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Article Archive |
2008
Shrewd Manager
by Jim Morris
When Jesus came into the world He fulfilled the prophecy of Ezekiel chapter 34. God had promised that He would deal with the dishonest shepherds of His people (34:10) and provide them with a “Good Shepherd” (34:23-24). The end of the O.T. Jewish leadership was at hand.
Nevertheless, God in His mercy gave those first century leaders many opportunities to repent and to escape their doom. Jesus even gave them an example to follow, if they dared. We refer to that puzzling example as the “Parable of the Shrewd Manager” found in Luke 16:1-15.
Many Christians feel uncomfortable with that parable. Are we supposed to value schemes and scams? It almost seems as if Jesus is commending the manager for his dishonesty. Can this really be what Jesus is telling us to do? However, the key is in how each character responds.
First, the MASTER calls the manager in to defend himself against the charges of wasting his estate (16:1-2). The manager could not defend himself against true charges. The master could have the dishonest slave fired on the spot, beaten, thrown in prison, and forced to repay the embezzled funds. However, he merely releases the manager from his job (16:3). The master responds with fairness, grace, generosity and goodness.
Second, the MANAGER was “caught” embezzling. He offers no defense. Instead, he “thought” about his future (16:3-4). He envisioned his options. His management job was history. Dig ditches? No, I’m too weak. Beg? No, I’m too proud. What then? He “bought” the goodwill of the debtors by working out a scheme to make himself look good to them. His efforts won him a commendation. The master was robbed in such a way that brought him honor and the manager protection. As such, he “taught” us a lesson, too. Everything depends upon the grace of the master.
Third, the DEBTORS accepted the grace offered to them on behalf of the master through his manager (16:5-7). The large debts had been greatly reduced. The gracious master and his dishonest manager became instant heroes!
Jesus (the good Master) gave the Pharisees (dishonest Managers) the way out of their predicament. Their leadership was over. Now they should use their resources to win a place in the hearts of people (the Debtors) by showing God’s grace, generosity and goodness. Both God and the ex-managers would be heroes to the people.
Unfortunately, “The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus” (16:14). They blew another chance. They chose money not Jesus. What about us? Will we hoard or share? Or, will we sneer at Jesus, too?
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:8-9).
04-23-08
# 17
