The Unjust Steward

The Parable of the Unjust Steward, found in Luke 16:1-13, is one of Jesus' most perplexing teachings. Its interpretation has been a subject of scholarly debate for centuries due to its seemingly counterintuitive moral lesson.

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. (Luke 16:1-2, KJV)

Historical Context vs. Parable

It is crucial to emphasize that while this account is often referred to as a parable, it could potentially be an historical narrative. Unlike many of Jesus' other parables that begin with phrases such as "The kingdom of heaven is like..." or "A certain man...", this account is presented in a manner that suggests it might be describing actual events. The specific details and the lack of allegorical elements lend credence to the possibility that Jesus was recounting a real situation known to his audience.

The Plot

The story revolves around a steward who is about to be dismissed from his position due to accusations of mismanagement. Faced with the prospect of unemployment, he devises a clever plan:

Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. (Luke 16:3-4, KJV)

He proceeds to reduce the debts owed to his master by various debtors, effectively currying favour with them for his future benefit.

The Surprising Commendation

And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. (Luke 16:8, KJV)

Interpretations and Lessons

Jesus' Commentary

Jesus follows the parable with several statements about the use of worldly wealth:

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. (Luke 16:9, KJV)

He then emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in small matters and the impossibility of serving both God and mammon:

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (Luke 16:10, KJV)

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13, KJV)

Conclusion

Whether this account is a parable or an historical narrative, its challenging nature has made it a subject of much study and debate. The Unjust Steward continues to provoke thought and discussion about the proper use of resources, the nature of wisdom in worldly affairs, and the relationship between earthly and spiritual matters.