May 19, 2024: The Virtue of a Good Swindle - Michael Hidalgo

Denver Community Church

In 16.1-15, we find one the most bizarre parables out there. A dishonest man is praised by Jesus. What are we to make of it? Some have said this is Jesus’ way of encouraging his disciples to act and behave in an unethical manner. But this would obviously go against everything else Jesus taught. Perhaps if we understand two perspectives in the parable it will help.

First, the viewpoint of the master toward the shrewd manager. There is nothing about the master that affirms, appreciated or admires the actions of the steward. If anything, he denounces his actions. But he recognizes the manager’s wisdom, which raises the question, “What was he so wise about?” And that question leads us to the viewpoint of the manager.

The manager had just dodged a bullet. As one who stole, his master could have done many things to him. From prison to selling his family into slavery there were multiple options. However, the master does none of that. Rather, he has mercy, which informs the manager. His actions after he is fired reflect his attitude toward the master. He can engage in risky behavior because he is confident in the goodness of the master.

Do we have this same viewpoint as God? Of course, we are not to be those who sin so grace may abound, but are we those who trust more in God’s mercy than our goodness?

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