The leading object of this parable is, to show that we ought to deal kindly and generously with our neighbors; that, when we come to the judgment seat of God, we may reap the fruit of our liberality. Though the parable appears to be harsh and far-fetched, yet the conclusion makes it evident, that th... [ Continue Reading ]
8._And the master commended the unjust steward _Here it is obvious that if we were to attempt to find a meaning for every minute circumstance, we would act absurdly. To make donations out of what belongs to another man, is an action which is very far from deserving applause; and who would patiently... [ Continue Reading ]
9._Make to yourselves friends. _As in the words which were last considered Christ did not enjoin us to offer sacrifices to God out of the fruits of extortion, so now he does not mean that we ought to search for defenders or advocates, who will throw around us the shield of their protection; but teac... [ Continue Reading ]
10._He who is faithful in that which is least. _Those maxims are proverbs taken from ordinary practice and experience, and it is quite enough if they are generally true. It will sometimes happen, no doubt, that a deceiver, who had disregarded a small gain, shall display his wickedness in a matter of... [ Continue Reading ]
12._And if you have not been faithful in what belongs to another. _By the expression, _what belongs to another, _he means what is not within man; for God does not bestow riches upon us on condition that we shall be attached to them, but makes us _stewards _of them in such a manner, that they may not... [ Continue Reading ]
14._And the Pharisees, who were covetous, heard all these things. They _who imagine that Christ was _ridiculed by the Pharisees, _because he chose to employ a plain and familiar style, and made no use of swelling words, (302) do not sufficiently comprehend what Luke means. Haughty and disdainful men... [ Continue Reading ]
15._It is you that justify yourselves before men. _We see that Christ does not give way to their disdainful conduct, but constantly maintains the authority of his doctrine in opposition to their mockery; and it is the duty of all the ministers of the Gospel to pursue the same course, by meeting ungo... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 16:16._The Law and the Prophets were till John _Our Lord had said that the earnestness of the people was a prelude to those things which _the Prophets _had foretold as to the future renovation of the Church. He now compares the ministry of John to _the Law and the Prophets _“It is not wonderful... [ Continue Reading ]
Though Luke introduces some things between them, there can be no doubt that this example was intended by Christ to confirm the discourse which we have last examined. He points out what condition awaits those (307) who neglect the care of the poor, and indulge in all manner of gluttony; who give them... [ Continue Reading ]
21._And even the dogs came. _It was quite enough to prove the hardened cruelty of the _rich man, _that the sight of wretchedness like this did not move him to compassion. Had there been a drop of humanity in him, he ought at least to have ordered a supply from his kitchen for the unhappy man. But th... [ Continue Reading ]
22._And it happened that the beggar died. _Christ here points out the vast change which death effected in the condition of the two men. Death was no doubt common to both; but to be after death _carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom _was a happiness more desirable than all the kingdoms of the world.... [ Continue Reading ]
23._And, lifting up, his eyes in hell. _Though Christ is relating a history, yet he describes spiritual things under figures, which he knew to be adapted to our senses. Souls have neither _fingers _nor _eyes, _and are not liable to thirst, nor do they hold such conversations among themselves as are... [ Continue Reading ]
25._Son, remember. _The word _son _appears to be used ironically, as a sharp and piercing reproof to _the rich man, _who falsely boasted in his lifetime that he was one of the _sons _of Abraham. It seems as if pain inflicted by a hot iron wounded his mind, when his hypocrisy and false confidence are... [ Continue Reading ]
26._A vast gulf lieth. _These words describe the permanency of the future state, and denote, that the boundaries which separate the reprobate from the elect can never be broken through. And thus we are reminded to return early to the path, while there is yet time, lest we rush headlong into that aby... [ Continue Reading ]
27._I beseech thee, father. _To bring the narrative into more full accordance with our modes of thinking, he describes _the rich man _as wishing that his brothers, who were still alive, should be warned by _Lazarus. _Here the Papists exercise their ingenuity very foolishly, by attempting to prove th... [ Continue Reading ]
29._They have Moses and the prophets. _In the persons of _the rich man _and _Abraham _Christ reminds us, that we have received an undoubted rule of life, and that therefore we have no right to expect that the dead will rise to instruct and persuade us. _Moses and the prophets _were appointed to inst... [ Continue Reading ]
30._Nay, father Abraham. _This is a personification, as we have said, which expresses rather the feelings of the living than the anxiety of the dead. The doctrine of the _Law _is little esteemed by the world, the _Prophets _are neglected, and no man submits to hear God speaking in his own manner. So... [ Continue Reading ]