The Unjust Steward

TEXT: Luke 16:1-13

Jesus gave an account of a man who was steward for a wealthy and influential lord. The steward had absolute and complete control over the goods of his master. He was accused of wasting his master’s goods, and when he heard that he was going to be called to give an account of his stewardship, he began to scheme how he could provide for his immediate future. His plan was clever enough that even his lord commended his foresight. Jesus added that often the children of this world are wiser than the children of Light (God’s children). They spend more effort in securing their immediate future than some children of Light spend in making provision for their eternal future.

QUESTIONS

1. What was the method the steward used to gain favor with his lord’s debtors?
2. The lord spoken of in this parable is the owner of an earthly estate, not the Lord of Heaven. The Lord recognized that, though the steward had not been faithful in the management of his goods, he had acted wisely in his own behalf. Draw a parallel between the steward’s actions and the actions of worldly people in our day.
3. Worldly people often take advantage of present opportunities. The children of light have spiritual and eternal advantages promised to them, but they are sometimes seemingly indifferent and slow to take positive actions. Why did Jesus emphasize over and over again that spiritual values are more important than earthly rewards?
4. Fill in the blanks: “He that is faithful in that which is __________ is faithful also in __________.” Is this true in a physical sense as well as in a spiritual sense? Give examples. See Luke 19:17-19.
5. In your estimation what are the true riches?
6. Give the meaning of verse 12, using your own words.
7. According to verse 13, how many masters can we serve? Why?