Yet it seems to me, considering not only the parable, but the words of our Lord directly afterwards, that the steward ‘made friends’ with money (see vv. 9–12) by paying the difference himself. It seem
Brothers, do you have any study on this Luke 16:1-9 parable on the shrewed manager? Here is commentary I found interesting but not sure if it reflects really what the Lord Jesus wanted to say. Shalom!
Luke 16:1–13Opening Up Luke’s Gospel
It seems very odd that a devious steward would be commended by his employer for altering what was owed to his master (vv. 8, 9). Some see this parable simply as the crooked steward continuing to swindle his master for his own benefit. Yet it seems to me, considering not only the parable, but the words of our Lord directly afterwards, that the steward ‘made friends’ with money (see vv. 9–12) by paying the difference himself. It seems that by implication the steward invested
- I have always understood this as a praise of his shrewd behavior but not of the cheating and worldliness - rather, we, as believers, should do the same with our spiritual gifts and our brothers and sisters in Christ (building the body). I believe John Macarthur’s commentary makes this point, if I am recalling correctly.
- I agree that this is "perhaps one of the strangest parables ever spoken by the Lord Jesus." "afterwards, that the steward ‘made friends’ with money (see vv. 9–12) by paying the difference himself." I don't think there is any evidence that the steward paid the difference himself. Afterall, we were already told that the steward was "was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods" (verse 1) He was a crook. The master, even though he was defrauded yet again, still thought the steward was pretty sharp in that he was wise (worldly wisdom) enough to feather his nest so that he would be cared for by the grateful debtors. "for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light." (verse 8) Jesus states that unbelievers are wiser in their corrupted dealings among men than believers. I was going to say unbelievers are 'often' wiser, etc. But Jesus seems to say that it is generally, or even always the case. "And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the *mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail," (verse 9a) *or "by means of unrighteous wealth" [ESV] Jesus teaches that we should be wise and use our worldly (God-given) talents and treasure to glorify God and win souls for Christ as long as we live on this earth. Thus we are putting our treasure in heaven, "that, when ye fail," that is when you die. "they may receive you into everlasting habitations." (verse 9b) That you may be welcomed into heaven with a treasure (rewards) awaiting you. Matthew 6:19, 20 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, etc." "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, etc." 2 John 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:8; etc. Luke 16:10-13 - These verses make it clear that the interpretation above is the correct one. Ed Walsh