Luke 15 introduced 3 parables explaining with increasing intensity God’s passion for the lost – the Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Parable of the Lost Coin, and the Parable of the Lost Son (i.e. the Prodigal Son). In chapter 16, we see Jesus talking to disciples and apparently some Pharisees (verse 14) and see His continued emphasis on Kingdom work – on seeking and saving the lost and building up God’s Kingdom.

Encounter Jesus – Luke Week 11

The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

Luke 16: 1-15

AUDIO

Lecture Handout

Luke Week 11 – Parable of the Dishonest Manager Handout

Lesson Notes

 

The Basics (Read Luke 16: 1-7)

  • Verse 1 – There was a rich man and his manager – the person responsible for his business affairs
    • The manager is accused of wasting his master’s possessions and will be fired
  • Verse 2 – The master calls him to give an account
  • Verse 3 – The manager knows he’ll fail this accounting, and doesn’t want to have to deal with low status options like manual labor or begging.
  • Verses 4-7 – He decides to make a lot of friends by reducing everyone’s debts
    • Both examples save the debtor about 500 denarii – typically 20 months wages
    • He’s costing his master a fortune, but is making himself lots of grateful friends

The Twist – It’s Really About Earthly Money and Spiritual Matters!

  • Verse 8 – The master praises the man for his shrewdness! Note, he doesn’t imply he is moral or righteous in this case, merely that he was shrewd.
    • This is where it’s pointed out that he’s dishonest – so let’s not try to put any positive spin on this thing.
    • Jesus isn’t saying we should be dishonest – don’t overinterpret the parable; instead, follow the text carefully, find the over-arching meaning and point of the parable.
    • Jesus doesn’t command dishonesty, he is commending shrewdness.
    • This verses introduces the spiritual dimension – worldly people are shrewd, godly people tend to be less so.
  • Verse 9 – Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth
    • In interpreting confusing parables here are some rules to help them make sense
      • Most parables only have one major point, so try to figure that out, rather thank being distracted by incidental details.
      • Figure out who the characters represent in real life: Rich man = God, Steward/Managers = Us, Earthly Wealth = Everything we’ve accumulated
      • Look to the end of the parable – usually the point is at the end.
      • Look to the closing words of Jesus – usually that’s the point.
    • Unrighteous wealth in this passage seems to be any material good – it’s not inherently evil, it’s just amoral, neutral, neither righteous nor unrighteous.
    • Note who these friends are – those that may greet us in eternal dwellings.
    • The guidance is to use earthly wealth to make new Kingdom friends – to bring new people into God’s kingdom.
    • Build the Kingdom = make friends; using the resources of the world.
    • The wealth of the world is temporary – when it fails, it’s gone.
    • Godly relationships are forever!
    • God wants us to use earthly wealth wisely – because He has entrusted it to us.

Principles of Stewardship

  • Verse 10 – One faithful in small things is also faithful in big things – basic principle of parenting, leadership, etc. But this is how God will assess our rewards and responsibilities in heaven – over and over, Jesus teaches this.
    • One dishonest in little things will be dishonest in big ones.
  • Verse 11 – Argument from least to greatest
    • If you aren’t faithful with  your earthly possessions (unrighteous wealth), including salary, etc.
    • Then who will entrust you with true riches (treasure in heaven)
    • Matthew 6: 19-21
  • Verse 12 – If not faithful in managing what belongs to God, for His glory, who will give us something to own?
  • Verse 13 – Can’t be in love with money and God – you will be devoted to one or the other.
    • So if we choose God, we need to arrange how we spend money.
    • If we choose God, we need to choose how we use the resources He has blessed us with -> all of them – all time, talent, and treasure
    • Are you using your God-given resources to “make friends” – to make new believers – who you will spend eternity with?
    • Are you making new believers, growing God’s Kingdom with His money
    • Because it’s ALL His money, not ours
  • Verses 14-15 – the reaction of the Pharisees and Christ’s reaction to them
    • What is exalted among men and women (unused wealth) is an abomination in the sight of God

 

This Week’s Prayer: Prayer for Godly uses of His resources and for friends as yet unknown to us!

Next Week: No session next week. Will resume in two week. Next session: Luke 16: 19-31 – The Rich Man & Lazarus