Luke 16:1-13 the parable of the unjust/dishonest steward, It has been considered the most controversial and confusing teaching in the NT. It is a challenging parable to understand the right explanation of the author. The parable is about a rich man who calls his dishonest steward to remove him from his job for his dishonesty, but he reduces the debts of the master’s servants and he is praised by the master for his prudence and wisdom. What is the teaching of Jesus here? How can we understand the intention of the author through this parable?
a. To be wise and prudent to do good, not only honest and truthful: in the parable, the master hears about the stewards’ dishonesty, he did not catch him while he stole the money, he did not investigate also, he hears about dishonesty from someone. but most of the time, the gossip travels faster, rather, the steward acknowledges and continues to forgive the debts of the debtors using the wealth of the master.
b. Using the means to achieve the end, Prioritizing eternal values: We need to differentiate means from ends and this requires discernment. We have so many means in our life; Resources, property, responsibilities, knowledge-studies, and relationships are not end in themselves but are means to reach a greater purpose—such as the Kingdom of God, heaven, or God Himself. Here, forgiveness is the goal, using the money of the master, he achieves a good name, and he wants to be generous by applying the wealth of the master.
c. In all the parables of Luke, the rich people are condemned, they cannot enter the kingdom of God, because the Poor in Luke are not only in spirit but also poor in economic condition. We listen to some politicians, abusing state resources. The parable is not about abusing the resources, or some people ‘manipulating’ the resources for our self-interest and growth.
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