Luke 16:14 Commentary and Bible Study

(Synoptics: Luke 16:14-18)While Christ spoke to the disciples (verse 1), the Pharisees were also listening. Luke comments that they were covetous, and it was their covetousness that determined their response to what they heard. His teaching exposed their sin, and they hated him for it. They knew he had been speaking about covetousness, and they were right. Luke adds this comment to confirm what the parable was about. Having no valid grounds on which to attack him, they nevertheless derided him, and made up reasons why he should not be listened to. They wanted to discredit him before the people, and they attacked him verbally in front of the crowds. Sin always tries to justify its rejection of God’s standards. If it can get right on its side, it thinks it can make a stronger case, but the whole exercise is an act of dishonesty and self-deception. We are not told what they said exactly, but we read the Lord’s response.