The parable of the shrewd manager, found in Luke 16:1-13, is one of Jesus' more perplexing and thought-provoking teachings. In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a manager who is accused of wasting his master's possessions. Facing the loss of his job, the manager devises a cunning plan to secure his future. He reduces the debts of his master's debtors, thereby gaining their favor. When the master learns of the manager's actions, he surprisingly commends the manager for his shrewdness.
At first glance, this parable can be confusing because it appears that Jesus is praising dishonest behavior. However, a deeper examination reveals profound lessons about stewardship, wisdom, and the use of worldly resources.
Stewardship and Accountability
The parable begins with the manager being accused of mismanaging his master's resources. This sets the stage for one of the key themes: stewardship and accountability. The manager is a steward, entrusted with the master's possessions, but he has been irresponsible. This mirrors the biblical principle that everything we have belongs to God, and we are merely stewards of His resources.
In Psalm 24:1, we read, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul writes, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." The parable reminds us that we will be held accountable for how we manage the resources and opportunities God has entrusted to us.
Wisdom in the Use of Resources
The manager's shrewdness lies in his ability to recognize his predicament and act decisively to secure his future. Jesus does not commend the manager's dishonesty but rather his foresight and prudence. The manager uses his current situation to prepare for what lies ahead. This aspect of the parable challenges us to consider how we use our resources and opportunities to prepare for our eternal future.
Jesus emphasizes this point in Luke 16:9, saying, "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." Here, Jesus is teaching that we should use our material resources in ways that have eternal significance. This includes acts of generosity, helping those in need, and investing in the kingdom of God.
The Contrast Between Worldly and Heavenly Wisdom
The parable also draws a contrast between worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. The manager's actions are shrewd from a worldly perspective, but Jesus uses this to illustrate a spiritual truth. In Luke 16:8, Jesus says, "For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light." This statement challenges believers to be wise and discerning in their spiritual lives, just as people are often wise in their worldly pursuits.
Paul echoes this sentiment in Ephesians 5:15-16, where he writes, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Christians are called to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, using their time, talents, and resources to further God's kingdom.
Faithfulness in Small Things
Another important lesson from the parable is the principle of faithfulness in small things. In Luke 16:10, Jesus states, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." This principle underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in all areas of life, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
Our faithfulness in small matters reflects our character and prepares us for greater responsibilities. This principle is echoed in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where the servants who are faithful with their master's money are rewarded with greater responsibilities. God values our faithfulness and integrity, and He entrusts us with more when we prove ourselves trustworthy in the little things.
The Incompatibility of Serving Two Masters
The parable concludes with a powerful statement about the impossibility of serving two masters. In Luke 16:13, Jesus declares, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This is a clear call to examine our priorities and allegiance.
Jesus warns against the dangers of materialism and the love of money. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul writes, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." The parable challenges us to choose whom we will serve—God or money. Our loyalty to God should be unwavering, and our use of resources should reflect our commitment to Him.
Practical Applications for Today
The parable of the shrewd manager offers several practical applications for our lives today. First, it calls us to recognize our role as stewards of God's resources. We should regularly evaluate how we are using our time, talents, and treasures to further God's kingdom. Are we being faithful and wise stewards, or are we squandering the opportunities God has given us?
Second, the parable encourages us to be proactive and intentional in our spiritual lives. Just as the shrewd manager acted decisively to secure his future, we should be intentional about investing in our eternal future. This includes acts of generosity, building relationships, and sharing the gospel with others.
Third, the parable challenges us to examine our priorities and allegiance. Are we serving God wholeheartedly, or are we divided in our loyalties? Jesus' warning about the impossibility of serving two masters calls us to a wholehearted commitment to God.
Finally, the parable reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in small things. Our integrity and faithfulness in everyday matters reflect our character and prepare us for greater responsibilities. We should strive to be faithful stewards in all areas of life, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
Conclusion
The parable of the shrewd manager is a rich and multifaceted teaching that offers profound lessons about stewardship, wisdom, and the use of resources. It challenges us to be faithful and wise stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, to be intentional in our spiritual lives, and to examine our priorities and allegiance. As we reflect on this parable, may we be inspired to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, using our resources to further God's kingdom and prepare for our eternal future.
