This is a very interesting chapter. The steward was unfaithful in his responsibilities, he was lazy, then he stole from his master -- yet, his master praised him for his shrewdness. Why? He recognized he had only a short time to steward someone else's things and only what he did in that short time could provide for him in the future. "Make friends with unrighteous mammon" with a view to being received into heaven. I am to steward God's money in such a way that people will be in heaven and will welcome me when I come after a short time!
The Pharisees, who loved money, made fun of Jesus for his money lesson. His response is that the law and prophets tell you to enter the kingdom by force. This is opposite what most people do when they passively hope they'll make it. Press into the kingdom!
Jesus makes quite a statement here. If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets they will not be persuaded by someone rising from the dead. I would think that would be the MOST persuasive experience ever! Repentance is not about experience it is about truth. Experience doesn't drive repentance. God's word is the instrument for soliciting repentance and for saving people from torment.
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