We hear one of Jesus’ more elusive parables about an unhappy boss, indebted clients and a lousy manager. This parable may be understood as one of Jesus’ most confusing parables.
There’s a lot of pieces to the story, but perhaps one thing to hang onto is that word “shrewd.” Shrewd can mean someone who is clever and outwits another. Shrewd can also mean someone who demonstrates good judgment. So did the manager outwit someone or did he display good judgement? More to the point, when you’re navigating through life would you be considered a shrewd operator? And who are you operating for?
No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
-Luke 16:13
As Bob Dylan wisely said it, You “gotta serve somebody.” Is that somebody God or wealth?
Preaching Question
“Are you a shrewd operator?”
Other Questions to Reflect On
How have you used your assets and money to help build up relationships around you? How has money been a tool to help the people you love?
Have you ever acquired something at the expense of someone else? What was it? Did it hurt the relationship?
Do you consider yourself a good manager (time, resources, employees)? If so, what makes you good at it? Have you ever considered it Godly work?
