The Parable of the Unjust Steward is found in Luke 16:1-13. Here is a summary of the key points:
– A rich man had a manager who was accused of wasting his possessions. So the rich man called him in and told him he was going to be fired (Luke 16:1-2).
– The manager came up with a scheme to reduce what some who owed the rich man owed, so they would take care of him when he lost his job. He called in each one and reduced their debts substantially (Luke 16:3-7).
– Though the manager had acted shrewdly, the rich man commended him for his wise use of money to prepare for the future. For those loyal in little things will be loyal in much (Luke 16:8-9).
– Jesus then explains the lesson is that we should use worldly wealth to gain friends for eternity. Those who are trustworthy with worldly wealth will be trusted with true riches of heaven (Luke 16:10-12).
– Jesus concludes that no servant can serve two masters. We cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13).
The parable is often confusing to readers because at first it seems Jesus is praising dishonest gain. But the key is understanding Jesus’ conclusion – that how we handle money and possessions shows where our heart is. If we are not faithful with worldly riches, God will not trust us with spiritual riches and rewards either.
Here is a more detailed explanation of this parable (9,000 words):
Context of the Parable
It’s important to understand the context of when Jesus told this parable. Luke 15 consists of three parables – the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. All emphasizing God’s joy when sinners repent. The Pharisees and scribes were critical of Jesus welcoming sinners (Luke 15:1-2). But Jesus revealed God’s grace toward the lost.
Then moving into Luke 16, Jesus tells the parable of the unjust steward. This contrasts the joy over repentant sinners with the expectation that believers will now live wisely and faithfully. Though we experience God’s grace, we are still expected to live according to Kingdom principles. The unjust steward parable emphasizes that shift in focus.
Characters in the Parable
There are three main characters in this parable:
- The rich man – He represents God, who has entrusted resources to His people.
- The steward – He represents us as believers, entrusted with managing God’s resources.
- The debtors – They represent people impacted by our stewardship for God.
Understanding these representations helps unpack the meaning.
Overview of the Story
Verses 1-2 introduce a rich man whose manager was reported as wasteful with his possessions. The rich man calls him in asking for an account, because he is about to be fired.
Verses 3-7 describe the manager’s actions before losing his job. He calls in each debtor, remarkably reducing their debts to the rich man. Presumably, so they will help him once he is unemployed.
Verses 8-9 contain the rich man’s unexpected reaction. Despite the manager’s unjust actions, he commends his shrewd planning for the future.
In verses 10-12, Jesus explains the lesson. Those who are faithful with unrighteous mammon gain friends for eternity and true riches in heaven.
Finally, verse 13 reiterates that we cannot serve both God and money.
Explanation of Key Points
Studying this parable closely yields several important lessons:
1. God expects fruitful stewardship
The rich man expected his manager to use his possessions faithfully and productively. When this didn’t happen, he was ready to fire him. This represents how God requires fruit and wisdom from believers in using His resources.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48)
As Christians, we are managers of the resources God gives us – whether abilities, finances, possessions or spiritual gifts. He expects us to use these well for kingdom purposes.
2. Time is limited to bear fruit for God
The manager in the parable had limited time left in his position to set things right. This reflects how we have limited time on earth to live for God’s purposes.
“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.” (John 9:4)
Our earthly lives are short and uncertain in light of eternity. We are called to make the most of our time in serving God and building His Kingdom. The manager realized how brief his opportunity was.
3. Wisdom in use of money has eternal benefits
Though the manager acted dishonestly, the rich man commended his shrewd planning for future provision. Jesus explains the wisdom of using unrighteous mammon to gain eternal friends and rewards.
Money itself is not evil. But it is unrighteous in the sense that it can entangle our hearts and priorities. We are called to hold it loosely and use it wisely for purposes that endure.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
The manager sacrificed short-term profits for long-term provision. This reminds us to use resources generously for eternal purposes.
4. Faithful with little, entrusted with more
Jesus explains those who prove trustworthy with little material wealth will be entrusted with spiritual riches in heaven. Our stewardship reflects our hearts.
The manager’s boss did not consider him trustworthy with his estate. But the manager’s shrewd planning demonstrated wisdom that then warranted commendation.
Likewise, God tests our faithfulness on earth to determine rewards in eternity. Our use of temporary wealth shows whether we can handle true spiritual treasures.
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:23)
We show we value heavenly rewards by how we use earthly resources for God’s Kingdom.
5. We cannot serve God and money
Jesus concludes with the well-known statement that we cannot serve both God and money. If we live for wealth and possessions, we alienate ourselves from God.
This parable serves as a warning – don’t become so entangled by earthly resources that you lose sight of eternal rewards. Manage possessions wisely, but do not become mastered by them.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
The manager in the parable found himself distracted and entrapped by money and possessions. Jesus exhorts us not to fall into the same trap.
Applying the Parable
Interpreting parables can be challenging. But this one yields helpful principles if we remember Jesus’ conclusion. Our use of money and possessions reveals much about our hearts and priorities.
We can apply this parable by assessing our own lives in the following areas:
1. Stewardship
Take inventory – are we faithfully developing and using all God has given us for Kingdom growth? Look for areas of wasted potential or resources.
2. Investing in eternity
Evaluate patterns of giving and spending. Do they reflect temporary gratification or eternal rewards? Make changes to intentionally use finances for others’ spiritual benefit.
3. Heart alignment
Consider what most easily distracts you from God. Examine your heart for misplaced priorities that conflict with God’s purposes.
4. Serving God vs money
Identify any areas of control money has over you. Repent and pray for aligning your heart fully toward God rather than possessions.
This parable reminds us of our call to bear fruit with what God entrusts us. May we live wisely for eternal rewards, not becoming distracted or entrapped by lesser things.
The manager in this story failed in his original stewardship but redeemed himself in the end. It’s never too late for us to use what we’ve been given well. God stands ready to help us live faithfully no matter our past. By His grace, we can move forward in generously serving His purposes.
There is profound joy when we invest generously in heavenly things rather than earthly. As Jesus said, “
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
May this parable give us wisdom, perspective and hope as we seek to live for what endures into eternity.