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The Parable of the Unjust Steward

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Luke 16:1-13

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TEACHINGS OF JESUS (39)

Today we continue our study of the parables of Jesus as part of our theme dealing with the teachings of Jesus.   Today we want to notice a parable that is a challenge to understand – the Parable of the Unjust Steward.

1. Background of this parable
   1. This parable comes in the midst of Jesus being criticized for His work, especially his dealings with “sinners”. Luke 15:1-2 finds this criticism where the Pharisees and scribes complained, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”  This prompted Jesus to give a series of parables addressing rejoicing over lost sinners who repent.  Luke 15 records 3 such parables – the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost (prodigal) son.  Jesus was emphasizing how God and the angels rejoice when a sinner, ANY sinner, repents.
   2. This leads to the parable we want to address today. It begins by saying, “He ALSO said to His disciples…”  (16:1)
2. The Parable
   1. Describes a certain rich man who had a steward (a trusted servant, usually with greater responsibility – a household manager).
   2. The steward was accused of being wasteful with his master’s good. He is called in to give an accounting and told that he could no longer be steward.  THUS, we have one who was irresponsible and being held accountable for his actions.
   3. The steward was obviously concerned and knew he needed to do something.
      1. He said to himself he was not able (actually unwilling) to engage in manual labor (digging was a term often associated with farming).
      2. He was too prideful to go and beg. Likely this was beneath him.
   4. So he devises a scheme (vs. 4) to protect himself.
      1. He calls his master’s debtors to himself. Two are mentioned.
      2. One owed a hundred measures of oil (~800-1000 gallons). He urged him to settle quickly for 50 measures (~400-500 gallons).  A half-price settlement.
      3. The other owed a hundred measures of wheat (different word totaling ~1000 bushels). He urges him to write a bill for about 80% (~800 bushels).
   5. His master commended this unjust steward because he acted shrewdly.
      1. Some question the integrity of the master for commending a dishonest steward.
      2. Herein is the first challenge of this parable.
         1. Is Jesus saying to commend evil and dishonorable behavior? I do not believe that is the point here.  Remember, there is a lesson to be learned from this parable, which Jesus gives in vs. 9-13.
            It is not about commending dishonesty that gets you something you want.
         2. Furthermore, the parable does NOT say the master commended his dishonesty. Rather that he was shrewd.  A word meaning to act wisely or prudently.  The KJV uses the word “wisely” which is a proper word.
         3. It is possible to condemn one engaged in wicked behaviors but still notice a commendable quality.
            For example: A computer identity thief, whom I believe to be some of the lowest debris on earth, might be commended because of his knowledge of technology.  Someone might say, “Imagine the good he could do, if he would use his talents for good causes.”
            I heard one time of a person who could find the good in anyone.  When asked, “What good can you find in the devil”, she replied, “Well, he’s a hard worker.”
         4. IN this parable, Jesus is making a point – a lesson which He will apply.
3. Making application
   1. 8b-9 – The lessons begin.
      1. Jesus notes the sons of this world are shrewder than the sons of light.  In worldly matters that can be true.
         1. And in one sense as a Christian, that can be a good thing – consider 1 Corinthians 14:20 – in malice be babes. There is something to be said about being innocent concerning ungodliness.   g. You see some singer or actor and are clueless as to who they are, because you have more important things to do.
         2. BUT, in another sense, we are to be wise – Matthew 10:16. (BTW, this is the same word). We should work to not be gullible AND, since we live in the world, we learn so that we are NOT taken advantage of.
      2. VS. 9 is another challenge. Jesus says, “make friends for yourself by unrighteous mammon, that when you (it – NASB) fail(s), they may receive you into an everlasting home.
         1. Most commentators see this as an admonition to use “unrighteous mammon” for good – to win others to Christ, to help the needy, to just do good for others (cf. Galatians 6:10, James 1:27, etc.).
            1. As such, “unrighteous mammon” simply means worldly possessions, not necessarily gained unrighteously.
            2. In so doing, when it fails – AND IT WILL, they may receive you in heaven, because your good influenced them to obedience (cf. Matthew 5:16).
         2. Another possibility: Jesus in this verse is speaking of the corrupt religions leaders and telling them, in essence, “Go ahead and be like this unjust steward and make your worldly friends. You will spend eternity with them in condemnation.”   I am leaning toward this for the following reasons:
            1. I believe Jesus is still speaking based upon Luke 15:2 where He is criticized for receiving “sinners” as noted earlier.
            2. Luke 16:14, AFTER this parable (and leading into the next one), we read that the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things and derided Him.
            3. But what about Luke 16:1, “He also said to His disciples” AND the lessons of vs. 10-13 which are application of this parable?
               1. I believe Jesus was making a statement of judgment about the corrupt leaders, who were guilty against Go of many of the things described in this parable.
               2. BUT, He is speaking to and warning His disciples as He makes this pronouncement.
               3. In other words, “Don’t be like them!”
               4. Vs. 10-13 are lessons about HOW we should act as Christians to prepare for judgment.
   2. 10-12 – Be a faithful steward.
      1. Do NOT be like that unjust steward.
         1. You be faithful so that when your master calls for an accounting, He will be pleased. We are called upon to be faithful stewards – 1 Corinthians 4:2, 1 Peter 4:10
         2. That is what we find in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30, esp. vs. 21 & 23 as the master spoke to the 5 and 2 talent servants after He returned.
      2. He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much – This is about character. You may not be as talented as someone else, but your character WILL show in the way you use whatever talents you do have.  2 Peter 1:5 calls for us to add to our faith, virtue (integrity, character, etc.)
         One who proves himself reliable in one area can usually be counted upon in all areas.
      3. Therefore, if you have not been faithful in unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust true riches? The way that we handle whatever we have in this life (this world’s goods), can help us to develop spiritually.
         Consider this.  If you determine that you are always going to be honorable and honest, it will help you as you deal with man at your job, in your neighborhood, business and social dealings, social media, etc.  AND that character will find its way into your spiritual life as well – how, and how often, you study, pray, prefer and care about your brethren, worship God, etc.   God knows your heart.  He knows your character.
      4. And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? In summary Jesus here notes that God is watching.  If you are not faithful in this life with what you have been entrusted with (which 1) actually belongs to God, and 2) if you are handling that which belongs to others), how can you expect to receive what is yours (1) Be paid for your work; and 2) Spiritually, expect to be saved.
         Salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:23-25, Hebrews 2:3, etc.)  Do not squander it by being unfaithful!
   3. 13 – No servant can serve 2 masters…
      1. Last year, we addressed this as we studied the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6:24 finds Jesus saying the same thing.  It leads into a lesson about trusting God and putting Him first.
      2. Here we find it as a reminder teaching the same thing – we need to remain faithful and put God first in everything, including our character and our possessions.

And thus we see another parable of Jesus examined.  What is the overlying message?  Preparation!  This is a parable instructing us to live our lives preparing to stand before God. There is coming a day, when we will stand before God and give an accounting.  On that day, when He says, “receive your everlasting home”, what does your eternity have in store?  If you find that you are not ready to stand before Him, understand that it doesn’t have to stay that way.  Your eternal destiny is up to you.  If there is any way we can help you prepare to stand before God AND then to spend eternity with Him, let us know.  Think about it!