Parable of the shrewd manager
The parable of the shrewd manager, found in Luke 16:1–13, presents a challenging yet deeply instructive lesson. In this parable, Jesus tells of a manager accused of wasting his master's possessions. Facing dismissal, the manager devises a strategy to secure his future. He reduces the debts of his master's debtors, hoping they will welcome him into their homes once he is jobless. Surprisingly, the master commends the manager for acting shrewdly, though not for his dishonesty.
This parable emphasizes God's sovereignty, human stewardship, and the need for spiritual discernment in navigating earthly and eternal realities. Here are some key insights:
1. The Manager as a Reflection of Human Nature
The shrewd manager represents fallen humanity. Like him, we are stewards of God's creation, entrusted with resources, time, and abilities. Yet, because of sin, we often misuse these gifts for selfish purposes. The manager's crisis—his impending dismissal—mirrors our accountability before God. One day, we will stand before Him to give an account of how we have managed His gifts (Romans 14:12).
2. Shrewdness and Wisdom in the Kingdom
The manager's "shrewdness" lies in his forward-thinking and adaptability. Jesus contrasts the "children of this world" with the "children of light," highlighting that worldly people often show greater ingenuity in securing temporal goals than believers do in pursuing eternal ones. This does not endorse the manager's unethical actions but calls Christians to approach their spiritual lives with similar zeal and foresight. As Calvin notes, the parable urges believers to act wisely, making prudent decisions that reflect their heavenly citizenship.
3. Earthly Wealth for Eternal Purposes
Jesus' admonition to "make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth" (Luke 16:9) underlines the transient nature of material possessions. Wealth is a gift from God, entrusted to us for stewardship, not personal hoarding or indulgence. While wealth itself is not evil, its misuse reveals the human heart’s idolatry. Believers are called to use earthly resources to advance God’s kingdom, care for the needy, and foster relationships that glorify Him.
4. Faithfulness in Stewardship
The parable teaches that faithfulness in small matters is a prerequisite for greater responsibility (Luke 16:10). This aligns with the emphasis on vocation: every believer, regardless of their role, is called to honor God through diligent and faithful work. Stewardship is a divine calling, rooted in God’s mandate for humanity to rule and care for His creation (Genesis 1:28).
5. God and Money
Jesus concludes with a stark warning: "You cannot serve God and money" (Luke 16:13). This theology emphasizes the lordship of Christ over all areas of life. Wealth, while a tool, can easily become an idol. The parable challenges believers to examine where their ultimate allegiance lies. True discipleship demands that our hearts be set on eternal treasures, not earthly riches (Matthew 6:19-21).
Conclusion
The parable of the shrewd manager challenges Christians to act with wisdom, foresight, and faithfulness, recognizing that all we possess belongs to God. It calls us to steward our resources for His glory, seek eternal priorities, and trust in the Lord’s provision as we navigate a world often dominated by material concerns.