The Parable of the Unjust Steward is one of the many teachings of Jesus Christ found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 16:1-13). This parable is unique and often perplexing, as it presents a situation where an apparently dishonest manager is commended by his master. The deeper meaning of this parable has been the subject of much contemplation and interpretation by theologians and scholars throughout the centuries.
In essence, the parable tells the story of a rich man who had a steward managing his affairs. This steward was accused of wasting his master’s possessions. When the master heard of this accusation, he called the steward to give an account of his management and informed him that he would be dismissed from his position. Faced with the impending loss of his job and with few options available, the steward decided to act shrewdly to secure his future.
The steward, knowing he was about to be fired, took advantage of his remaining time to make friends with the debtors of his master. He reduced the amount each debtor owed to the master, creating goodwill and gratitude among them. In doing so, he hoped to build alliances that will serve him well in the future. Astonishingly, when the master learnt of the steward’s actions, instead of expressing anger, he commended him for his shrewdness.
Now, interpreting the meaning of this parable is not straightforward, and various interpretations have emerged over the centuries. One common understanding is that Jesus used this parable to teach his disciples about the importance of using worldly wealth wisely and ethically. The steward’s actions, while seemingly unscrupulous, highlight the necessity of planning for the future and leveraging present resources for long-term benefit.
Furthermore, the parable may emphasize the transient nature of worldly wealth and the importance of using material possessions for eternal purposes. Jesus encourages his followers to be wise and strategic in their dealings with worldly resources, recognizing that these possessions are not an end in themselves but rather a means to an end.
Another interpretation suggests that the parable is a call to be faithful and responsible stewards of God’s gifts. By using the term “unjust steward,” Jesus may be emphasizing the steward’s lack of faithfulness in managing his master’s possessions. The commendation from the master for the steward’s shrewdness is not an endorsement of dishonesty but rather an acknowledgment of the steward’s practical wisdom in securing his future.
The parable concludes with a statement by Jesus: “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light” (Luke 16:8b, ESV). This remark suggests that worldly people often demonstrate greater strategic thinking and planning for their temporal affairs than believers do for their eternal ones. It serves as a challenge for followers of Jesus to be wise and intentional in using their resources for the kingdom of God.
In summary, the Parable of the Unjust Steward challenges its readers to consider their attitudes toward wealth and possessions. It encourages believers to be shrewd and strategic in their use of worldly resources, recognizing the transient nature of material wealth and the need for faithful stewardship. While the actions of the unjust steward may seem questionable, the underlying message is one of using present opportunities wisely for eternal purposes. The parable remains a source of contemplation and discussion among Christians seeking to live out their faith in a world dominated by temporal concerns.
ADDITIONAL READING
The Meaning of the Parable of the Two Debtors by Jesus Christ
The Meaning of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector by Jesus Christ