One of the teaching tools that Jesus used to illustrate his message was parables. Jesus used this “story” technique at least 31 times in his ministry. Matthew records 11 such verbal illustrations, while Mark records 2, followed by 18 in Luke. The word Parable is a combination of two words that mean “cast aside.” The question arises as to whether these tales were actually true events or simply fictional experiences that were made up to illustrate a point. If Jesus dealt with the absolute truth, why would he invent a fictitious experience to complement his teachings?

There is so much to learn from the parable of the unjust steward that it would take numerous articles to cover the spiritual and moral implications of this story. As you read the scriptures, don’t limit yourself to time constraints and boundaries. Don’t make the mistake of reading the amount without looking at the content of the Word. Some Christians set a goal of reading a chapter a day, but unfortunately, contextual understanding is overlooked. One thing is to read and another thing is to understand what you read. If you read in the morning, ask yourself at night, “What did I learn?” If you can’t remember, it’s time to slow down and discover the truths that may have passed quickly.

Have you ever made an opinion or judged someone based on second-hand knowledge? What about accepting gossip as a factual representation? One day, a wealthy man was approached by an individual who emphatically stated that the servant of this employer was engaged in unethical behavior. The rich patron immediately called his steward and demanded that she give him “an account of his administration” (Luke 16:2 amplified) and then fired him. How many people do we judge before knowing all the facts? (In this situation, the information the rich man received was correct, but shouldn’t he have hired his butler without his prejudice?) How many lives have been affected by receiving information from outside observers? Never judge another by power. You may never know the “whistleblower’s” motive.

Instead of regretting his actions, the butler looks for a “life raft” to stay afloat. He was too proud to engage in physical labor and was ashamed to beg. What he did shows the effects of rampant sin in one’s life. Knowing that he only had a few days to vacate the premises, he subpoenas the people who owed his employer money and then has them “quickly” falsify his bills. They probably paid his reduced bill right then and there. The rich man saw what he did and “congratulated” (he praised) the man for acting “wisely” (cunningly, prudently). Maneuverability to generate social acceptance is a trait the world employs to promote self-importance. The butler’s purpose was to curry favor with the people, so that when he was ordered to leave the premises, he would have a saving reputation among the people. Unconfessed sin causes a descent into greater degrees of sinfulness. He not only cheated his employer with his selfish actions, but he continued to steal the rich man’s money through the use of other people. Sin is contagious and affects even the unsuspecting.

In the middle of this story, Jesus interjects that the people of the world are wiser (cunning, conceited) than the “children of light”. (Luke 16:8) The people of the world look for ways to maintain their sinful behavior, while believers have a completely different standard. Many of Jesus’ teachings are contrary to the world’s standards. There is a clear difference between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of believers.