  I will go to my grave standing up for unborn babies that deserve a chance to live because they are alive.  However, I will still love those that disagree with me.  I will actually like them, want to hang out with them, and would even call them a friend as well.

            Some of you may think I shouldn’t be chummy with the other side, especially if it is an issue of Christians versus non-Christians.  I can understand why you would feel that way, but it wouldn’t stop me.  It also didn’t stop Jesus from going to Zacchaeus’ house.  The people grumbled that Jesus had gone to be the guest of a sinner.  How dare he get chummy with the other side.  Was he not concerned about his reputation?  Did he not understand how bad a person Zacchaeus was?  He knew exactly what he was doing and stated it in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”  And it worked; Zacchaeus was saved during that visit.

            Jesus knew there were people that lived immoral lives and didn’t agree with him about much of anything.  They were lost.  He didn’t ignore them or dislike them because of their disagreements; he made a point of getting to know them, showed sincere concern for them, and eventually died for them if they would accept him.  He wanted to make a difference in their lives, and it is nearly impossible to do that if you take a side against them and demonize them.  He took sides against issues, but he did not take sides against the individuals on the other side of those issues.  He wanted everyone to be saved.  Did some people fluster him at times?  For sure, but he never stopped loving them.

-Rick McClain

Time to ponder:

Are there any individuals or groups of people on “the other side of an issue” that you look down on because of their beliefs or actions?  If so, you should forgive them for whatever wrong they have done.

Is it possible to strongly disagree with someone’s beliefs, but still love them as your neighbor?

Is it ok to still support a business that has publicly fought for an issue that you vehemently oppose?

2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload

Pushy, Pushy

Luke 18

Sunday, December 25, 2022

            Pushy people can be annoying.  They’re relentless until they get what they want.  But you must admit, they usually get what they want.  Luke 18 is loaded with chunks of wisdom, but one of the teachings throughout the chapter is that pushy people get what they desire, and Jesus says we should be just like them.

            Jesus started with a parable about prayer.  He talked about a widow that kept coming to a judge asking for legal protection.  For a while the judge was unwilling to give her what she wanted, but the woman kept pushing and he finally gave in.  He said that the reason he gave her what she wanted was because the widow kept bothering him and he was concerned if he didn’t help her, she would continually come to him and wear him out.  It may be surprising to you that we are told to be like the pushy widow when it comes to prayer.  Don’t just pray for something one time and forget about it.  God wants to see how bad you really want it.  It’s Christmas today and I am reminded of when my kids were young and would ask for a particular gift for Christmas.  If they were relentless and asked for it over and over, there was a pretty good chance they were going to get it.  Furthermore, it was more exciting as a parent to watch their reaction when they opened that gift that they really really wanted because they were extra appreciative when they saw what it was.  God is the same way.  He likes to give us what we want and need, and I am sure he enjoys our reaction when we show Him how appreciative we are.

            A little later in the chapter, parents were bringing their babies to Jesus so that he would touch them.  Apparently, they were being a bit pushy, so the disciples started to rebuke them.  Jesus saw what was happening and told the disciples to back down and let the children come to him because “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”.  The aggressive parents got what they wanted, and Jesus was happy to give it to them.

            Lastly, Bartimaeus was a blind man who was sitting by the road begging.  He heard a crowd go by and asked what was going on.  They told him that Jesus was passing by, so he called out to Jesus asking for Jesus to have mercy on him.  Those who led the way sternly told him to be quiet…so he gave up and sat quietly as to not bother anyone.  Not!  He kept crying out even more!  Jesus heard him and asked that he be brought to him.  Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted Jesus to do for him.  He said he wanted to regain his sight.  Jesus said, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”  Immediately, he regained his sight and began following him and praising God.  What do you suppose would have happened if he kept his mouth shut after he was told to be quiet?  I think we know the answer to that, and it doesn’t have anything to do with regaining sight.  It was because he was pushy, and dare we say a bit obnoxious, that he received his sight.

            I don’t think the lesson here is that it is a good idea to be rude and bad-mannered to others; rather, when you really want something from God, be persistent in your prayers and tell God how badly you really want it.  And then ask Him again and again.  It pleases Him to see that we are reaching out to Him and depending on Him instead of relying on ourselves.

-Rick McClain

Time to ponder:

What messages are we giving to God when we continually ask Him for something?  Conversely, what messages are we giving to God when we don’t continually ask Him for something?

Is there something you really want from God, but you haven’t spent much time letting Him know that?  What are you waiting for?

How can you bring children to Jesus, rather than being like the disciples who tried to keep them from Jesus?

How are you doing at showing appreciation for God’s greatest gifts? Specifically this holiday season, how will you show thanks for the gift God gave – his Son born to die (and welcome children, and show the Pharisees a better way, and heal the blind, and open the way to eternal life …) – and rise again (Luke 18:31-34) – and come again!

2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload

Some Big Jobs to Do

Luke 17

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Forgiveness. We’ve all been there and have wrestled with this single task. Except, it isn’t a single task is it? Forgiveness happens over and over and over again. Forgiveness can be a hard concept to grasp. It is human nature to want to fall into our sinful desire to repay evil with evil, turn a blind eye to those who hurt us, or to decide that one is simply not deserving of our forgiveness. Luke 17:4 states, “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent’ you must forgive them.” I find the next verse to be so interesting as the apostles reply back to Jesus as he’s teaching and call out, “Increase our faith!” How easy is it to feel like we do not have the kind of faith that is capable of believing in the teachings we’ve learned, to feel like we simply can’t trust God in every circumstance, or that we don’t have the strength to obey God’s commandments? We are not perfect by any means, but we are able to serve the Lord and fulfill our duty even with the smallest amount of faith. 

In this chapter we are encouraged to do many things: to teach little ones, not causing them to stumble or cause a hindrance to their faith, to forgive anytime you can, and to serve with all that you have so that when you return to your master you can tell them that your duty has been fulfilled. Can you imagine the great and mighty things that can be done if we take our faith, no matter how small it may be, and place it into an all powerful, all knowing God? We as humans are not strong enough to bear the stumbling blocks of this world alone. May we rely on the strength that comes from God to overcome such things to live a life that is pleasing according to God’s perfect will.

Romans 12:2 

“Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing, and perfect will.  

– Kayla Elwell

Reflection Questions

  1. Is there currently somebody you need to forgive? Do you feel like you need an increase in faith to do what Jesus has told you to do? What would Jesus say? (Check Luke 17.)
  2. As today is Christmas Eve, consider the faith of those in Luke 1 & 2. Whose faith is an example for you to follow? Whose faith fell short for a time?
2022 SeekGrowLove Bible Reading PlanDownload

Give so that you get?

Luke 16

Friday, December 23, 2022

I love the parables of Jesus.  But I’ve got to admit, this one about the shrewd manager threw me for a loop.  Take a minute to read it. 

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly.” (v.8)

Is Jesus commending this shrewd manager for cheating his master out of his money by canceling debt without his master’s permission? Can that possibly be true?  The rich master found out that his money manager was misusing his money, so he fired him.  The manager did not want to be homeless and live on the street begging, so he granted favors to the master’s debtors before his exit from his employment. The purpose of his deceit was to guarantee that he would have some “friends” from whom he could ask for future favors. Give so that you get. Sounds shrewd, right?  Sounds like the master and Jesus seems to think so.

But, is his behavior ethical?  His former boss commends his shrewdness, and it looks like Jesus is using him as an example that we should follow.  Perhaps we need to take a closer look at this parable. 

First, do not be confused about who the rich master is.  In other parables, a master is considered to be God, but in this one, that is not true.  God would not be commending us for being dishonest and a thief.  So, what is the point?  What is Jesus teaching?

“For the people of this world are shrewder in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” (v8) Jesus is comparing us, the people of the light, with people of this world.  People of the world look out for themselves, and people of the light are not doing this.  So, how do we as people of the light look out for ourselves without being dishonest?  It actually is simple, but we often find it very difficult.

“When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. (The shrewd manager’s game plan).  But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.  Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:12-14). (This should be our game plan!)  Throughout His ministry Jesus told us to give to the needy, love your enemies, and do good without expecting anything in return.  As a result, your reward will be great, and you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

By doing these things, we are being shrewd by laying up treasures in heaven.  We are taking care of ourselves by taking care of others.  However, our focus is not on this present world, like the shrewd manager, but on our future at the resurrection of the righteous. This requires us to walk in faith, believing that God will indeed remember that we have been seeking “first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). 

Jesus shares another parable in this chapter, The Rich Man and Lazarus. So how are these two parables connected?  The Rich Man was not just rich, but very rich.  He had the finest clothes and he ate huge meals each day.  Just outside his gate lay Lazarus.  It is not that the Rich Man did not know that Lazarus was there, literally begging for some scraps off the Rich Man’s plate.  Nevertheless, the Rich Man ignored the cries of Lazarus.  Then the expected happened.  Both men die.  Because the Rich Man claimed Abraham as his father, he expected a great reward when he died.  Instead, he experienced great pain and torment.  And there in the midst of his pain and agony he saw Lazarus enjoying the peaceful and happy company of Abraham.  So, the Rich Man cried out to Abraham to have Lazarus come to him, dip his finger in water, and cool his burning tongue. How ironic! This same Rich Man refused to give Lazarus scraps off his overflowing table.  The Rich Man wanted grace and mercy, without giving grace and mercy.  The big takeaway is that the Rich Man was not shrewd enough to lay up for himself treasures in heaven.  What do you think?

-Kayla Elwell

Questions for reflection:

  •  What is the difference between “give so that you get” and “give and you will get”?
  • What is the difference between being repaid and being blessed?
  • What is your motive for giving? Is storing up for yourself treasures in heaven a good motive for giving?
  • What does God expect from you when confronted with others in need?
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