Jesus laid down a truth in this passage that truly has lasted every generation, and still continues on now. Today, look at your own life--it is rather apparent that our beings are easily led, controlled, and motivated by something, are they not?

Think. Why do you choose to go to work? Why do you function the way that you do on your team at work? Why do you decide to use your money in the ways that you do? Let the ‘Why’ questions come to surface as you read through Jesus’ teaching and allow the Spirit to gently, but firmly convict you with the true meaning of these words (especially within context of the verses leading up to today’s).

[Luke 16.10-13]

10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Jesus mean when He refers to ‘little’ and ‘much’ throughout these verses?

+ Who is the one that will be “entrusting” [v. 11] and “giving” [v. 12]?

+ What are the “true riches” Jesus spoke of in v. 11?

+ What is the definition of ‘master’? What is the definition of ‘servant’? What do these definitions mean to you in your everyday life?

+ Why did Jesus choose such obviously contrasting words and imagery here? Do we find Him doing this often in His teachings?

+ Does Jesus mean we shouldn’t have money? [Hint: read the parable/teaching in the verses prior.]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How can your life look being “faithful in a very little?” Maybe even think beyond money...what fruit of the Spirit can living a life in this manner produce? Would that be incremental, or all at once?

+ Have you ever tried to balance two things at once, giving both your full service simultaneously? What happens when your motives for both collide? Which do you tend to choose?

+ Is there any repentance or asking of forgiveness that may be necessary after reading these verses?

+ How can this teaching of Jesus dictate my life? Does our promised life beyond this one motivate our everyday choices?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Can this teaching reshape the life of anyone that I am walking with/discipling? Or shape any of my kids’?