The Pulpit Commentary — Luke — Volume 2 — Section 69

HOMILETICS. Ycrs. I-13.-The u11}ust steward. Whereas the three preceding parables were spoken to the Pharisees, this is spoken to the disciples. It is not quite certain whether all the parables were uttered at or a.bout the same time; but the use of the word "a.lso" (ver. 1) suggests that they were. Anyhow, the saying before us has reference to a different kind of wasting from that of the younger son-a wasting against which the followers of Jesus are solemnly warned. We are called to listen to the Master as he indicates tcmpta.tions and enforces duties within the special circle of discipleship. This pa.rable is a saying hard to be understood. Many explanations have been given. A Yery learned commenta.tor, appalled by the difficulties connected with the interpreta- tion, abandoned the attempt, declaring that the solution of the problem is impossible. And truly, if we canvassed all the schemes of exposition which have been proposed, all the inferences which have been founded on clauses, and all the speculations which have been raised, we should find. "no end in wandering mazes lost." Let our aim be less ambitious; let us try to get hold of some plain, practical instruction which shall help us to be better disciples of Jesus Christ. The outline of the story is simple. The dramatis persona:, are not numerous. A wealthy landowner has a steward who, in the mana~ement of his estates, po;;sesses a large discretiona.ry power. He is informed that this steward has, not stolen or wrongfully applied, but by neglect or want of skill has squandered, the estate entrusted to him. He is called to account and is dismissed peremptorily. Now comes into view the adroitness of the man. He wishes to have some friends who can do him a good turn when he is out of a situation; and so, before news of his dismissal reaches any, while it is supposed that he has full power, he calls t"gether those who are in arrears of rent or are otherwise indebted to his lord. We can i1.Dagine the trembling with which they obey the summons. How bland and smiling is the factor ! What kind inquiries as to wife and children and belongings I And then, "By the way, what is the amount of your obligation?" Two specimens are given. One person owes a hundred measures of oil. "Take your pen," says the factor, "score out the hundred, and make it fifty." Another owes a hundred measures of wheat. "Take your pen, write down eighty." All retire charmed, loud in the steward's praise. Had be not secured a warm place in their regard ? When told of his downfall, would not they all cry, " Shame! " and speak of him as the tenants' friend, and welcome him to their houses ? The point of the lesson which Christ would teach is this-separo.ta tl,e energy from the dishonesty, th~ foresight from ~he fraud, and 9:s he, f~r bis oyvn wrong ends was wise and calculatmg, so, for your nght ends, practise a Wisdom like bis, though 'm,bler than his: "~ake to yourselves. friends _of the mam~on of. un~igh\; eousness, that when ye die, or fail, they may receive you mto everlast1?g hab1tat1ons, Now, without puzzling ourselves over the details of the parable, consider the lessons inculcated as to (1) (Jhru;tian responsibility; (2) Ohristian administration; and (3) Christian service. L CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY. Jn the relation of the steward to the rich man we have a foreshadowing of the relation in which we stand to God. "Steward" is the en. XVY. 1-31.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE. 71