The Parable of the Unrighteous Steward
Q:
Please explain Luke 16:1-12...
I don't understand the parable of unrighteous steward.
Is there any commentary or materials?
A: I
do not have anything prepared for this passage, but I will make a few
comments. I do not see this parable as teaching dispensational truth
or
dealing with eternal salvation. Rather, it is a lesson in Christian
discipleship. Much of Luke emphasizes discipleship.
Christ shows the wisdom of the world in certain areas. Here, even the
unjust steward understood that he could make things easier on himself
by
being kind to those under him. That is, if he were not greedy with his
goods, others might be generous to him in his time of need.
Jesus contrasts that with the greed and covetousness of the Pharisees.
They strictly followed religious traditions, but were stingy in their
worldly goods. They made a great distinction between the spiritual and
the secular and felt that their obedience to the spiritual rules made
it
unnecessary to live holy in the secular realm. But this parable teaches
us that the way we deal with the earthly and secular areas of our life
is
how we will deal with the spiritual. If a man is not a hard worker on
his
job, he will not be a hard worker for God. The two are connected.
This parable also teaches us that God tests us in our secular areas of
life to see if we are ready for spiritual responsibility (see Luke
16:10-12). If we cannot righteously do our work or handle our finances,
why would God trust us with more important spiritual responsibilities?
The "everlasting habitations" statement in verse 9 is a difficult
one for
me. I believe the friendship with the mammon or unrighteousness simply
refers to having a good report and testimony with the lost and with the
people we deal with in the world. Consider this verse:
1Thessalonians 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that
are
without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
It says must the same as Luke 16:9.
But the everlasting habitations are more difficult. The best I can say
is
that it refers to their hospitality from their viewpoint and not from
God's viewpoint. They would receive the believer who has failed
financially as if they were receiving him into everlasting habitations.
This is total acceptance. Christ is referring to their generous
hospitality, not to an absolute time period. I hope this helps.
Till He comes,
Pastor David Reagan
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