For decades I was absolutely baffled when reading the Parable of the Unjust Steward. I had dozens of questions pop into my mind after reading only nine verses. It simply did not make sense to me. Fortunately, after almost thirty years of reading it, the code has finally been cracked!
Has the Parable of the Unjust Steward confused you too?
Have you wondered if Jesus is the business owner?
Why does it seem as though Jesus applauds the unethical behavior of the unjust steward? How does one actually make friends of unrighteous wealth?
What is the meaning of the parable of the unjust steward?
Jesus is giving us permission to use His resources lavishly, extravagantly, and in a borderline reckless manner. He is provoking us to practice radical generosity. By using His resources in such a way we are trading earthly wealth for eternal friendships. God’s resources, under our management, should be directed towards gospel work.
In this post, we’re going to deconstruct the parable of the unjust steward verse by verse. When you’re finished, you will have a solid understanding of what is often one of the most misunderstood parables. I trust that most of your questions will be answered today. Most importantly, you will know how to make friends of unrighteous wealth.
Common Themes in Parables
Jesus was the master storyteller. When He spun a yarn, it was simple yet profound. Basic, everyday elements were used in His stories that appeared to be more appropriate for children than adults.
Jesus began teaching in parables not to make them easier to understand. He actually began using this complex method of teaching to hide the truth from certain groups of people (Matthew 13:13).
Parables are totally made up. The players in the parable of the unjust steward most likely did not even exist. Jesus used fictional content to teach life lessons that have survived and thrived for more than two thousand years!
Exaggerated speech was often used when teaching in parables. An almost unbelievable statement would be made to compare and contrast a specific situation. One example of this is the parable of the prodigal son. The prodigal’s behavior was unbelievable and repugnant to the Pharisees. Jesus used that extreme and tied it to the grace of the father.
Get to the Point, Pal
Parables have a main point. We can certainly draw out other truths and parallels from them but there is always a primary purpose contained in the parable.
Every parable is grounded in the gospel and the message of salvation. Money is mentioned in many but the main point is always gospel-centered.
In the parable of the talents, it’s easy to believe that the main point is to encourage investing. Investing is encouraged but that is not the primary purpose of the parable. This parable is a continuation of a couple of others that pertain to the return of our Lord Jesus.
The key point was not to encourage investing. It was that we don’t know when He’s returning and we need to make provision. Ultimately, will we be ready because He will come when we don’t expect it?
Truth is truth. We don’t get to have our own truth. Asking “what does this parable mean to you?” is a dangerous proposition. We should seek to understand solely what Jesus meant with the parable. Do we understand the point He was making? If not, we should dig deeper until we do.
Before and After
Jesus had a plan for everything that He did. Nothing He did was coincidental or accidental.
The parable of the Unjust Steward is sandwiched between the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son, and a clear rebuke to the Pharisees who were lovers of money. Certainly, this is intentional.
The tax collectors and sinners gathered to hear Him and the Pharisees were within earshot of this hyperbolic story of the unjust steward.
Why is placement important?
These are all one extended thought. The content of the parable of the prodigal son was extremely scandalous in its time. We’ve pretty much massaged it in an attempt to remove it’s offensiveness. Jesus simply continued to gain steam.
He started with a lost sheep – not much controversy. Then He discussed a lost coin which should have made sense to most of the listeners. Unfortunately, many were probably receiving the parable like one of Aesop’s Fables. Jesus continued to plow into the parable of the prodigal son.
This ungrateful youngster was also known as the wasteful son. The Pharisees would have been spitting and sputtering in disbelief during this story. There is no way in the world that this wasteful, rebellious, and dishonorable behavior would have been tolerated. The death penalty would have certainly been on the table!
With absolute disregard for their shock, Jesus proceeded with His next fictional story: The parable of the Unjust Steward.
Shots Fired
In the parable of the unjust steward, an accusation was made to the owner of the company that the manager was practicing the congressional act of waste, fraud, and abuse. The manager or steward as he’s called in a few translations had full control of the owner’s resources. He had the authority to spend it in any manner he desired.
However, he was expected to represent the owner well. He should have managed the owner’s money just as he thought the owner would. He did not and failed miserably.
Luke 16:1 He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions.”
The owner was required to return to his business to address the fraud situation. Things were about to get real for this manager!
Parable of the Unjust Steward — Audit the Books
Long ago I had an IRS incident. Trust me when I say Uncle Sam doesn’t play. In his opinion, there is no excuse for anything regarding taxes. Your reason may be totally sound and the IRS agent might even agree with your predicament.
However, there will always be fees and penalties.
Now, whenever I get mail from the IRS my heart skips a few beats and my palms get sweaty. I feel like Rabbit in 8 Mile.
An audit by the IRS is absolutely no fun. In the parable of the unjust steward, the manager was about to face a similar scenario.
Luke 16:2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be the manager.’
The owner changed his plans to take a peek at the books. If his suspicions were confirmed the man would also be fired.
When I read this I can’t help but to think how I would do if Jesus did a pulse check on my stewardship. Am I representing Him well? Or am I doing what feels good to my sinful nature?
Worse Than We Thought
It’s obvious that the accusation against the manager was an accurate indictment. We’ve all been corrected by our bosses. Rarely does it result in termination though.
His behavior was more nefarious than we thought. The manager didn’t ask for a second chance or mercy or anything. He knew the ax was going to drop as soon as the books were reviewed.
He immediately went into damage control mode. This guy was an obvious hustler and a terrible employee.
I’ve been in commercial credit for a big portion of my working career. Embezzlement is a legitimate problem but often goes undetected.
In this example, the owner is aware but still gives the manager an opportunity to do further damage. Inconceivable.
Stone Cold Busted
If thieves, crooks, or hustlers ever put their ingenuity to work in an honest manner our world would be a must better place. However, they do not. Our world is sin-stained and the effects of the fall harm us all. Our fictional friend proves this point.
Luke 16:3 The Manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.’
His evil mind is beginning to hatch a plan of self-preservation. We are not told what he can do but only what he can’t do or won’t do. He freely admits that he is not suitable for blue-collar type work and he is way too proud to beg.
I’m kind of picturing a Dr. Evil-type character in my mind. Manipulation, coercion, and control are his strong suits but honest labor is not.
How could this guy ever be used as a shining example for anything?
The Plan of Perversion
The manager made a decision. His heart was full of poison, pride, and perversion. He had no honor and was unrepentant for his embezzlement and disloyalty to the owner of the business.
Luke 16:4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.
This guy would excel in a reality TV show like Survivor. He’s manipulative and sneaky. He’s in constant scheme mode to ensure his life is comfortable.
Let’s Make a Deal
Maybe you’ve seen reruns of the game show Let’s Make a Deal on the Game Show Channel or have seen the newer iteration. It’s cheesy and goofy but mildly entertaining. The unjust steward was preparing to play an intense game of Let’s Make a Deal with the owner’s customers.
Luke 16:5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
The trap had been set. Actually, the manager is not doing anything that he does not have the authority to do. The owner had given him full authority to manage the money. He certainly expected him to be a bit more honorable with his dealings. He was not honorable and the owner ran an extremely sloppy business.
Parable of the Unjust Steward — Fifty Percent Discount
In business, a small discount can make a huge difference. Most non-business owners are fully persuaded that business owners are rich and greedy. While some are rich and others are greedy the majority are neither.
Often profit margins of 2% are embraced. That means for every $1.00 of sales the owner earns only two cents. If a vendor offers a sizable discount it could mean the difference between being profitable and being unprofitable.
Luke 16:6 He said, ‘A hundred measure of oil.’ He said to him, “Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
We could get into the actual value of a hundred measures of oil but that is not necessary. If you earn $50 per day and someone steals half of it that’s a big deal. The amount is relative but the percentage is not. The manager approved a half-off sale to the customer.
Why would he do such a thing? We know it’s not because he practices radical generosity. It’s not because he is getting soft and desires to “share the wealth” or “give back” to society. His motivation is totally selfish.
He is planting a seed for one of these customers to help him when he gets fired. As a manager, he would have a place to live included in his benefits package. When he gets fired he will be homeless immediately.
Luke 16:4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.
“Hey Bob, I’ve landed on some tough times and need a place to crash until I can get back on my feet again. Remember that time you owed my master a hundred measures of olive oil and I cut you a deal? Dude, you owe me!”
But Wait There Is More
This guy is incredibly savvy. He hedged his bets. Most likely customer #1 had the best home and that’s where he ultimately wanted to land. As such, he received a bigger and better discount.
However, the manager was not taking any chances with homelessness. This guy had heard about living on the streets. If he couldn’t dig then he certainly could not survive to live on Skid Row.
Luke 16:7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and write eighty.’
The second customer didn’t get a half-off sale but twenty percent is still a huge deal!
I need to reiterate that this manager is still within his legal rights to do what he is doing. The manager entrusted the stewardship to him – right, wrong, or indifferent. Certainly, judgment would happen when the books were open.
Parable of the Unjust Steward — Well Played Young Man
The books were opened and the fraud was discovered. The manager had been embezzling for an extremely long time and the termination papers were prepared by Human Resources. The owner should have been offended, angry, and perplexed but he wasn’t. Instead, he was impressed. Excuse me?
Luke 16:8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
Wait, What?
The manager robbed this business owner blind. He was cooking the books sufficiently enough to get a boot out the door. Inexplicably, the owner did not show the manager the door on day one. No, instead he allowed him to stick around long enough to do even more financial damage.
It’s apparent that the business owner in this story is corrupt as well. Anyone who would admire such repugnant behavior must be similarly abhorrent. This guy was not – he was impressed.
“Wow, young man! You have taken revolting business practices to a whole new level. I probably could learn a thing or two from you! Did you used to work for Enron or Bernie Madoff?”
Jesus is accurately painting a picture of an unscrupulous employer and employee. The business world, despite many good people attempting to keep it ethical, is polluted by the fall of man. The effects of the fall permeate every millimeter of commerce and the corrosion is unstoppable.
The manager was wasteful with the owner’s money. The fraudulent behavior was praised by the owner because he too was fraudulent. Jesus was not praising the unjust steward. He simply made an observation as to why the owner applauded the manager.
Parable of the Unjust Steward — Friends in High Places
Jesus is not the business owner in this parable. He is the storyteller. However, He gets involved beginning in verse nine in a strong way!
Luke 16:9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth…
The parable actually ceases in verse eight. The story is over but Jesus begins a small discourse that should change all of our lives!
He makes it very clear when He says, “And I tell you” that the parable of the unjust steward is over and the Master is beginning to teach. There is an obvious distinction between the words of the crooked businesspeople and Jesus.
Jesus’ words are not flattering but life-altering.
How does one make friends by means of unrighteous wealth?
When we give to gospel causes we are allowed to participate in God’s plan of eternity. Certainly, God doesn’t need our help. We have the tendency to foul things up when we get involved but He is merciful to us.
It kind of reminds me of when my children were young. They sometimes just wanted to “help” mom and dad do something. Usually, they were in the way but that’s quite alright. They really didn’t help make the cookies or cupcakes but they felt as though they contributed and it was important to them.
We have a choice. Will we practice radical generosity and use God’s money to plunder hell? Or will we use God’s money to make our lives more comfortable on this sin-stained planet?
Will we make friends in high places or continue to buy depreciating assets and continually strive to keep up with the Jones family?
We make friends of unrighteous wealth by contributing to gospel work. You aren’t required to go all over the world as a missionary to accomplish this ever-elusive task. Some go, some pray, and some help pay the way.
Parable of the Unjust Steward — Don’t Call It a Comeback
There is a great story in I Samuel 30 that provides some clarity to this. David and his warriors were out doing war stuff. While the army was out fighting, a group of marauders came and burned the camp to the ground and kidnapped everyone.
David asked God what he should do. His family and friends had been kidnapped and his warriors were plotting a coup against him! These hardened soldiers cried until their tear ducts were as dry as the desert sand.
God told him to pursue and that without fail he would recover everything!
They simply obeyed and God did exactly what He said He would do. Originally, there were 600 fighters but 200 were beyond exhaustion and remained behind and watched the camp.
The deliverance was swift and fierce. Every man, woman, and child was freed from the clutches of the Amalekites and everything stolen was recovered. In addition, David’s army plundered the Amalekites.
That Is Not Fair
When they returned with the people and the spoil the 400 fighting soldiers decided to impose a penalty against the 200 who remained behind. David would have none of that, however. He made a strong declaration and I believe this principle still applies to us today.
I Samuel 30:23-24 But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.”
In the parable of the unjust steward, the manager was wastefully using his master’s wealth to ensure he would not be homeless when his money failed. His primary concern was an earthly dwelling.
Jesus was never concerned with earthly creature comforts. His view was always eternal.
The Finality of Financial Failure
Luke 16:9 …so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
Our money will eventually fail to have value. Right now, the value of our money is based solely on the US government declaring that it’s valuable.
Our money is no good in heaven. We could be the richest person in the world and it will mean absolutely nothing on the other side of Glory.
What matters then?
The business owner was impressed with the manager’s unethical behavior. Jesus is similarly giving us permission to be extravagant with HIS money. We, just as the manager, are stewards of resources that truly do not belong to us.
When Jesus opens the books of our stewardship will He say “depart from Me you wicked and slothful servant?” or will He say, “Well done!”
We are being encouraged by Jesus to practice radical generosity. Jesus doesn’t look at us giving money in a seemingly “reckless” manner as something bad. Just the opposite! He wants to us to give as much as possible.
The money we spend on cars, houses, clothes, and other items is necessary but none of those items have eternal significance or value. Every dollar given to gospel causes has the potential to help usher a person or family into heaven!
Temporal or Eternal
I am confident that the people impacted by our giving will be our “friends” in eternal dwellings (heaven). When we get to heaven we also will discover how others helped us on our path to salvation.
We will then have all of eternity to high-five one another and swap stories of appreciation and thankfulness! Doesn’t that sound like a ton of fun!
Think about every dollar you have ever given to gospel causes for a moment. Have you helped a missionary take Bibles into Cambodia? Then you will have some friends in heaven that once lived in Cambodia.
Recently our church had a group of medical missionaries in Haiti doing some work. While there, a young boy had a horrific motorcycle accident. Health care in Haiti is different than Chicago. The family had no money and the doctors were simply going to amputate and hope he didn’t die.
The missionaries contacted our church for a “rush plead for funds.” Within a matter of minutes sufficient money was gathered to cover the surgery. He didn’t die and his leg was saved.
Who knows? Could that intentional act of kindness help him grasp the love of God? If so, those who gave to help will have a friend in heaven from Haiti. I hope they have brushed up on their Creole.
Parable of the Unjust Steward — I’ll Give Later
In my coaching sessions, I ask people what they would do if they inherited or won $1,000,000. Inevitably, giving is at the top of everyone’s list. Unfortunately, if they are not already giving it’s simply a white lie.
Luke 16:10 One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Translation: if we give when we have a little then we will give when we have more. It’s easier to give $20.00 out of $10.00 than $50,000 out of $1,000,000.
Start where you are. If you’re not giving now start with something. You don’t want to be “friendless” in heaven. When a person is physically out of shape they don’t run a marathon on day one. No, they probably walk a mile or two.
Don’t wait until you win the lottery or get your inheritance to begin exercising your giving muscle. If you put it off until then it will never happen. It’s kind of like a person saying that they will run a marathon when they get in shape but they never train.
The Parable of the Unjust Steward — Bring It Home
In the parable of the unjust steward, Jesus is giving us permission to use His resources lavishly, extravagantly, and in a borderline reckless manner. He is provoking us to practice radical generosity. By using His resources in such a way we are trading earthly wealth for eternal friendships.
How are you going to make friends of unrighteous wealth? Don’t delay. Start where you are and begin a lifestyle of radical, reckless, lavish, and extravagant giving.
Together, we can use these resources to plunder hell and populate heaven!