Today’s reading is one of the most difficult and confounding parables for Bible commentators. We’re going to approach the reading like solving a 100-piece puzzle, and if you’ve ever braved such a challenge, you already know the first step is to pick out the border pieces. They are the easiest to identify and position because of their straight edge.

One reason this parable may be so puzzling is in most of Jesus’ parables he had at least one good character – The Good Samaritan, The Forgiving Father in The Prodigal Son, and The Faithful Servant -- but today, both characters are woefully flawed in their values.
In the opening verse, we learn three important facts: (1) this parable was directed to the disciples, possibly to prepare them for their future without Jesus, (2) there was a rich man so wealthy he needed professional help to manage his accounts, and (3) we have a manger who was trusted with a lot of property, merchandise, and money who was “wasting” what was entrusted to him (Luke 16:1).

The rich man hears through the grapevine that the manager has been guilty of embezzlement or not properly growing the business. He demands, “Give an account of your management” (Luke 16:2). There’s nothing more nerve-wracking than facing a boss after a serious mistake. The expression “give an account” reminds me of when we all will have to stand before the King of Kings and give an account (Romans 14:12). We will have to answer for all the hurtful words we said, selfish acts we’ve committed, and the times we fail to be faithful stewards of our spiritual abilities, time, and financial gifts from God. Daniel Webster, Secretary of State for three U.S. presidents said, “The most important thought that ever occupied my mind is that of my individual responsibility to God.”

After getting his pink slip from the rich man, the manager who was comfortable living the life of a statesman, knew his life would radically change. Word around town would get out that he was a thief. No one would hire him because he wasn’t trustworthy. He knew he wasn’t a man built for hard labor, and he was too proud to be a street beggar (Luke 16:3-4). So, he devised a plan to ensure positive future business relationships.

He goes to every customer who owed his boss and gave them deep write-offs on their debts, some 60-70% cuts, so they would instead be indebted to him. This would ensure a comfortable life. However, clearing customer balances was not within his power because he had been terminated, not allowed to write off debts without permission, and he was cooking the books for his personal gain.

At some point, the manager confesses what he’s done to his boss, maybe hoping he would get his job back. However, this plan failed. He didn’t learn the first time around that using theft and dishonesty for selfish gain would cause fallout. Interestingly, his boss praises his street sense for using money to gain business friendships (Luke 16:8). We all can identify with how the manager uses the same formula repeatedly only to end up with the same poor outcomes. This can be played out in our relationships, business decisions, and even our relationship with Christ.

Next, we hear the most important part of the parable: Jesus’ application. Jesus says whatever we have been entrusted with, whether small or significant, live as faithful, trustworthy stewards. The final verse warns against making money and possessions our idols. Christians cannot juggle two gods or masters (Luke 16:13). Whatever we are depositing most of our time into can morph into gods. Faithful stewardship on earth gives us practice for those gifts we will be entrusted with in eternity.

Reflection:

• How can we use temporary, earthly wealth to build up people and our relationships for eternal, heavenly wealth?
• What are you wasting that God has entrusted to you?
• Prayer: Holy Father, thank You for making me a steward of time, money, and spiritual gifts. I pray that each day I’m faithful and nothing is wasted for Your Kingdom’s economy. Give me wisdom to keep proper accounts, so that when we meet, You will declare, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Family Application: Luke 16:1-13

Author: Cindy Ogilive

Today, we read Luke 16:1-13, a parable Jesus told his disciples about a shrewd manager. There was a rich man who had hired a manager to handle collecting debts owed to him. One day, the manager was called before his boss and accused of slacking on collecting the debts. The manager feared losing his job, and his pride began to motivate him to do his job. He wished to be welcomed into people’s homes. When he met with the debtors, he asked each of them how much they owed the rich man. As each of them answered, the manager changed their bill to a smaller amount. The rich man praised him for his work and for acting shrewdly. Jesus scorns the manager for lying to his boss. He tells the disciples that the method will not get them into Heaven, and they cannot serve money and God at the same time.

The parable discusses man’s reliance on monetary possessions. Serving money leads to deceit and immoral behavior while serving God means acting with light and love. A person cannot act with monetary motivations while claiming to serve the Lord, as it leads to actions opposite to how God calls his children to act. Serving money is not how one gets into the eternal dwelling place.

• In your life, how have you seen others allow money to change their behaviors and beliefs?
• Prayer: Lord, I pray that you guide me through the calls and deceit in this world. Release me from my reliance on money, and allow me to live with the light and love you call me to spread. I pray for the world and its greed. Open them up to receiving your Word, so that they may understand the dangers of this path. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.