Correspondence: Luke 16:9; Heb. 2:10 and 5:9; Luke 9:60

From: Young Christian: Volume 3, 1913

Luke 9:57‑62; Luke 16:9 • 2 min. read • grade level: 7

Question 65: What does Luke 16:9⁹And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. (Luke 16:9) mean? Are we to make friends of the world? Can they give us anything? Are their habitations everlasting? T. H.

Answer: The new translation reads the text, “And I say to you, make to yourselves friends with the mammon of unrighteousness, that when it fails ye may be received into the eternal habitations.”

We (Christians) are to consider ourselves stewards of all that the Lord has entrusted to us. If we use selfishly what we have, our possessions and natural talents will be a hindrance to us spiritually. If we remember we are stewards and use our money for the Lord, this is making friends with it. “When it fails” reminds us that we are here for a short term, then we will need to give account. (2 Cor. 5:10¹⁰For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)). We are going on to eternal habitations with the Lord. If we are faithful now, we will profit then; and profit now also, for we lay hold of what is really life.

Read prayerfully 1 Timothy 6:17-19¹⁷Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; ¹⁸That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ¹⁹Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:17‑19).

See last page of Young Christian, Volume 1, for fuller explanation.

Question 66: In what character is the Lord Jesus presented for us in Hebrews 2:10¹⁰For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10) and 5:9? Does this differ from Hebrews 2:18¹⁸For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18) and 4:15? L. S.

Answer: In Hebrews 2:10¹⁰For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10), the Lord is “Leader” of the redeemed company. In Hebrews 5:9⁹And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Hebrews 5:9), he is the cause or means of salvation to those who obey Him. In Hebrews 2:18¹⁸For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18) and Hebrews 4:15¹⁵For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15), He is the Priest to sustain those who are in the way. In Hebrews 12:2²Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2), He is the “Leader and Completer” — the “Originator.”

Question 67: What does “Let the dead bury their dead” mean? E. M. G.

Answer: Read Matthew 8:19-22¹⁹And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. ²⁰And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. ²¹And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. ²²But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. (Matthew 8:19‑22) and Luke 9:57-62⁵⁷And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. ⁵⁸And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. ⁵⁹And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. ⁶⁰Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. ⁶¹And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. ⁶²And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:57‑62). The claims of Christ over the believer come before every other claim. The man who said, “Suffer me first to go and bury my father”, was putting the claims of natural relationships first, so the Lord answered, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their dead.” Men acting according to natural claims are here looked at as dead. If they are guided by earthly relationships, their fathers will be dead and buried before they are free to follow the Lord.

The Christian in the Epistles of Ephesians and Colossians is plainly seen as dead, buried, risen, and united to Christ in resurrection life. In this new position he receives instructions from the Lord how to carry out every relationship. Wives and husbands, children and parents, servants and masters, all are to own Christ first, and all we do is to be done in obedience to Him. His claims are supreme.

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