Luke 16 records an example of the typical conflict Jesus had the Pharisees. He had just taught the parable of the unjust steward to his disciples. The Pharisees heard him as well, teaching that material wealth was “unrighteous mammon”, and showing that duel loyalties do not please God.
We are told in verse 14, “Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.” The word “derided” comes from the Greek ekmykt?riz? , signifying the nose. Thayer defines the word: “to deride by turning up the nose, to sneer at to scoff at.” The image is familiar to us today and shows that in different centuries the disdain of men is shown in similar ways.
Luke tells us the reason they showed such disdain toward Jesus. They were “lovers of money.” There are many today who suffer from the same affection for such material gain. I have had numerous conversations regarding the first day of the week contribution, with secular people expressing astonishment that a Christian would give sacrificially, taking the first of his wages to add to the weekly contribution. That money could be used in more “personal” or “enjoyable” ways and it is confusing to see it being dropped in a plate on the Lord’s day.
The love of money was not the only thing Jesus admonished the Pharisees about. Their main problem was rationalizing their actions. They felt themselves to be justified. This is a problem that can be a struggle for us as well. We can desire to be seen as good before men, and show a willingness to use any reason or excuse to legitimize our actions toward others.
Consider a few such reasons:
- As a religious leader, I have the authority to establish traditions and doctrines.
- I’m an important person. Might makes right.
- I’m not the one responsible, it is the fault of my parents.
- I’m not doing anything wrong, I was born this way.
- I can’t help it, I am a product of my culture.
- What’s right for me is different than what’s right for you.
- The end justifies the means
- etc. etc. etc.
What all of these rationales have in common is that while they are often accepted by men, they have no bearing on what God thinks. There are two things to note, expressed by verse 15. First, “God knows your hearts.” Second, “what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” Consider the two in turn:
God knows your hearts. Luke noted these Pharisees, “were lovers of money.” Context shows that Jesus was aware of this, a direct reason for their vitriol. Paul wrote, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed form the faith in in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). These men may have denied this truth, but God knew, and knows our hearts as well! Paul referred to Him as “He who searches the hearts” (Romans 8:27).
Consider again men’s thoughts, contrasted with God’s view:
- As a religious leader, I have the authority to establish religious traditions and doctrines. Not so! “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).
- I’m an important person. Might makes right. No, it really doesn’t. One example showing this fallacy is Herod’s execution of John the Baptist. He did it, but it is obvious this action was wrong. (Matthew 14:1-11). In truth, power enables oppression.
- I’m not the one responsible, it is the fault of my parents. God clearly condemned this idea in Ezekiel 18, calling it “unfair.” “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son…” (20).
- I’m not doing anything wrong, I was born this way. It takes desperation or great temerity to blame God for your depravity. Vileness comes when men forget God, there is nothing natural about it (Romans 1:28-32).
- I can’t help it, I am a product of my culture. So were the Corinthians, but they “were washed” “were sanctified.” They changed! (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
- What’s right for me is different than what’s right for you. The Jews sought to “establish their own righteousness” (Romans 10:3), and failed. But, it led them to ignore “God’s righteousness” (ibid.) Righteousness is not subjective or changing. It emanates from God Himself (Philippians 3:9).
- The end justifies the means. No, the heart must be right. The Christian is motivated by love. Without it, “it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1,2,3)
So, our purpose is not to justify ourselves, but to submit to God and His commands and prohibitions. This Paul did. Rather than seek the justification of others, or even himself. As he wrote, “He who judges me is the Lord” ( cf. 1 Corinthians 4:3-4). Remember this truth. The wisdom and thinking of men does not bring righteousness, only defilement. Forget what all think about right or wrong save God Himself. For, “what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15).
