The Bryce Crawford Podcast

Luke Series Chapter 16 (EP 164)

Host: Bryce Crawford
Date: December 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Bryce Crawford continues his Luke series, diving into Chapter 16. He examines the parable of the dishonest manager, Jesus’ teachings on money and idolatry, the account of the rich man and Lazarus, as well as lessons on contentment and genuine faith. Bryce’s reflections cut to the heart of Christian discipleship, challenging listeners to evaluate their priorities and spiritual health.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

(Begins ~03:10)

• Summary of the Parable:
  Bryce paraphrases the story of a manager accused of wasting his master's possessions who, upon learning he will be fired, reduces his master's debtors’ bills to ingratiate himself (Luke 16:1–8).

  "The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness." — Bryce quoting Scripture (05:45)

• Application:
  Bryce unpacks Jesus’ statement that "the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light," questioning why Christians often show less zeal for God than people do for worldly pursuits.

  "Why is it that human beings are more zealous for their sin than for the things of God?" — Bryce (06:05)

• Self-Reflection and Idolatry:
  Bryce challenges listeners to consider what they might be worshipping instead of God (money, pride, social media, entertainment, etc.).

  "An idol is something that matters more than what matters most." — Bryce (08:45)

  "What are you worshiping right now that you care more about than seeing the gospel go forth...?" — Bryce (08:40)

2. Faithfulness with Little and Much

(~09:30)

• Contentment and Stewardship:
  Drawing attention to Luke 16:10, Bryce addresses our tendency to be discontent and always want more from God, instead of stewarding what we have.

  "If you can be trusted with what you've been given, then God can trust you with more than you already have." — Bryce (10:14)

• The Danger of Praying for More:
  Bryce shares an example of someone praying for money and not receiving it, interpreting God’s "no" as protection rather than meanness.

  "You keep asking for that relationship and you wonder why you're not getting a relationship and it's because you can't be trusted with a relationship." (11:15)

• Call to Stewardship:
  Instead of asking for bigger platforms or more influence, Bryce urges listeners to be faithful with current relationships and opportunities.

  "Steward what God has given you, be faithful with a little and maybe God can trust you and you could be faithful with much." (12:29)

3. Serving Two Masters: God and Money

(~12:50)

• Money as Amoral:
  Bryce clarifies that money itself is not sinful, but becomes an idol when it is put before God.

  "Money itself is not inherently sinful. Money is amoral... Money can be used for God's glory or can be glorified and become sinful in someone's life." (13:05)

• The Holy Spirit and Idolatry:
  He makes a strong statement about devotion:

  "The Holy Spirit doesn't split rent with idols on your heart." (14:00)

  "You're either all in or you're all out." (14:37)

4. Outward Appearance vs. Inner Reality

(~15:10)

• Pharisees and Outward Religion:
  Bryce discusses Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees as lovers of money, emphasizing that idolatry is about how others see us rather than genuine transformation.

  "Idolatry is all about the self. It's all about self-image. It's all about how people perceive you. Pride, submission, and humility is all about the truth and the love of God sitting on the throne of your heart." (15:39)

• Santa Mug Analogy:
  Using a personal story about a mug that looked clean on the outside but was moldy inside, Bryce illustrates the danger of hiding internal contamination with external appearances.

  "The outside of the cup looks clean, but the inside of the cup was nasty...Was that cup really clean? No, the inside was gross and disgusting and needed to be cleaned." (16:10)

5. Fulfillment of the Law

(~17:35)

• Jesus as the Fulfillment:
  Bryce dives into a "deep lore" teaching moment, comparing the resurrection scene with Old Testament atonement rituals to show how Jesus precisely fulfilled the law even in the smallest details.

  "To the T, Jesus fulfilled the law." (18:10)

6. The Rich Man and Lazarus – Reality of Heaven and Hell

(~18:25)

• A True Story, Not a Parable?:
  Bryce notes that the story lacks typical parable markers and reads as if Jesus is recounting real events.

  "The language used to describe the story is not a parable. So it has the appearance as if Jesus is telling us a real story." (18:28)

• Contrast Between the Rich Man and Lazarus:
  Bryce details the plight of Lazarus, a destitute outcast, and the self-indulgent rich man. He explains both social and spiritual differences, even reflecting on why Lazarus wasn't buried while the rich man was—a sign of respect based on worldly values.

  "Favoritism was interesting because the rich man was buried by people that only cared about him because he had status. The poor man, his body was carried to heaven because he treasured God." (19:23)

• Hell as Self-Served:
  Bryce highlights the rich man’s continued self-focus, even in torment, emphasizing that hell is not just punishment but a result of one’s own choices.

  "The rich man doesn't ask to be taken out of hell. He just wants relief. He's still thinking about himself, his eyes on himself." (20:03)

  "Hell is not only a justice system... but hell is self-served. We blame God for sending people to hell, when in reality we send ourselves to hell." (20:15)

7. Final Challenge & Prayer

(~20:50)

• Self-Examination:
  Bryce encourages listeners to search their own hearts for idols and pray for the strength to remove them, referencing Psalm 139.

  "Pray Psalm 139, 'Search my heart, God. Reveal to me the areas of my life that are sitting on the throne of my heart and give me strength to cut them off.'" (20:55)

• The Real Goal:
  He closes emphasizing the ultimate value is Jesus—don’t chase the benefits of the kingdom, but know and love the King himself.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Idolatry:

  "An idol is something that matters more than what matters most." — Bryce (08:45)
  "The Holy Spirit doesn't split rent with idols on your heart." — Bryce (14:00)

• On Stewardship:

  "Steward what God has given you, be faithful with a little and maybe God can trust you and you could be faithful with much." — Bryce (12:29)

• On Hypocrisy:

  "You can have the appearance of godliness but deny its power in your heart." — Bryce (15:50)
  "The outside of the cup looks clean, but the inside...was nasty." — Bryce (16:10)

• On Hell:

  "Hell is not only a justice system... but hell is self-served. We blame God for sending people to hell, when in reality we send ourselves to hell." — Bryce (20:15)

• Practical Prayer:

  "Pray Psalm 139, 'Search my heart, God. Reveal to me the areas of my life that are sitting on the throne of my heart and give me strength to cut them off.'" — Bryce (20:55)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:10 – The parable of the dishonest manager begins
• 05:45 – Praise for shrewdness and the challenge to gospel zeal
• 09:30 – Reflections on stewardship, contentment, and prayer
• 12:50 – On money, idolatry, and serving two masters
• 15:10 – Outward appearance vs. inward reality; Santa mug analogy
• 17:35 – Jesus fulfilling the law, burial practices
• 18:25 – The tale of the rich man and Lazarus
• 20:15 – Hell as self-served, the nature of judgment
• 20:50 – Final challenge to listeners and closing prayer

Conclusion

Bryce delivers a passionate and practical study of Luke 16, painting vivid analogies while urging listeners to realign their hearts with God and examine personal idols. The call is clear: be faithful with what you have, root out divided loyalties, and treasure Christ above all.