Definition: So he called every one of his lordâs debtors [unto him], and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Luke 16:5. It’s a really important passage about compassion and responsibility. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is traveling with his disciples when he encounters a wealthy man named Caiaphas. Caiaphas has a huge group of people – servants, workers, and even some prisoners – all indebted to him. Jesus notices they’re struggling and decides to help them. What He Does: He calls each of these debtors unto (meaning "to") Jesus. That means he sends them to him. Then, He asks a question: “How much do you owe unto my lord?” Meaning & Significance: This is the core of the verse. Here's what it’s saying: He’s Recognizing Their Suffering: Jesus isn’t just being charitable; he’s seeing that these people are in trouble. He recognizes they have debts to pay. Taking Responsibility: He’s taking on a responsibility – a burden – for their financial problems. It's like saying, "I’m going to help you get out of this mess." Showing Compassion: The phrase “How much do you owe unto my lord?” is loaded with compassion. Jesus isn’t just offering a handout; he's showing genuine concern for their well-being. It implies that he feels bad about their situation and wants to alleviate it. Why It Matters: This verse highlights several important principles: God cares about His people: It shows that God doesn’t just look down on us; He's concerned with our struggles. We have a responsibility to help others: Jesus challenges us to take action and alleviate suffering, even when it feels difficult. It's about more than just money: The verse suggests that helping someone is about offering them kindness, support, and hope - not just providing a solution to their financial problems. In short, Luke 16:5 is a powerful reminder of Jesus’s loving nature and his commitment to help those in need. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail or perhaps discuss its context within the larger story of the Gospel?