The Parable of the Unrighteous Steward Luke 16:1-9

1. Rude Awakenings The Parable of the Unrighteous StewardLuke 16:1-9

2. The Parable Slide Title • This parable is either an extension of the “table talk” that starts back in 14:1-35 or the occasion with the publicans and sinners in 15:1-32. Note the word “also” in 16:1, the word “wasting” in 16:1 (15:13), and the presence of the Pharisees (16:14). The setting runs up to 17:10.

3. The Parable Slide Title • This parable is similar in structure to the parable of the unmerciful servant (Mt. 18:21-35). The main characters are: 1) a certain rich man, a master; 2) a steward, a servant; and, 3) the master’s (lord) two debtors.

4. Rude Awakenings Slide Title 1. He saw his master (v. 1-2) – when this crisis came, this man suddenly realized who his master was; not a pushover, but one who meant business 2. He saw himself (v. 3) – when this crisis came, this man suddenly realized who he really was; a steward

5. Rude Awakenings Slide Title 3. He saw his life (v. 4) – when this crisis came, this man suddenly realized what his life was all about; not to waste, but to invest

6. Rude Awakenings Slide Title 4. He saw his possessions (v. 5-8) - when the crisis came, this man saw that possessions were not something to be wasted (v.1), but something to be used to help others and invest in the future (vv.5-8)

7. Rude Awakenings Slide Title 5. He saw his friends (v. 9) - when the crisis came, this man had a whole new outlook on his friends; friends that could help him, not just debtors to be used

8. Take Away • We all will be called one day to give a reckoning of our stewardship • We all should be wise and prudent in our preparation for that day of reckoning • We all will be rewarded with eternal life for our wise preparation

9. Take Away • We all need to be faithful (trustworthy) with what we have (including our money), be it little or great, material or spiritual, another’s or our own • We cannot serve God and mammon