Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Unjust Steward, also known as the Parable of the Shrewd Manager, is a teaching of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke 16:1-13. This parable is unique to Luke's Gospel and presents a narrative that has intrigued and challenged readers and theologians throughout the ages due to its complex moral and ethical implications.Context and Content In this parable, Jesus tells the account of a rich man who has a steward accused of wasting his master's possessions. The master calls the steward to account, threatening to remove him from his position. Faced with the impending loss of his livelihood, the steward devises a plan to secure his future. He summons his master's debtors and reduces their debts, hoping to gain their favor so that they might welcome him into their homes once he is dismissed. The master, upon learning of the steward's actions, commends him—not for his dishonesty, but for his shrewdness. Jesus then uses this account to teach about the wise use of worldly wealth and the importance of being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Key Themes and Interpretations 1. Stewardship and Accountability: The parable underscores the principle of stewardship, emphasizing that individuals are accountable for how they manage the resources and opportunities entrusted to them. The steward's initial failure to manage his master's resources wisely serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of negligence and wastefulness. 2. Shrewdness and Wisdom: The commendation of the steward's shrewdness highlights the value of wisdom and foresight. Jesus contrasts the "children of this world" with the "children of light," suggesting that believers should exercise prudence and strategic thinking in their spiritual lives, just as worldly individuals do in their secular affairs. 3. Use of Wealth: Jesus uses the parable to teach about the proper use of material wealth. He encourages His followers to use worldly resources to make friends and build relationships that have eternal significance. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical principle of using earthly possessions to advance God's kingdom and serve others. 4. Faithfulness in Small Matters: The parable concludes with a teaching on faithfulness, emphasizing that those who are faithful in small matters will be entrusted with greater responsibilities. Jesus states, "Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much" (Luke 16:10). 5. Serving Two Masters: The parable ends with a powerful admonition about the impossibility of serving two masters. Jesus declares, "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). This statement calls believers to a singular devotion to God, warning against the divided loyalties that wealth can create. Theological Implications The Parable of the Unjust Steward challenges readers to reflect on their own stewardship and the priorities that govern their lives. It calls for a reevaluation of how material resources are used in light of eternal values. The parable also serves as a reminder of the need for integrity and faithfulness in all aspects of life, urging believers to align their actions with the principles of God's kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 16:1-8And he said also to his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused to him that he had wasted his goods. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ... His Life The Prudent Steward. Index. The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion The Figurative Language of Scripture. 1 Corinthians xiv, 20 Resources What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.orgHow many parables are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus teach in parables? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Parables of Aholah and Aholibah Parables of the Garment Which Was Torn in Pieces Parables of the Prisoner of War Parables of the Skins Filled With Wine Parables of the Thistle and Cedar Parables of the Woman of Tekoa Parables: Parables of Christ: Barren Fig-Tree Parables: Parables of Christ: Beam and Mote Parables: Parables of Christ: Blind Leading the Blind Parables: Parables of Christ: Builder of a Tower Parables: Parables of Christ: Children of the Bride Chamber Parables: Parables of Christ: Cloud and Wind Parables: Parables of Christ: Creditor and Debtors Parables: Parables of Christ: Faithful, and Evil Servants Parables: Parables of Christ: Fig-Tree Leafing Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Samaritan Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Shepherd Parables: Parables of Christ: House, Divided Against Itself Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Friend Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Widow Parables: Parables of Christ: King Going to War Parables: Parables of Christ: Kingdom, Divided Against Itself Parables: Parables of Christ: Labourers Hired Parables: Parables of Christ: Leaven Parables: Parables of Christ: Lighted Candle Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Piece of Silver Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Sheep Parables: Parables of Christ: Man of the House Watching Parables: Parables of Christ: Man Taking a Far Journey Parables: Parables of Christ: Marriage-Feast Parables: Parables of Christ: Meats Defiling Not Parables: Parables of Christ: Men Bidden to a Feast Parables: Parables of Christ: Mustard-Seed Parables: Parables of Christ: Net Cast Into the Sea Parables: Parables of Christ: New Cloth and Old Garment Parables: Parables of Christ: New Wine and Old Bottles Parables: Parables of Christ: Pearl of Great Price Parables: Parables of Christ: Pharisee and Publican Parables: Parables of Christ: Pounds Parables: Parables of Christ: Prodigal Son Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Fool Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Man and Lazarus Parables: Parables of Christ: Savour of Salt Parables: Parables of Christ: Seed Growing Secretly Parables: Parables of Christ: Sower Parables: Parables of Christ: Strong Man Armed Parables: Parables of Christ: Talents Parables: Parables of Christ: Tares Parables: Parables of Christ: Ten Virgins Parables: Parables of Christ: Treasure Hid in a Field Parables: Parables of Christ: Tree and Its Fruit Parables: Parables of Christ: Two Sons Parables: Parables of Christ: Unclean Spirit Parables: Parables of Christ: Unjust Steward Parables: Parables of Christ: Unmerciful Servant Parables: Parables of Christ: Vine and Branches Parables: Parables of Christ: Wicked Husbandmen Parables: Parables of Christ: Wise and Foolish Builders Parables: Remarkable Parables of the Old Testament Parables: The Mercenary Soldier Parables: The Sheet Lowered Down from the Sky (In Peter's Vision) Related Terms |
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