|
lesson 6 THE UNJUST STEWARD Lk 16:1-15 I. Background
of the Parable 1. Context a. Jesus
has just explained in 3 parables that God searches for and rejoices over
repentant sinners. b. Now,
in the midst of the Pharisees, scribes & crowd, he addresses his
disciples, :1. a.
The Pharisees
were self righteous and put great emphasis on the proper way of conduct. They were careful to avoid all contact with people they considered to
be sinners. Using a story about
unjust actions to illustrate a lesson about future planning was probably repulsive to
them. Likely they focused on the
misuse of trust by the steward instead of the lesson Jesus was teaching. 2. Definitions/Cultural Insights a. Steward: one who manages his employers business, a
business manager. b.
Wasting: using improperly,
squandering, as in Lk 15. c. Unjust: unrighteous, morally wrong. d. Commended:
praised, applauded. e. Acting wisely (shrewdly): acting prudently; taking thoughtful
action. II.
Understanding the Parable 1. The master had
received information that his steward was wasting his resources,
and decided to terminate his employment. 2. Upon learning
that he was losing his employment, the steward made plans for his
future, using
the responsibility entrusted
to him to arrange future security. 3. The steward was
commended by his master for acting wisely (shrewdly) because
he: a. Considered what he could not and would not do in
the future, :3. b. Considered
what he needed and what he could do, :3. c. Considered how others would respond, :4. d. Acted
promptly, blessing others in the present, to be blessed in the future, :5-7. 4. Jesus clarified "acting
wisely" for the disciples as being: a. Trustworthy
in the little things/with money, :10-11. b. Concerned with eternal dwellings/true
riches, :9,11. C, Loving, devoted to & serving God, :13. 5. It is not good to be dishonest or to cheat your employer for your
own gain. Jesus declared him an unjust
steward, who acted wisely from a worldly perspective. He made it clear that what it means to act
wisely as a disciple of Christ is what is important here. He used a vivid example, easily
understood, about planning, to make plain the importance of planning for our
eternal future. III. Consideration and Application of the
Parable 1. Plan… for
your future The steward made plans that
would bring him blessings in his future in this life. What is important about planning for our future?
What does the loss of work responsibility for the steward represent
for us? When do we lose our
opportunity to work for future reward? (When we die, our opportunity for making
plans for the future is ended.) 2. Plan WISELY… use your resources properly The steward used his
responsible position so as to secure future blessings. His master complimented him for wise
planning. The way we use our opportunities is a test
to see if we are worthy of being trusted with true riches. Why should we be trusted with the gospel if we cannot be
trusted to use our money properly? What is meant by sons of this world and
sons of light?
How are the sons of this world more likely to plan for their future in
this life than the sons of light to plan for their future in eternity? (It is very common for people to make
plans for this life, but Christians often forget the importance for making plans for eternity.) What are the things you have been given to
use in this life? Are you using these
things in a way to preach Jesus Christ? 3. Bless Others… in your plans The steward forgave the debts
of his master’s debtors to secure blessings for himself. We can use our opportunities in such a way as to help people receive forgiveness of their debt of sin so
that they can enter the eternal home with God. Paul tells of the need to send preachers so that people can
hear and believe in Jesus, Rom 10:14-15.
When we use our resources to teach the gospel,we are making friends
who can welcome us into eternal dwellings.
What opportunity and responsibility do you have to teach the gospel to
the lost? Would you like to have many
friends welcome you into your eternal dwelling place? 4. Choose the Eternal… not the temporary Make a decision about what is
important. Are we going to go for
money or for eternal blessings. If we
want eternal blessings, we should use our resources for
eternity. We should use our
opportunities to teach people Jesus, by teaching them ourselves or by sending others to teach. What are you willing to give in order to
bring others to Jesus? We must not
have a divided loyalty between Jesus and money, Mt 6:19-20. 5. Listen… to hard lessons The Pharisees were offended
because of the way Jesus taught. They
probably thought it wrong to use a story about misuse of money and trust to teach a positive
lesson. How do you feel about Jesus
using an example of unjust action to teach a spiritual lesson? (Jesus made a clear distinction between planning for this life,
“sons of this world” compared with “sons of light.”
Obviously what would be wise from a worldly view is different from
what would be wise from an eternal view.
Consider Ecclesiastes) IV. Memory
Verse - Lk 16:9 |