Understanding Servitude and Allegiance
So, we left off last week in chapter 16 of Luke with some interesting insights from the Lord about stewardships, and how the way people respond to small earthly responsibilities will reflect on how and if they will be given heavenly responsibilities. Remember that where Matthew gives us more of a chronological representation of Jesus' words and teachings and their settings, Luke tends to tell stories and then insert things into those stories as a means to cover it all.
It can get a bit confusing. But we are now at Luke 16:13 – so let's read what else Jesus has to say in that setting:
Scripture Insights
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 the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Exploring the Concept of Serving Two Masters
Okay, back to verse 13 as Jesus, sort of driving off what he said last week, adds:
13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
The Matthew version of this passage says, no man can serve two masters, but Luke writes no servant can serve two masters. Because of the Greek, the best way to read this, in my estimation, which makes the meaning even more clear is “NO body can be a slave to two masters.”
Now this makes some sense because we all serve various masters. We serve the laws of the land, the tax commission, our employers, our God, and on and on and on. But if somebody is a slave to a master, a genuine slave who devotes themselves to the desires of that master, it is impossible to be a slave to both.
How can someone be a slave to sobriety and to addiction? How can they be a slave to greed and to generosity? To luxury and ascetic living?
The point the Lord is making, of course, is that if someone chooses to be a slave to God and to non-God? Jesus says, “for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Mammon is a Chaldee and Syriac word for the money-god (which is the devil). A slave of mammon will serve mammon ahead of all things and when they try to appear to be a slave of God they will actually be a slave to mammon, hating the demands God places on them that get between His will for their lives and their devotion to money.
This conflict can be challenging because in this life we are required to give a great deal of attention to mammon while being called to be bondservants only to God.
Of course, the scriptures are replete with instruction on where our allegiances and devotions must lie. John the beloved wrote the all familiar
1st John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not
The Influence of Money and Worldly Desires
The God of this world in the past, whose spirit continues to reign over the hearts of human flesh, operates by and through mammon and all the things related to it. I am astounded by the power and presence of money and fame in the lives of those who live for it. I am also amazed by the utter disinterest in the things of God most of the uber wealthy and worldly possess – it's almost proverbial, proving the words of the Lord here – a servant cannot be a slave to two masters – for he will love the one and hate the other, or cling to the one despise (the demands) of the other.
James wrote in 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God?
Serving Whom We Seek to Please
By and through the presence of the Spirit, every one of us makes choices about what and whom we will actually serve, and so the way to not be a friend of the world is NOT through the flesh – it is through the fruit of the Spirit. Another evidence of whom we call our master is whom we seek to please. This is a big one – do we seek to please God or human beings? Paul wrote in Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
These words of Jesus were said, from our context last week, to either the masses or his apostles or both, but they were not appreciated by the religious rulers of his day (verse 14)
14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (with the Greek term “Ek-moot-TERIDZO meaning they sneered at him- verse 15 is really powerful)
15 And he said unto them, You are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Luke tells us that the sneering Pharisees were covetous which implies that this is the reason why they sneered at this particular teaching which appears to have exposed their love of money and the world and according to Jesus' words, these allegiances would have made them non-friends of God.
Esteemed Among Men
And so Jesus lays it down on them – and on us readers today – with words that are really sobering. He says, You “justify yourselves (you try to appear just (righteous) in the sight of men but they cannot know your hearts. “but God knoweth your hearts” he says to them, and adds “for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
That which is highly esteemed among men is ABOMINATION in the sight of God.
These are Jesus' words speaking for and on behalf of the invisible God. So what is highly esteemed among men? The key to understanding this is not to focus on THINGS – like money, fame, and the rest of the things around us here on earth. These things are of a benefit and blessing to us. The key is to focus on what is HIGHLY ESTEEMED AMONG MEN – meaning things that men idolize.
Abomination and Idolatry
The Hebrew word translated many times into abomination is shikootz and means filthy, detestable, abominable – and was always tied to idolatry. This makes the whole passage make sense – the things that human beings idolize are detestable to God. Filthy. And this gives us a sound basis when we consider what people of the flesh rather than the spirit, hold up in the highest of esteem in this world:
Fame Proud looks Power of the flesh Fortune and material supremacy The honors of Man over the honors of God.
It is all around us. The idolatry. And you cannot serve the one (the abominable) and the Living God. Most of what is being said here is about this.
Now, at verse 19 Luke continues with Jesus addressing this subject with a most revealing parable. But for some reasons, from verses 16-18, Luke inserts some teachings that I don’t understand why they are here OTHER than the fact that Luke is fitting this teaching in here because there is nowhere else to put it. In any case, he has Jesus say:
16 The law and
Introduction to the Kingdom of God
The prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. When I was in ministry school they used this very passage, all by itself, as a test to see how we would exegete it. The interpretations were numerous and far afield. To me, Jesus seems to be saying that the Former covenant was in place up until the coming of John who was preparing the way for the New Covenant. And since that time – since the preaching of the age of the Messiah had arrived and the Kingdom of God was being preached many people were pressing to try and get into it – that it was popular, but then Jesus adds
17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Meaning that while all sorts of people are trying to enter into the Kingdom that was being introduced by John and Jesus, the whole of the Law would have to be fulfilled and that heaven and earth would have to pass away before everything necessary to bring the Kingdom was fulfilled. Best I can do. But then even more out of the blue Luke has Jesus now say:
18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
If we were going to try and tie all of these verses together to make sense in the context of how Luke presents them, we might say that the covetous Pharisees were sneering at Jesus for his teaching about money and God, and Jesus is explaining to them that they can outwardly appear to obey all of the law and are trying to join the throng trying to press into the Kingdom of God, they were incapable – for things like putting their wives away.
Luke's Perspective and Teaching
All that being said I think we must remember that Luke was not an eyewitness to Jesus teaching and that he was not privy to exact chronology and so all he is doing is teaching the things Jesus taught to the best of his ability and according to the Spirit leading him. If we want to understand the meaning of these passages it is probably best to read them in the context of Matthews account. In terms of the meaning of what Jesus says in verse 18 it seems pretty straightforward and I take it as actual.
Does that mean that adulterers are not allowed in the Kingdom of God? When we look at the definition of adulterer from Jesus mouth, no, because most of us are somehow guilty in one way or another of the crime. But to them/then, under the law and from the voice of Jesus, this passages speak clearly on God’s position of the matter. At this point Jesus and Luke continue on with a contextually appropriate parable – or what seems like a parable, but I happen to believe what Jesus is about to say is an actual story.
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Lessons on Wealth and Allegiance
It seems pretty obvious that the purpose of this story or parable – whatever it is – is to continue the conversation above about God, Mammon, the love for the things of this world, and them being an abomination to Him. Verses 1-2 talked about the love of money; verse 9-11 talked about the deceitful and treacherous nature of riches, verse 15 speaking of men's high esteem of such as despicable to God and verses 11-12 say that men who did not use their property aright could not be received into heaven. It seems reasonable that what we are reading next was designed to show the results of allegiance to the world and the things of it.
This story certainly will more vividly impress on our minds what Jesus had said. And interestingly, in the case or description of the wealthy man, Jesus assigns nothing more to his character than he “was rich and lived sumptuously every day.” No vice, no drunkenness, no whoredoms – just being rich and living a life of luxury. We also note that the rich man is not given a proper noun name in the story – and if it is not a parable, but a tale taken from actual history, that is interesting because he does give the poor man a name, Lazarus, which is the only time in one of Jesus
The Story of Lazarus and the Rich Man
Tales or parables that he names someone with a proper noun name. We could say that this was just him expressing artistic license, but I don’t think so. Jesus was friends with a man named Lazarus, who was the brother of Mary and Martha and I suggest that this is who the poor man is. But the intriguing part about the rich man is that Jesus DOESN’T name him, and if Lazarus is real then we see Jesus withholding the identity of the rich man – and that shows love, and mercy and care.
The Rich Man's Extravagance
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: We know that a purple robe or garment would be an expensive garment because the color purple (thanks Steven Spielberg) was expensive so it was usually worn only by nobles or those who were very wealthy. And fine linen – which grew on the Nile and was a product of what is called flax and was soft and white, and was therefore much sought as an article of luxury and again was so expensive it was usually only by princes, priests, or by those who were very rich. And he fared sumptuously (feasted or lived in a splendid manner) constantly or everyday. The Rock star lifestyle, the lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Kardashian mode. So here was the one side of the story through characterization – the rich man and his dress and manner of living. (verse 20)
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, The Greek word here does not mean beggar but instead a poor man. And here Jesus chooses to give the poor man a name – Lazarus, which in Hebrew means a man destitute and needy and in need of help. We don’t know from the language if Lazarus laid himself at the rich mans gate or if he was laid at his gate by others. At the gate pretty much means at the entrance to the rich mans house. Jesus adds that he was “full of sores” or “covered with ulcers.” Now, because the poor mans name means “poor” some believe that this is just a parable. And because he was covered with sores some believe that it is a parable because if it was the friend of Jesus he would have probably healed him, right? So there is the pushback from Lazarus being the non-fiction friend of Jesus. And then just to add a comparison to the rich man in purple, linen and living high on the hog every day, Jesus adds in verse 22:
21 And (Lazarus) desired to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. What a contrast. Lazarus was so miserable that even the dogs, as if moved by pity, came and licked his sores in an act of disturbing kindness to him. The circumstances of his misery and the mans luxury are striking. Note that Jesus does not say that the Rich man drove Lazarus away from his gate. It does not say that the poor man asked for help and was turned away. Jesus has said that the things that men highly esteem are abominable to God, and in this parable he proves it. How? (Verse 22)
The Afterlife
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; The Jews held the opinion that the spirits of the righteous were conveyed by angels to heaven at their death. Interestingly Jesus speaks in accordance with this view. Hebrews 1:14 says that the angels are sent forth to minister to those who are heirs of salvation, and again, this appears to accord with that view. We note that the angels did not take the poor man to heaven to be with God but to Abrahams bosom, which was still located in sheol until after the resurrection of Christ but this description would convey to any Jew that the poor man was a Son of Abraham and entitled to an afterlife relationship with Him as the Father of the faith. Then we see that Jesus describes the rich man’s fate as – and he was buried.” No angels involved – just the treatment of his flesh – in the dirt. Jesus omits what happens to the body of Lazarus – which is another reason why I am
Insight into Afterlife: The Rich Man and Lazarus
Convinced that this was not a parable because of what actually happened to Lazarus when he died! In other words, I am of the opinion that Jesus is giving us a first-hand insight into what happened between the rich man and Lazarus when both died – which for Lazarus the friend of Jesus would only be a temporary first death (as we shall see). But speaking first to the Rich man who was buried (in the earth by the way) state, Jesus now says
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
The rich man found himself in hades which means in a dark, obscure place – the covered place separated from God who is light. This was the place the Jews believed the departed wicked spirits went after life. Based on the Lord's description it seems that it was far off from the abodes of the righteous. Lazarus was seen "afar off." It was a place of torment. There is a great gulf fixed between that and Abraham’s rest (verse 26). The suffering in the dark place is represented by a place lacking hydration and therefore heated. And according to this parable, there seems to be no escape from it.
The Hebraisim of "Lifted Up His Eyes"
And the rich man “lifted up his eyes,” which is a Hebraisim that means he looked “being in torment.” Pain. It is assumed that this torment is actual and physical but Jesus has the man carry a conversation on with Abraham from the torment so I see this as emotional and psychological anguish. Why? And sees Abraham afar off and Lazarus with him, in his bosom, meaning resting against Abraham.
Visit to Abraham's Bosom?
Of course, I believe that this Lazarus, the friend of Jesus, actually made this visit to Abraham's bosom. When? When he died and was left in the grave for three days before Jesus came back and raised him from the grave. The retelling of this story, not parable, is found in John chapter 11 – which in closing I am not going to read:
Joh 11:1 ¶ Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. 8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. 11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. 17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23
The Raising of Lazarus
Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. 28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. 30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. 31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Jesus' Emotion and Command
33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? 38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Lazarus Comes Forth
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
