Luke 16: The Torah and the Prophets Continue through John, and so Many Other Gems Inside!

Yahuah's Commands and Constantine
The statement "The Turah and the prophets continue through John. Since then the reign of Yahuah is being announced, and everyone is doing violence upon it" refers to Luke 16:16, indicating that the Law and the Prophets proclaim the Kingdom of Yahuah.
Constantine's Role:
* Council of Nicaea (325 AD): Constantine convened this council to address various issues within Christianity, including the Arian controversy and the establishment of uniform Christian doctrine. One significant outcome was the formulation of the Nicene Creed, which solidified the Trinitarian view of God, distinct from the Hebrew understanding of Yahuah's commands. (mono to poly)
* Sunday Worship: Constantine's endorsement of Sunday as a day of rest (replacing the Sabbath) further distanced Christian practices from the observance of Yahuah's commands rooted in the Torah. This shift was cemented by his decree in 321 AD that Sunday should be observed as a day of rest.
* Persecution of Those Obeying Yahuah’s Instructions: Constantine's policies and subsequent laws marginalized Yahuah’s instructions. The Council of Laodicea (363-364 AD) went so far as to forbid Christians from observing the Sabbath, which was a direct command of Yahuah.
These actions can be seen as "doing violence" to the Torah because they significantly altered or abandoned the observance of commandments that were central to life and practice according to Yahuah's commands, effectively distancing early Christianity from our original instructions.

2. Parable of the Shrewd Manager and Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves
The Unjust Manager (Luke 16:8-9)
In the parable, the master praises the unjust manager for his shrewdness. This illustrates a practical, worldly wisdom that is necessary to navigate the complexities of life.
* "Be Wise as Serpents and Harmless as Doves" (Matthew 10:16): This saying by Yahusha encourages believers to be discerning and astute in their interactions with the world, yet innocent and without deceit.

Correlation:
* Practical Wisdom: Both passages highlight the need for practical wisdom. Just as the unjust manager uses his shrewdness to secure his future, believers are encouraged to understand the ways of the world to protect themselves and further their mission.
* Awareness of Evil: Understanding the tactics of those who do evil (like the unjust manager's shrewdness) helps believers avoid being exploited or derailed by such plans. This aligns with the idea of being "wise as serpents" – aware of potential dangers and deceitful practices.
* Maintaining Integrity: While being wise, believers are also called to maintain their integrity and purity ("harmless as doves"), ensuring that their actions reflect the righteousness of Yahuah.

Faith Over Desperation:
In a world filled with lies, it's tough to trust Yahuah completely. The devil, the father of lies, dominates this world, making it hard to hold onto faith, especially when resources are scarce. Many, much like the widow with a handful of flour and a spattering of oil (1 Kings 17:12-16), are called to trust in Yahuah’s provision.

The Unfaithful Manager:
The unfaithful manager in Luke 16:1-13 teaches us about the dangers of dishonest wealth. He was called out for his disobedience, warning us not to seek unfaithful riches. Yahusha emphasizes that if we can be trusted with little, we can be trusted with much (Luke 16:10). Obedience in small things builds a foundation for greater responsibilities.

Honesty and Integrity:
Living truthfully, even in small matters, sets us apart in a world of deceit. By being consistently honest, we become a reliable beacon in our communities, letting our light shine (Matthew 5:16).

Divorce and Obedience:
The Torah's stance on divorce—only for adultery—might seem harsh, but it’s designed to maintain integrity and faithfulness in relationships. Yahusha further emphasizes, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Reflecting on how many temptations we’ve faced and succumbed to, we are reminded of the importance of obedience.

The Rich Man and Lazarus:
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) teaches us that wealth is no excuse for disobedience. The rich man, who ignored Lazarus, ends up in a place of torment, highlighting the eternal consequences of our earthly choices. Lazarus, carried by angels to Abraham's side, illustrates the reward for faithfulness and suffering.

Moses and the Prophets:
Yahusha points out that we have Moses and the prophets—the Tanach, filled with history, wisdom, and divine instruction. If we do not believe and follow these, we cannot expect a different outcome (Luke 16:29-31).