By common consent it is the most perplexing parable of all. Yet in fact the perplexity is more in the comment with which Jesus followed on. The story itself is as vivid and fascinating in its detail as any told by Jesus.
Word reached a rich man that his steward was “wasting his goods” (the same phrase as that describing the prodigal son!). Astonished at the news, he took him to task about it and demanded that he present his accounts. Dismissal now appeared certain.
The rascal pondered the situation anxiously. What was the best course for him to follow? There was no hope of getting another lucrative job. He was not fit for farm work, and in any case the mere thought of it horrified him. And he went hot and cold at the thought of becoming a professional beggar. He who had no shame at the misappropriation of his master’s money felt shame at the mere thought of begging for subsistence. What had happened to all the money he had fraudulently diverted to his own use? He must have been a self-indulgent spendthrift as well.
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Author: Harry Whittaker
Keywords: unjust steward, steward, debtor
Bible reference(s): Luke 16:1-18
Source: Studies in the Gospels.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.