The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

 

Luke 16:1-15

The Lord Is Rich in His Grace and Mercy

“For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). Though we try to justify ourselves “before men,” God knows our sinful hearts and calls us to repentance (Luke 16:15). Though we are “not strong enough to dig” and are “ashamed to beg” (Luke 16:3), He justifies us by His grace and welcomes us into His “eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9). More shrewd than even “the sons of this world” (Luke 16:8), He requires His stewards of the Gospel to bestow forgiveness freely.

Our Gospel reading for this morning is a continuation of Jesus’ teaching of the Father's mercy.  Jesus is teaching the disciples. But the Pharisees are listening. And so are you. 

“The Pharisees who were lovers of money also ridiculed Him.” Jesus responds, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men but God knows your heart. What is highest among men is detestable, an abomination in the sight of God.”(vs.15)

What was it that drew the ire of the Pharisees? The fact that Jesus is showing how the Lord is rich in grace and mercy. The parables of Jesus always tell us something about Himself. And about the Kingdom. When you hear one of Jesus’ parables, He is always telling you something you should know about His love. His grace. His mercy. His kindness. His character. And, when Jesus teaches a parable there is always a surprise. Something you did not expect!

A manager is brought up on charges that he has wasted his Master’s possessions.  He’s forced to turn over the books and face an audit. He’s told, “You can no longer be my manger.” Did you notice the surprise?  The manager is accused. Not good. He’s told, “You can no longer be my manager.” Even worse! However he isn’t fired. He keeps his job!

Here is the first surprise! Mercy is unjust. The manager is busted for his wastefulness. He is told, “You can no longer be my manager.”  The Master expects obedience. He is just.

But he does not throw his manager into prison. This does not make sense in man’s economy. It makes perfect sense in God’s.  

What wealth can you use to bribe God? –Stolen wealth.  That which belongs to another. That is not yours. That which you cannot buy or earn. That is all a part of God’s economy.

The innocent dies for guilty – that injustice is the foundation of the Kingdom. It is the shocking character of grace. – The Master gives the Kingdom away. The Father forsakes the Son. To have you. He accepts payment from the Son. As compensation for your sin.  More than you stole. He adds to your account. He adds a credit. And you end up with more than you attempted to steal.

Jesus shows us the character of the Master. – Who does not fire the steward. And the steward banks on the character and the generosity of the Master. There are no Masters in this world like that. He goes too far. A Master we can never imagine. He is pleased with the steward. Because what the steward has done is give the Master’s things away. For free. This is the parable of the Merciful Master who gives away the Kingdom. For free –        

Who can receive you into eternal dwellings? Only God. Thus, Jesus concludes with this thought. - You cannot serve God and money. The steward teaches us a valuable lesson.  Money must never to be seen an end in itself. It is only a means to an end.

Employment does not last forever. Retirement does not last forever.  No matter the level of security anyone has amassed; all of us, sooner, or later, will end up in a plot of earth. Given eternity. How can any thing of a material nature have any lasting consequence?

So where do you place your trust? Trust not in princes. They are but mortal. Trust not in yourself. You will fail. Trust not in anything. Except the mercy of God. Who loves you. More than you could ever imagine. Who is content to give you His Kingdom. At the price of His own Son. Deserving has nothing to do with it. It all depends on the Father’s character. His good will. His clemency. His mercy. His grace.