One of the most difficult parables from our Lord is found in Luke 16:1 - 9. It provides such a challenge to scholars that one very extensive study of the parables lists at least 15 variations suggested as to how we should understand and interpret this parable. The basic difficulty arises because the "hero" of the story is a dishonest manager. He is shrewd or wise, but nonetheless he is dishonest. Is Jesus suggesting it is OK to sometimes be dishonest?
I think there is a best way to read this parable, with which many commentators agree. Our Lord provides this surprising story to demonstrate how wisely this man dealt with money in view of his own financial crisis. Jesus is making one main point. This dishonest manager acted wisely according to the this world's economics.
Then Jesus contrasts those who "are people of the light" who don't handle their finances wisely. We believers know that we face a future financial crises: one day each of us will die. Investments, bank accounts, pension plans, houses, land, etc. will all be lost. What will make us "welcome into eternal dwellings"? The wise use of money and other resources according to Kingdom economics. Yet many of us "people of the light" use what we have according to the world's values and economics. We act as though we are not managers; as though we will not one day stand before the Eternal Owner and give an account.
One respected NT scholar (Klyne Snodgrass) suggests that "the friends" who will welcome us "into the eternal dwellings"refers to the poor (to whom we will have given money), angels (who have been watching), or possibly it is an unusual way to refer to God. Truly faithful disciples will use money and possessions in a way that prepares us for eternity.
This strange or at least unusual parable is really saying the same thing that Jesus says more clearly elsewhere. If you truly live for God's Kingdom than you will invest wisely in what will bring eternal reward. You will manage all God has given you with full awareness that the ultimate financial crisis comes at death, followed by judgment. Those who live by faith demonstrate it in their actions - including wise use of all we have.
Exactly how that works out in each disciples life is the responsibility of daily thoughtful Christian stewardship in each of out lives. The challenge of the parable: are we who believe in life beyond the grave preparing as wisely as the steward prepared for his loss of a job?
I think there is a best way to read this parable, with which many commentators agree. Our Lord provides this surprising story to demonstrate how wisely this man dealt with money in view of his own financial crisis. Jesus is making one main point. This dishonest manager acted wisely according to the this world's economics.
Then Jesus contrasts those who "are people of the light" who don't handle their finances wisely. We believers know that we face a future financial crises: one day each of us will die. Investments, bank accounts, pension plans, houses, land, etc. will all be lost. What will make us "welcome into eternal dwellings"? The wise use of money and other resources according to Kingdom economics. Yet many of us "people of the light" use what we have according to the world's values and economics. We act as though we are not managers; as though we will not one day stand before the Eternal Owner and give an account.
One respected NT scholar (Klyne Snodgrass) suggests that "the friends" who will welcome us "into the eternal dwellings"refers to the poor (to whom we will have given money), angels (who have been watching), or possibly it is an unusual way to refer to God. Truly faithful disciples will use money and possessions in a way that prepares us for eternity.
This strange or at least unusual parable is really saying the same thing that Jesus says more clearly elsewhere. If you truly live for God's Kingdom than you will invest wisely in what will bring eternal reward. You will manage all God has given you with full awareness that the ultimate financial crisis comes at death, followed by judgment. Those who live by faith demonstrate it in their actions - including wise use of all we have.
Exactly how that works out in each disciples life is the responsibility of daily thoughtful Christian stewardship in each of out lives. The challenge of the parable: are we who believe in life beyond the grave preparing as wisely as the steward prepared for his loss of a job?
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