Welcome once again to Advent 2025. Today we are Luke chapter 16.
Luke was not an eyewitness to all the events of Jesus’ life, but he interviewed eyewitnesses. He must have also interviewed “ear”-witnesses, because he gives us so many parables and lessons that are unique to his gospel. This chapter records Jesus telling two more of those parables.
The first is about a dishonest manager who was misusing his employer’s money. When he discovers that he is about to be fired, the manager immediately prepares for the future. His dealings may be dishonest, but he does take the warning seriously and makes certain that when the ax falls, he will have friends who will care for him.
The second parable is about the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man had everything he could want in this life, including designer label clothes, rich food and servants. However, he made no preparations for life after death. He had access to the scriptures. He could read warnings of the prophets about the day of judgment, but the rich man did not take them seriously.
The shrewd manager knew enough to prepare for dire consequences, but the rich man did not prepare for death and life eternal. Advent is a time for preparation, thinking about what lies ahead.
No doubt, you have made some preparations for Christmas. Gifts may be wrapped and placed below your Christmas tree and a goose may be roasting in the oven, but is your heart prepared for the life that follows this one?
