BE WISE MANAGERS

Luke 16:1-31

Key Verse: 16:9,

* THE WAY TO BECOME GOOD MANAGERS (1-18)

1. What is the general subject of this chapter? To whom is this first parable told? The second? Who are the actors in the first parable? Why did the boss fire his manager?

2. What was the fired manager's analysis of his situation? Why and how did he suddenly become a good manager? What was the point of reducing the bills of his boss's debtors?

3. Why did his master commend him? What application does Jesus make to his disciples? (8,9) Why did they need to learn this lesson?

4. Read verses 10-12. What do these verses teach about the essential quality of a good manager? (see 1Co 4:2) How does Jesus himself illustrate this quality? (Heb. 13:8)

5. Read verses 13-15. What clue do these verses give about the real problem of the Pharisees, the religious leaders? Why did they sneer at Jesus?

6. What is the big mistake that self-seeking people make? (15; Ro 2:6-8)

* THE DESTINY OF HEDONISTS (19-31)

7. Contrast the pleasure-seeking lifestyle of the rich man and the misery of Lazarus. What was the only comfort of the beggar?

8. They each died. Contrast their situations in eternity. What big mistake had the rich man made?

9. What request did the rich man make of Father Abraham? What favor did he seek from Lazarus? Why did Father Abraham refuse? What can we learn here about life in this world and about eternity? (25-26)

10. What second request did the rich man make? Why did Father Abraham refuse? What provision has God made for our repentance? If we refuse this, what is the alternative? (29-31)