The Bible Recap – Day 301 (Luke 16-17) – Year 7

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble walks listeners through Luke chapters 16 and 17, unpacking Jesus' parables and dialogue that challenge both his disciples and the Pharisees. Cobble explores the complicated themes of shrewdness, wealth, fulfillment of the law, judgment, and the nature of God's kingdom, connecting them with Jesus’ purpose and the Gospel narrative. She clarifies confusing passages, highlights the context of Jesus’ teachings, and encourages listeners to remain patient and open-hearted while reading challenging scripture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Parable of the Shrewd Manager

• Jesus tells a parable to his disciples, with Pharisees listening (00:05).
• The parable features a dishonest manager who hustles to collect his master’s money after being fired.
• Cobble explains that Jesus uses irony and doesn’t necessarily endorse the manager’s methods. The point is about outwitting the world for worldly gain versus seeking true, eternal riches.
• Quote (00:30):
  “He uses this guy as an illustration showing how the worldly are wiser in worldly matters than the disciples are in eternal matters. He wants them to wise up.”
• Jesus concludes that people should value eternal wealth over money, as one cannot serve both God and money.

2. Jesus' Teaching on the Law and the Prophets

• Jesus makes a statement in verse 16 (“the law and the prophets were until John”) that’s commonly misunderstood (03:10).
• Cobble clarifies that Jesus does not abolish the Law but fulfills and honors it:
  • The Law is the blueprint; Jesus is the builder.
  • Quote (04:20):
    “The law is not being disparaged or discarded, it’s being honored and fulfilled by Jesus. The law is a blueprint. And Jesus builds the house, he tectons that thing perfectly and we get to move in.”
• The Law remains vital for understanding God’s ways.

3. Parable/Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus

• Luke 16 presents the story of the rich man and Lazarus, which may or may not be a parable (05:10).
  • Notably, unlike other parables, Lazarus is named, which suggests added significance.
• Main points:
  • The rich man neglects Lazarus, who is later found with Abraham while the rich man suffers in Hades.
  • The story would have been shocking for Pharisees, upending their expectations about status and righteousness.
  • Once in the afterlife, destinies are fixed.
  • Quote (07:30):
    “He basically said...they have the law and the prophets. They have the Hebrew Scriptures. If that’s not enough to convince a person to repent and turn to God, then they wouldn’t be convinced even if someone raised from the dead.”
• Jesus foreshadows his resurrection and people’s resistance to believe.

4. The Unworthy Servant and Humility

• In Luke 17, Jesus shares a parable about humble service (09:00).
• Disciples are encouraged to adopt the posture of servants—humble, not entitled.
• Jesus is preparing his followers for his impending death and resurrection.

5. The Healing of the Ten Lepers

• Jesus heals ten lepers, instructing them to show themselves to the priests—a demonstration of faith and adherence to Mosaic purity laws (09:50).
• Only a Samaritan (a “foreigner”) returns to thank Jesus, highlighting gratitude and the breaking of ethnic boundaries.

6. The Kingdom of God: Location and Misinterpretation

• Pharisees ask about when the kingdom of God will come (10:30).
• Jesus says, “the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (or “among you”), often misunderstood as internal spirituality.
  • Cobble insists Jesus is referring to himself—God’s kingdom was literally present in his person.
  • Quote (11:00):
    “Jesus is saying, I am the kingdom of God. I'm right here in front of you, among you, in the midst of you.”

7. Preparing for the Future and Second Coming

• Jesus warns about people predicting the kingdom’s arrival, emphasizing unpredictability and the need for readiness (13:20).
• He uses examples from the days of Noah and Lot to illustrate that judgment comes unexpectedly, while people go about their routines.
• Interpretations vary on the meaning of “one taken, one left” in the final verses, but the assurance is that Jesus’ return will unite his followers with him.
• Quote (14:00):
  “Regardless of which it is, or even if it’s some other option we haven’t thought of yet, Jesus gives these words to his disciples as a comfort and a promise. They’re a reminder that he’s coming back and we’ll be united with Him.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Law as Blueprint (04:20):
  "The law is not being disparaged or discarded, it’s being honored and fulfilled by Jesus. The law is a blueprint. And Jesus builds the house, he tectons that thing perfectly and we get to move in."

• On Response to God’s Revelation (07:30):
  “If the Old Testament isn’t enough to prompt repentance, then his very death and resurrection won’t be either. He knows it’s not too far off. The hour is approaching…”

• On the Nature of the Kingdom (11:00):
  “Jesus is saying, I am the kingdom of God. I'm right here in front of you, among you, in the midst of you. But what he's definitely not saying is the kingdom of God is within you…So in short, Jesus is saying, here's what the kingdom looks like. It's standing right in front of you. It me, my God, shot was kind of all."

• On Assurance and Hope (14:00):
  “Jesus gives these words to his disciples as a comfort and a promise. They’re a reminder that he's coming back and we’ll be united with Him. I for one, cannot wait. Because he's where the joy is.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | Summary | |-----------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 00:05 | Parable of the Shrewd Manager | Worldly wisdom vs. eternal priorities | | 03:10 | The Law and the Prophets | Fulfillment of OT law | | 05:10 | Rich Man and Lazarus | Fixed destinies and heart response to revelation | | 09:00 | Parable of the Unworthy Servant | Lesson in humility | | 09:50 | Ten Lepers | Faith, gratitude, and Jesus’ adherence to the Law | | 10:30 | The Kingdom: Where is it? | Misinterpretations, Christ’s presence | | 13:20 | Jesus’ Second Coming | Judgment, comfort, and hope for disciples |

Tone and Final Encouragement

In her conversational and encouraging style, Tara-Leigh commends listeners for persevering through complex Gospel passages and urges patience with unanswered questions. She encourages writing down questions, ongoing study, and prayerful openness:

• Quote (15:50):
  "Be patient with yourself. He is. Ask him to give you eyes and ears to see and hear the truth. Ask him to soften the soil of your heart. Ask him to show you more of who he is all the time."

Conclusion

Cobble’s recap clarifies tough parables and theological concepts in Luke 16 and 17, focusing on Jesus’ call to eternal priorities, humility, and attentive expectation for God’s kingdom. She reassures listeners that spiritual understanding often comes gradually and encourages them to keep seeking God’s truth with patience and openness.

The Bible Recap: He’s where the joy is!