Devotion: Dishonest Manager
Luke 16:8-9
“And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.”
The parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16 is a puzzling one for sure. Right off the bat, we see that it was an illustration for the disciples, not the Pharisees. It appears Jesus is approving shady business practices as he teaches his followers. The dishonest manager is fired for wasting his master’s possessions. He decides to try a somewhat risky way to ingratiate himself to the one who fired him as well as with those who are renting from his former boss. Deciding he isn’t suited for any other work he makes bargains with those renters (who don’t realize he no longer works for their landlord) to pay a portion of what they owe in order to settle up. They think the landowner is lowering their “rent” out of concern for them and word spreads quickly about what a great guy he is. The manager is also looking out for himself making friends with the tenants so that they will help him out when they find out he is no longer employed. By the time this all comes to the attention of the landowner he has little choice but to go along with the manager’s plan and offer grace to both the dishonest manager as well as his tenants. After all the manager had given him much more than money – he now had the honor and esteem of his tenants.
What are we to learn from this strange tale? Jesus makes a point of teaching that with a lot of practice in being shrewd, the manager knew how to look after himself when he was down. He points out that this skill of streetwise folks (as Jesus calls them “children of this age”) would be a good one to have. They use adversity to stimulate their creative survival skills. But in using creative survival skills in right ways, his disciples (children of the light) will learn how to really live in the fullness of God’s grace and not just complacently sit around thinking good behavior is going to resolve difficult situations.
And so we can be active participants in the grace that God so freely gives us. Because we have a Savior, that grace comes to us in the most surprising places, as we trust that Jesus redeems our feeble efforts to live as children of the light.
Lord Jesus, help us to live in the fullness of your grace and mercy. Redeem our efforts to survive that we can thrive in the light of your love. Amen.
Written by Deacon Kathy Paisley
Kathy Paisley is a Deacon in the ELCA and serves Sheridan as the Director of Ministries and Discipleship. She has been on staff at Sheridan since 1990. As Director of Ministries and Discipleship, Kathy works most closely with the baptism ministry, family faith stepping stones ministries, adult education, small groups, women’s ministries and assimilation of new members. She also works with and oversees the faith formation team at Sheridan. Kathy completed Seeking the Spirit Within Spiritual Direction Formation Program of the Nebraska Synod and is a Certified Spiritual Director. She is married to Ben and together they enjoy time with their family.