The parable of the Dishonest Manager, also known as the Parable of the Unjust Steward, is found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 16, verses 1-13. This parable is one of the more challenging teachings of Jesus, as it deals with themes of stewardship, wealth, and the shrewdness of worldly wisdom.

Context and Content

In the parable, Jesus tells the account of a rich man who had a manager accused of wasting his possessions. The rich man calls the manager to account, saying, "What is this I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager" (Luke 16:2). Facing the loss of his position, the manager devises a plan to secure his future. He calls in 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.

Surprisingly, the master commends the dishonest manager for his shrewdness, not for his dishonesty, but for his foresight and ability to act decisively in a crisis. Jesus then comments, "For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light" (Luke 16:8).

Interpretation

The parable has been interpreted in various ways, but a common understanding is that Jesus is teaching about the wise use of resources. The manager, though dishonest, is praised for his shrewdness in securing his future. Jesus uses this example to encourage His followers to be wise and prudent in their use of worldly wealth, emphasizing that material resources should be used to gain eternal benefits.

Jesus further elaborates, "And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of worldly wealth, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings" (Luke 16:9). This suggests that believers should use their earthly resources to invest in relationships and endeavors that have eternal significance.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

The parable underscores the importance of faithful stewardship. Jesus states, "Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little is also dishonest with much" (Luke 16:10). This principle highlights the responsibility of managing resources, whether great or small, with integrity and faithfulness.

Additionally, the parable addresses the tension between serving God and wealth. Jesus concludes with the well-known teaching, "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 examine their priorities and loyalties, urging them to serve God wholeheartedly rather than being enslaved by material wealth.

Theological Implications

The parable of the Dishonest Manager challenges believers to consider the temporary nature of worldly wealth and the eternal value of spiritual investments. It encourages a perspective that sees material possessions as tools for advancing God's kingdom rather than ends in themselves. The parable also serves as a reminder of the accountability that comes with stewardship, urging believers to act wisely and faithfully in all aspects of life.