In Luke 16:1–13, Jesus tells a puzzling story often called the parable of the unjust steward. At first glance, it can seem like Jesus is commending dishonesty—but as we read more carefully, we find a deeper lesson about wisdom, stewardship, and ultimate loyalty.
The Story
Jesus begins, “There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods” (Luke 16:1, KJV). When the steward learns he’s about to be dismissed, he hatches a plan: he calls in his master’s debtors and rewrites their bills to reduce what they owe. One owes a hundred measures of oil; he quickly changes it to fifty. Another owes a hundred measures of wheat; he marks it down to eighty.
Strangely enough, the rich man “commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely” (Luke 16:8). Not because the steward was righteous—he wasn’t—but because he acted shrewdly to secure his future. Jesus then comments, “for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.”
The Lesson
What does this mean? Jesus often used worldly examples to teach heavenly truths. The steward’s actions, while dishonest, were proactive and forward-thinking. He understood his situation, planned ahead, and used what was temporarily in his control to prepare for what was coming next.
Jesus drives home His point: “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations” (Luke 16:9). In other words, use worldly resources—money, influence, time—not selfishly, but in ways that build lasting good and eternal value.
He continues, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). Faithfulness in small things—money, tasks, daily integrity—reveals faithfulness in larger spiritual matters.
Finally, Jesus concludes with the famous line: “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other… Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13). This anchors the entire parable. We must decide whom we serve—temporary wealth or eternal truth.
Applying It Today
In today’s world, full of competition and financial pressure, it’s easy to act like the unjust steward—scrambling to preserve our comfort or reputation. But Jesus isn’t endorsing that behavior; He’s challenging His followers to show at least as much strategic wisdom in spiritual matters as worldly people show in personal gain.
Christ’s call is clear: use every resource—your finances, opportunities, relationships—for good. Be shrewd not in deceit, but in love and faithfulness. Invest in people, generosity, and righteousness. Unlike money, these investments never lose value.
A Thought to Close
Jesus’ story remains unsettling because it touches something true in all of us: the tension between worldly prudence and eternal purpose. The parable invites us to be both wise and faithful, to plan well without losing sight of the kingdom of God. In the end, our stewardship is not just about money—it’s about our hearts.
Continuing the study of the parables:
Discovering the Path of Salvation series by Stephen Luckett
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