The shrewd manager - O le pule poto leaga

Scripture Focus: Luka 16:1-18

He also said to his disciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a manager. An accusation was made to him that this man was wasting his possessions. He called him, and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ “The manager said within himself, ‘What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I don’t have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg. I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from management, they may receive me into their houses.’ Calling each one of his lord’s debtors to him, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe to my lord?’ He said, ‘A hundred batosof oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘How much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred corsof wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ “His lord commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own generation, wiser than the children of the light. I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the eternal tents. He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? If you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and Mammon.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at him. He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. The law and the prophets were until John. From that time the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall. Everyone who divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery. He who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery.
- Luke 16:1-18 (WEB)

Study:

In this passage, Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager who, despite being dishonest, acts wisely to secure his future after losing his position. The rich man’s manager faces dismissal for wasting his master’s possessions. Knowing his options are limited, he reduces the debts owed by his master’s debtors to gain their favor. Surprisingly, the master commends him for his shrewdness. Jesus contrasts worldly wisdom with spiritual wisdom, highlighting that "the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light." The teaching challenges believers to be prudent and faithful stewards of God’s resources, using material possessions to invest in eternal relationships. The passage concludes with a warning that one cannot serve both God and wealth, emphasizing wholehearted devotion to God’s kingdom.

Application:

Today, this parable encourages us to examine how we manage the resources God entrusts to us—our time, talents, and finances. While the manager’s dishonesty is not commended, his foresight and action in securing his future relationship is instructive. We are called to be shrewd and intentional about investing in eternal things—showing kindness, generosity, and faithfulness. This passage reminds us that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater trust by God and that divided loyalty between God and wealth is impossible. Let us commit to prioritizing God’s kingdom above earthly security and riches.

Reflection Questions:

• How do I currently prioritize God’s kingdom compared to earthly possessions?
• In what ways can I be more intentional and wise in managing God’s resources?
• Am I faithful in the small responsibilities God has given me?
• Do I find it difficult to serve God wholeheartedly because of my attachment to material wealth?
• How can I use my resources to build relationships that honor God?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to be a faithful and wise steward of all that you have entrusted to me. Teach me to use my resources to honor You and build eternal relationships. Guard my heart against the love of money and help me to serve You with undivided loyalty. Give me wisdom to invest in things that last forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: Luke 16, shrewd manager, stewardship, Christian wisdom, faithfulness, serving God, money and faith, priorities, Bible study, Jesus teachings