How can we "make friends" using "worldly wealth" according to Luke 16:9? The setting: why Jesus talked about money here Luke 16:1-8 records the parable of the unjust steward. The manager used his last moments in the books to reduce debts, knowing that generosity would secure future hospitality once he was unemployed. Jesus then draws the lesson: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.” Defining “worldly wealth” • Literally “mammon of unrighteousness” — the ordinary money and possessions circulating in a fallen world • Temporary, easily lost (Proverbs 23:5) • A tool, not an end; something believers steward, never idolize (1 Timothy 6:7) What it means to “make friends” • Extend tangible help that meets real needs (James 2:15-17) • Invest in relationships that carry over into eternity, because people—not money—cross the grave • Strengthen the church and advance the gospel so that souls reached through our giving will “welcome” us when we arrive home (Philippians 4:17) Practical ways to invest earthly money for eternal relationships • Generous care for the needy – “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” (Proverbs 19:17) • Hospitality that opens doors for fellowship and witness – Meals, spare rooms, shared experiences that knit hearts together • Supporting missionaries, pastors, Bible translators, campus ministries – “How can they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:15) • Funding local church ministries—children, youth, discipleship, benevolence funds • Sponsoring Bibles, gospel literature, media outreach, online tools • Ethical business practices that create jobs and model Christlike integrity • Estate planning that leaves a kingdom legacy rather than merely earthly comfort Heart checks while giving • Guard against pride—giving is not self-promotion (Matthew 6:1-4) • Refuse the love of money—“You cannot serve both God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13) • Remember stewardship—everything belongs to God; we manage it for Him (Psalm 24:1) • Seek “true riches” above all—“If you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11) Promises tied to faithful stewardship • Present blessing: “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25) • Future welcome: friends made through godly generosity receive us “into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9) • Secure treasure: “...treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Living it out today Money passes, people last. Turn cash into compassion, possessions into partnerships, paychecks into platforms for the gospel. Every dollar we detach from self-gratification and attach to kingdom purposes becomes a bridge upon which eternal friends will one day meet us and say, “Thank you—your gift helped me find Christ.” |
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