Luke 16 - 17:10
November 5, 2014


The parable of the shrewd manager can be difficult to understand.  Jesus isn't saying that the rich man was a good guy, or that stealing things from your employer is okay.   I think what he's saying here is that "a sneaky person recognizes that same character trait in others, and can appreciate it".  It would be similar to an art thief appreciating the skill of a subordinate who was able to steal something from him.    16:8 tells us that the people of the world are more shrewd in dealing with one another than they are in dealing with honest people.    A criminal doesn't know how to deal with someone honest, but he speaks the same language as other criminals.  He knows how they think, and how they act.

The rich man was likely dishonest, or at least very shrewd in the way he dealt with others.   Often that is the way to becoming wealthy.  Purchasing valuable items at a great discount, because those who own them don't know what they are worth..or selling something for much more than it took you to manufacture it.    Of course it's possible to be both wealthy and honest as well.

The lesson we should take from this is to prepare for the future, and to be shrewd in the way we do it.  Not dishonest, but intelligently using our worldly wealth, which cannot be taken to heaven, to stimulate good feelings and create good will in the person who is in charge of eternal dwellings.   That would mean that we use worldly wealth to do the things that are important to Jesus  ie:  feed the hungry, take care of the sick, clothe the needy, care for the ill, etc.    When we invest our time and resources in doing these things we gain favor (treasures in heaven) with God.

Doing them will not guarantee our entrance into heaven.  That would be "salvation by works" which isn't what we believe.   We believe in salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the only path to eternal life is by confessing Him.    However, the good works should naturally follow for the one who truly has turned his life over to Jesus.    If we claim to know Him, but we still cling to our money and time as if it is our own, then we haven't truly been redeemed.    The redeemed person will value pleasing the Lord more than the acquisition and accumulation of wealth.


PR