Jesus had a series of seven "I Am" statements in the Gospel of John. When Jesus declares he is the Good Shepherd he tells us about his character and his commitment to care for his often scattered sheep.

Jesus celebrates the shrewdness of the dishonest manager. More specifically, that shrewdness was in using what he had to prepare for what was to come. For the Christian, that kind of shrewdness leads to serving for the poor and marginalized. Jesus moves on to the idea of stewardship, that we’re to serve our Master and gain a greater reward. What began with self-interest ends with loving Jesus (no one can serve two masters).

"We feel this desire to be well thought of by doing right in other people's eyes- whatever community it is we care about receiving acceptance from. Jesus frees us from that need, and gives us a new way to live, by enjoying his acceptance".

We're by nature forgetful people, constantly misremembering the goodness of God. Memorial stones are visible reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives. God calls his people to set up monuments of God's faithfulness.