The Unjust Steward Luke 16:1-13 By David Dann

The Unjust Steward Matthew 13:34-35 34 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world."

The Unjust Steward A “parable” (Gr. parabole) is defined as: “a placing of one thing by the side of another…a comparing, comparison of one thing with another, likeness, similitude 2b) an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated 2c) a narrative, fictitious but agreeable to the laws and usages of human life, by which either the duties of men or the things of God, particularly the nature and history of God's kingdom are figuratively portrayed 2d) a parable: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning” (Strong’s Data, Bibleworks, 4.0).

The Unjust Steward “A parable is an extended metaphor and as such it is not a delivery system for an idea but a house in which the reader/listener is invited to take up residence…If the parable is a house in which the listener/reader is invited to take up residence, then that person is urged by the parable to look on the world through the windows of that residence” (Kenneth Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, 280-281).

The Unjust Steward Luke 16:1 1 He also said to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods."

The Unjust Steward A “steward” (Gr. oikonomos) is: “the manager of household or of household affairs…the manager of a farm or landed estate, an overseer” (J.H. Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon, 440-441).

8 …the unjust steward… (NKJV). Luke 16:8 8 …the unjust steward… (NKJV). 8 …the unrighteous manager…(NASB). 8 …the dishonest manager…(NIV, ESV).

The Unjust Steward Luke 15:2 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."

The Unjust Steward Luke 16:14-15 14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God."

The Structure of the Parable The Unjust Steward The Structure of the Parable

The Unjust Steward: Structure Luke 16:1-2 1 He also said to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 "So he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.'

The Unjust Steward: Structure Luke 16:3-4 3 "Then the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 'I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.'

The Unjust Steward: Structure Luke 16:5-6 5 "So he called every one of his master's debtors to him, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6 "And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.'

The Unjust Steward: Structure Luke 16:7-8 7 "Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' So he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' 8 "So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light."

The Unjust Steward: Structure Luke 16:1-8 1 He also said to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 "So he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' 3 "Then the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 'I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' 5 "So he called every one of his master's debtors to him, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6 "And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 7 "Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' So he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' 8 "So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light." Master & Steward Loss Solution Identified Gain

The Content of the Parable The Unjust Steward The Content of the Parable

The Conflict Between Master & Steward The Unjust Steward: Content The Conflict Between Master & Steward

The Conflict Between Master & Steward The Unjust Steward: Content Luke 16:1-2 1 He also said to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 "So he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.' The Conflict Between Master & Steward

The Steward’s Response The Unjust Steward: Content The Steward’s Response

The Steward’s Response The Unjust Steward: Content Luke 16:3-4 3 "Then the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 'I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.' The Steward’s Response

The Steward’s Solution The Unjust Steward: Content The Steward’s Solution

The Steward’s Solution The Unjust Steward: Content Luke 16:5-7 5 "So he called every one of his master's debtors to him, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' 6 "And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' 7 "Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' So he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' The Steward’s Solution

The Master’s Commendation The Unjust Steward: Content The Master’s Commendation

The Master’s Commendation The Unjust Steward: Content Luke 16:8 8 "So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light." The Master’s Commendation

The Unjust Steward The Lessons of the Parable

How well do we apply ourselves in spiritual matters? The Unjust Steward: Lessons How well do we apply ourselves in spiritual matters?

How well do we apply ourselves in spiritual matters? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Luke 16:8 8 "So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light." How well do we apply ourselves in spiritual matters?

How well do we apply ourselves in spiritual matters? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Matthew 6:33 33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." How well do we apply ourselves in spiritual matters?

How well do we apply ourselves in spiritual matters? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Luke 16:8 8 "So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light." How well do we apply ourselves in spiritual matters?

How well do we make use of our material blessings? The Unjust Steward: Lessons How well do we make use of our material blessings?

How well do we make use of our material blessings? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Luke 16:9 9 "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home." How well do we make use of our material blessings?

How well do we make use of our material blessings? The Unjust Steward: Lessons 1 Timothy 5:8 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. How well do we make use of our material blessings?

How well do we make use of our material blessings? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Hebrews 13:16 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. How well do we make use of our material blessings?

How well do we make use of our material blessings? The Unjust Steward: Lessons 2 Corinthians 9:7 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. How well do we make use of our material blessings?

How well do we make use of our material blessings? The Unjust Steward: Lessons 1 Timothy 6:10 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. How well do we make use of our material blessings?

How well do we make use of our material blessings? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Luke 16:9 9 "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home." How well do we make use of our material blessings?

How trustworthy are we in managing what God gives us? The Unjust Steward: Lessons How trustworthy are we in managing what God gives us?

How trustworthy are we in managing what God gives us? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Luke 16:10-12 10 "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 "Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 "And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?" How trustworthy are we in managing what God gives us?

How trustworthy are we in managing what God gives us? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Matthew 6:19-21 19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." How trustworthy are we in managing what God gives us?

How trustworthy are we in managing what God gives us? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Luke 16:10-12 10 "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 "Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 "And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?" How trustworthy are we in managing what God gives us?

How are we doing when it comes to our choice of masters? The Unjust Steward: Lessons How are we doing when it comes to our choice of masters?

How are we doing when it comes to our choice of masters? The Unjust Steward: Lessons Luke 16:13 13 "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." How are we doing when it comes to our choice of masters?

Who Is Your Master???