The Parable of the Shrewd Steward
Luke 16:1-18
By: Rev. Phillip A. Wright
Introduction: This morning we are going to look at the Parable of the Shrewd Steward. The subject matter deals with the topic of being fair to one’s employer and treating people fairly in business matters.
Attention: How would you feel if someone you trusted was correctly accused of wasting your resources? It would make most of us a bit angry. Many today would go to court over such matters. Well let’s see what the Scripture has for us on these topics today.
Let’s read: Luke 16:1-18
Need: Every believer needs to be able to recognize that we are completely accountable to our Lord for the things we think, do and say while alive. The idea of a lazy Christian should be a foreign concept. However, it certainly is not.
Textual Idea: In our passage, Luke points out the steps the Shrewd Steward took after finding out that his actions were discovered to soften the ill effects of his what he did on him personally. The Lord gives us a pretty clear picture of the events so there is no mistake.
Sermon Idea: Scripture tells believers to be shrewd in another passage but that it is not the same as this. That is more being discerning; here the actions of the Steward are costing his master money. That is not what he was hired to do.
Interrogative: So let me ask this morning’s question: What is the level of accountability that a manager should have when acting on behalf of his master or employer.
Transition: Our text this morning suggests several things I want you to see.
1. The Dishonesty & Dismissal of the Steward, vs. 1-2
Explanation: The steward did not perform his duties in the best manner for his master. An accusation of wastefulness was levied against him. The steward was unable to refute the allegation. The steward is fired from his position.
Illustration: Dishonesty is a trait that never works well for the long haul. There was a man who came home drunk and not wanting to fuss with his wife he snuck up the stairs quietly. He looked in the bathroom mirror and bandaged the bumps and bruises he’d received in a fight earlier that night. He then proceeded to climb into bed, smiling at the thought that he’d pulled one over on his wife. When morning came, he opened his eyes and there stood his wife. "You were drunk last night weren’t you!" "No, honey." "Well, if you weren’t, then who put all the band-aids on the bathroom mirror?"
Argumentation: No matter how careful or what you say, sooner or later your sin will find you out. Even though we may wish none of us are immune to that.
Application: When you are entrusted with the responsibility to perform a task you should always do your best as if everyone will see it and judge you and your worth by what you have done. When we think, act and live in a shoddy manner it not only affects you but it also reflects on the church and the Lord you serve.
Transition: So we see that dishonesty is not a good trait for believers.
2. The Dilemma & Determination of the Steward, vs. 3-7
Explanation: Back to our story; before the community became aware of the steward’s situation the he pulled a fast one to keep himself in the good graces of those who conducted business with the master.
Illustration: Once, when a stubborn disputer seemed unconvinced, Lincoln said, "Well, let’s see how many legs has a cow?" "Four, of course," came the reply disgustedly. "That’s right," agreed Lincoln. "Now suppose you call the cow’s tail a leg; how many legs would the cow have?" "Why, five, of course," was the confident reply. "Now, that’s where you’re wrong," said Lincoln. "Calling a cow’s tail a leg doesn’t make it a leg." Bits & Pieces, July, 1991.
Argumentation: There is almost always a degree of smoke and mirrors in many business transactions. If you don’t believe that go but a cell phone plan and expect to pay $29.99 or $39.99 per month like is says on television. You will be in for a rude awakening. The steward met with each of the master’s business associates and took their bills and reduced them. One he reduced by 50%. Trust me; those people are now on good terms with the steward. That was the desired outcome since the steward was unable to work and unwilling to beg for a living.
Application: The best application for this is that honesty is the best policy. That would be the Christian thing to do. However, there is no mention of these men being believers. Certainly the businessmen who accepted the offer of the steward were anything but Christian. Their actions were out right criminal. They defrauded the master. This should never be our goal in life.
Transition: So we see that dishonesty is not a good trait for believers. Well it seems that the second part of the story simply reiterates that same idea again.
3. The Disinclined Commendation of the Steward, vs. 8
Explanation: The idea behind the comment in verse 8 is to show that even though the master was taken advantage of in the matter; he admitted the Unjust Steward had been shrewd and had helped himself at the master’s expense. The other businessmen will now deal favorably with the steward. The point being that the steward was the keeper of the books and the master had no records to fall back on. So the master had to recognize that he had lost out and there was nothing he would be able to do with it. He could not go to court as they required the testimony of two or more not one on one.
Illustration: It’s been said that the difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. The master was cheated and he laughed it off. He did not have to stoop to the depths of the others to cheat and swindle. Rather, he stood above that sort of thing and moved on. How about you, when someone wrongs you do you consider the source and move on, or do you pine over it for years and years? If you do then the other person won twice. They cheated you and they are still the steward of your life. If you allow hate, mistrust or hurt feelings to control you then you loose – twice.
Application: The point in that verse is to show you that loosing or being cheated or wronged in any degree is not supposed to stop you. Yet, trust me it does, many of you feel sorry for yourself over having been cheated or treated poorly in the past. If that you, please do not snicker over other people’s dementia. The sons of light or believers are supposed to rise up and overcome that sort of thing.
Transition: So we see that dishonesty is not a good trait for believers. We also see that brood over spilt milk is fruitless also.
4. The Discretion of the Lord, vs. 9 – 12
Explanation: These verses show us that caution in our dealings is important. Here we see the Lord is telling us to be faithful even in little matters so that then we can be trusted in larger matters.
Illustration: Senator Mark Hatfield, former Governor of Oregon and U.S. Senator for 30 years visited India and toured Calcutta with Mother Teresa. They visited the so-called "House of Dying," where sick children are cared for in their last days, and the dispensary, where the poor line up by the hundreds to receive medical attention. Watching Mother Teresa minister to these people, feeding and nursing those left by others to die, Hatfield was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the suffering she and her co-workers face daily. "How can you bear the load without being crushed by it?" he asked. Mother Teresa replied, "My dear Senator, I am not called to be successful, I am called to be faithful." Beyond Hunger, Beals
Argumentation: We often have reasons for not doing better or doing more. Sometimes we simply do not want the more difficult tasks. However, those who do take the high road and do not achieve a higher level of success or recognition must ask themselves about their own faithfulness. Not everyone will necessarily be nationally renowned but we should all be witnesses to that level or just leave the church now. If we are not truly available then we should not waste the Lord’s time any more.
Transition: So we see that dishonesty is not a good trait for believers. We also see that brood over spilt milk is fruitless. We also should observe that caution in our dealings and faithfulness in our actions should be engraved on our souls.
5. The Decision we must all make, vs. 13
Explanation: The Lord cuts straight to the chase on the whole passage right here. He brings the entire subject to a head and makes the famous statement in verse 13; the Lord says you can’t serve God and mammon. In essence you cannot serve him and money or wealth. That word there for mammon is frequently stated as the God of Money, Demon of Money or even the Love of Money. There word actually means money, wealth and it can also be translated to mean property. Mammon is not a demon. However, if you do any reading, you will see where man has taken this verse and created a whole following to the demon named mammon. So don’t get wrapped up with nonsense. The passage is telling you that you cannot serve God and be doggedly in pursuit of wealth. You serve God and he will take care of your needs. Now remember, God does not honor laziness and you do not need a Porsche or a million dollar mansion. You want to serve God be prepared to get worn out and get your hand dirty; then sit back and watch what he does for you in heaven.
Illustration: Here is a letter from the book Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, by P. Brand. “Dear Lord, I have been re-reading the record of the Rich Young Ruler and his obviously wrong choice. But it has set me thinking. No matter how much wealth he had, he could not-- ride in a car, have any surgery, turn on a light, buy penicillin, hear a pipe organ, watch TV, wash dishes in running water, type a letter, mow a lawn, fly in an airplane, sleep on an innerspring mattress, or talk on the phone, If he was rich, then what am I?” P. Brand, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, p. 61.
Application: Each believer must choose his or her own path. Will you spend your time serving God or building wealth? There is nothing wrong with working. Work is essential and you should do it, if you are able. The idea is to work a proper amount to support your family or your own needs (if you are single). The idea of working 80 hours per week and loosing your family is ridiculous.
Serve God with your life. Don’t get wrapped up in a never ending pursuit of bankrolling all the money you can as if that will bring you happiness.
Transition: So we see that dishonesty is not a good trait for believers. We also see that brood over spilt milk is fruitless. We also should observe that caution in our dealings and faithfulness in our actions should be engraved on our souls. We also must realize that we are accountable for how we spend our time, serving God or working for just a little more money every day.
6. The Denunciation of the Pharisees, Vs. 14-18
Explanation: The Pharisees are being condemned here for their predilection toward wealth and recognition. They viewed wealth and fame as visible signs that God is with you and that you are a Godly person. There is only one thing wrong with that thinking, it’s wrong. Do not misunderstand me. I did not say that believers cannot be wealthy. I know several believers who are extremely wealthy. They serve God with their lives and they happen to make pretty good incomes. They do not however spend 80 hours each week at work.
Argumentation: Remember I have always said when you see something a bit odd or different, read on and see what reactions there are to a comment or action. So when Jesus said you cannot serve God and mammon. Verse 14, immediately shows the response. The Pharisees derided him. That word comes from a Latin word that simply means the laughed at him in a scornful manner or turned up their noses at him. Jesus’ comment to them was simply ridiculous.
The comment in verse 17 comes from Matthew 5:18 "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. (NKJV) Jesus is simply telling us that God’s word will come true and it will not fail. It has not errors. It is current and always will be.
Illustration: There is a new show on television, “Are you smarter than a 5th grader?” I laughed and told Moe that I would love to go on the show; but I would have to start out and admit that I was not smarter than a 5th grader. Too many of the questions related to facts that do not relate to my life today and I simply do not remember them. I guess that is proof my teachers were right that cramming at the last minute for a test will not benefit you in the long run because you will forget it. So I guess I will not get rich on television.
Application: We should try our best not to laugh at others. I may be fairly well educated; but the older I get the more I realize that I do not have a clue about.
7. Conclusion: Reiteration:
A. The Dishonesty & Dismissal of the Steward, vs. 1-2
B. The Dilemma & Determination of the Steward, vs. 3-7
C. The Disinclined Commendation of the Steward, vs. 8
D. The Discretion of the Lord, vs. 9 – 12
E. The Decision we must all make, vs. 13
F. The Denunciation of the Pharisees, Vs. 14-18
Action: It is essential for us to acknowledge that our abilities are tied directly to our faithfulness to God. In the end we will all find out that God’s word will come true, every word of it.
Appeal:
• Do you rely on God for your problems or do you try to hide them?
• Why not trust Him today?
