The Parable Of The Shrewd Manager

Day:   37

Text:   Luke 16: 1-9

Introduction- The parable of the Shrewd Manager is one of the more puzzling parables of Jesus. Jesus tells us about a manager who, upon learning he’s about to lose his job, quickly acts to secure his future. He reduces the debts owed to his master, hoping to gain favor with the debtors. Surprisingly, the master commends the manager for his shrewdness. This parable isn’t endorsing dishonesty, but rather teaches us valuable lessons about Kingdom priorities – challenging us to think deeply about our stewardship and how we use the resources God has entrusted to us.

Life Lessons

1. Use Your Resources Wisely: The shrewd manager, though dishonest, used his wit to secure his future. This does not mean we should be dishonest, but it teaches us the importance of being wise stewards of what God has entrusted to us. 1 Peter 4:10.
2. Be Prepared for the Future: The manager’s actions highlight the importance of preparing for the future. Proverbs 6:6-8 advises us to look at the ant, which stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. Just as the ant prepares for the future, we too should be proactive in our spiritual and material lives.
3. Build Relationships: The manager used his position to build relationships that would benefit him later. While his motives were selfish, Jesus encourages us to use our resources to build genuine, loving relationships. As Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Life Applications

1. Stewardship in Finances: Let us be wise and honest in our financial dealings, ensuring that we manage our money in a way that honors God. This includes tithing, giving generously to those in need, and avoiding dishonest gain. Proverbs 13:11 reminds us, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
2. Act with urgency: Don’t procrastinate in using your resources for God’s kingdom. As Jesus said in John 9:4, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”
3. Investing in Relationships: We should invest time and resources in building strong, meaningful relationships with family, friends, and fellow believers. These relationships can provide support, encouragement, and accountability in our walk with Christ. As Hebrews 10: 24-25 urges, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Lesson of the Day

The central lesson of this parable is to be shrewd for the Kingdom. Jesus says, “For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light”. We should apply the same level of creativity, foresight, and determination in our spiritual lives as we do in our worldly affairs.

Complied by: Deacon Olaolu Ayodeji