1. Title of the Parable
The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
(also known as The Shrewd Steward)
2. Scripture Reference(s)
- Luke 16:1–13 (L)
3. Thematic Category
Discipleship and Faith; Stewardship; Wisdom; Faithfulness with Resources
4. Parable Summary
Jesus tells of a manager who is about to be fired for mismanaging his master’s property. Knowing he is losing his job, he acts quickly: he reduces the debts owed to his master by various clients, hoping to gain their favour so they will receive him later.
Surprisingly, the master commends the dishonest manager for his shrewdness—not his ethics, but his prudence.
Jesus uses this to teach that the “sons of this world” are often more shrewd in handling worldly affairs than “the sons of light.” He exhorts His disciples to use worldly wealth to make eternal investments, ending with: “You cannot serve God and money.”
5. Cultural and Historical Context
Stewards (managers) in ancient society oversaw large estates and had wide authority to negotiate debts and transactions on behalf of their masters. Debtors often paid in kind—such as oil and wheat—which made manipulation easier.
The steward’s action in reducing debts was likely legal, perhaps cutting his own commission or interest, which explains why the master could praise his cleverness rather than punish him further.
The parable’s setting reflects real concerns about economic instability, personal survival, and community honour—making it both relatable and confrontational.
6. Literary Form and Structure
- Type: Parable of contrast / wisdom parable
- Structure: Crisis → decisive action → unexpected praise → moral instruction
- Techniques: Irony, paradox, exaggerated contrast, layered interpretation
7. Theological Meaning and Kingdom Implications
This parable teaches that:
- Worldly resources, though temporary, can be used for eternal purposes.
- Shrewdness (wise foresight) is a Kingdom virtue when used righteously.
- Faithfulness in little things reveals readiness for greater Kingdom responsibility.
- One must choose between serving God or money—dual loyalty is impossible.
It’s not a call to deceit, but a call to wise, decisive, and purposeful action with what we’ve been entrusted.
8. Moral and Ethical Lessons
- Use resources with eternal goals in mind, not just present comfort.
- Be proactive and strategic in spiritual stewardship.
- Even temporary possessions can serve eternal outcomes if used rightly.
- Integrity and faithfulness in material matters reflect Kingdom character.
9. Jesus’ Interpretation or Explanation
Jesus offers a direct explanation through several teachings:
- “Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth…” (v. 9)
- “If you have not been faithful in unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” (v. 11)
- “You cannot serve God and money.” (v. 13)
These statements show that the parable is not endorsing dishonesty, but highlighting the urgency and intentionality with which we must steward resources for Kingdom purposes.
10. Application for Contemporary Readers
- Challenges Christians to use money and influence with wisdom for God’s mission.
- Warns against passive or short-sighted discipleship in the face of spiritual opportunity.
- Encourages strategic generosity, social responsibility, and Kingdom-minded investing.
- Exposes the idolatry of wealth, reminding us that we serve God alone.
11. Comparative Insights and Scholarly Commentary
- Augustine argued that the unjust steward represents worldly cunning used inappropriately, which believers should redirect toward righteous ends.
- John Calvin interpreted the parable as a call to prudence, not to imitate the steward’s actions but his urgency and preparation.
- Craig Blomberg sees the main point as: use of possessions reflects spiritual character and future accountability.
- N.T. Wright notes that the parable points to the urgent transition to God’s Kingdom, where everything is being revalued.
- R.T. France highlights the ironic reversal—the morally flawed manager becomes a model of decisive action for believers.
12. Cross-References
- Matthew 6:24 – “You cannot serve God and money”
- 1 Timothy 6:17–19 – Instruct the rich to be generous and store up treasure for eternity
- Luke 12:42–48 – Parable of the faithful and wise manager
- Proverbs 3:9–10 – Honour the Lord with your wealth
13. Key Quotes and Phrases
- “What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me?” (Luke 16:3)
- “So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one…” (Luke 16:5)
- “The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness.” (Luke 16:8)
- “You cannot serve God and money.” (Luke 16:13)