Loving God, you call us to be faithful with all that you have given us, even as you treat us with grace and mercy.  Empower us by your Spirit and fill us with your love, that others might see Christ in us.  Amen.

            The Pharisees were supposed to be the leaders and examples for God’s people.  They were the teachers of the Law, entrusted with interpreting the Torah and teaching the people to live in God’s way.  But they had been squandering their opportunity to do so – spending their time debating fine points of the Law, and neglecting justice, mercy and the love of God.

         Now, they were being asked for an accounting of their activity.  In fact, they were being called to account every day by what Jesus was doing and teaching.  It seems, however, that they had been sensing this challenge for a while, for many of them had been busy feathering their own nests.  They were rich while many of God’s people were poor.  They loved to wear long robes and to be given the best seats and to be greeted with respect when they were out in public.  They were “lovers of money” (Lk. 16:14) and spent their time with others who were rich.  They objected when Jesus spent so much of his time with those who were poor and needy and outcast.

         And so, when Jesus tells the parable about the shrewd (or maybe dishonest) manager, it is the Pharisees who immediately scoff at him.  For, they really are in love with the idea of serving both God and wealth.  However, as we read a few verses later, “what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God” (Lk. 16:15).

         When we hear this parable, most of us probably don’t respond by ridiculing Jesus.  Instead, most of us have a lot of questions.  For instance, why on earth would the master commend the dishonest manager for what he did?  Didn’t he just cost his master a lot of money?  And how, exactly, does making friends by means of dishonest wealth lead to a welcome into the eternal homes?  This particular parable leaves us puzzled and wondering what Jesus is really getting at.  It also leaves preachers with a number of different sermons that can be preached.  At least three separate sermons are suggested just in verses 8-13, which include at least three different interpretations of the parable – all of which are true.

         However, to return to the parable itself, we find that it is the manager’s shrewdness that is commended by his master.  Did you notice that, as long as he was looking after his master’s estate, the manager was wasteful and perhaps even lazy?  But then, as soon as he is trying to secure his own future, he swings into action and makes sure that he will have some friends in high places once he is fired.  “For the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light” (Lk. 16:8b).

         In case you are wondering, the “children of light” is a phrase that is often used to describe those who are spiritually enlightened, or who follow Jesus.  What would happen, asks Jesus, if we were to put as much effort into working for the kingdom of God as we do into serving our own interests?  After all, each one of us has been given time, talents and treasure which we can squander, or use to accumulate wealth for ourselves, or use for the benefit of others and the glory of God.  And, at some point, we, too, will be asked to give an accounting of our stewardship.

         Now, to be fair, it is not necessarily easy to determine what course to take in order to build up the body of Christ and God’s reign here on earth.  As individuals, we can certainly make choices that seek to contribute to God’s mission in the world.  As a congregation, though, our challenge is to discern together the best path forward so that, collectively, we can find ways to share God’s love with all people.  Both as individuals and as a congregation, our call is to be faithful – faithful in the use of what we have been given for the good of others and the glory of God.

         Now, it is certainly possible to hear this call in very legalistic terms.  In fact, some might feel the guilt churning already.  Look out!  Make sure you turn things around before you are asked to give an accounting!  However, the apparently odd behavior of the master in the parable points us in a different direction.

         We noted earlier how odd it was for the master to commend the dishonest manager for his shrewdness.  It is almost like the master is saying, “I knew you had it in you!  Look what you’re able to do when you put your mind to it!”  Is not this a response that is filled with grace and mercy?  It almost makes you think that God knows what we are like, and loves us anyway.

         Yes – we will be asked to give an account – just like all sinners.  However, we do not stand on the greatness of the things we have done, but on the forgiveness and salvation that are ours through Jesus Christ.  Thanks be to God!  Amen.

Lectionary 25C                                 Luke 16:1-13

September 18, 2022

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison

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