Storyteller: The Parables of JesusSample

True Riches (The Parable of the Dishonest Manager)

Most people consider money and finances an uncomfortable subject that should be avoided at all costs. Yet it dominates much of our lives, relationships, thoughts, and actions. Knowing how deeply it affects us, Jesus does not shy away from it. He teaches on it frequently, especially in His parables. Roughly a quarter of His stories include money directly or indirectly, underscoring that it is a heart issue.

The central point of the Parable of the Dishonest Manager deals with money. Jesus emphasizes to His disciples the importance of using our money for the sake of the Kingdom.

The story is not prescriptive, meaning Jesus is not saying that we are to act in a way that is dishonest or manipulative. He is being descriptive, using a common scenario of the world to illustrate a deeper, more significant spiritual meaning.

The way believers view and utilize their finances is the truest test to reveal the heart of a person and what or who they ultimately worship.

Jesus teaches about the values of His Kingdom and how they differ from the world in Matthew 6:21 (ESV): “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The ways we use our talents, spend our time, and, most importantly, spend our money reflect what we most supremely value; it is impossible to love both God and money equally.

This parable is shocking in both a modern and ancient context, designed to capture our attention.

Jesus highlights how the people of this world pursue their fleeting, worldly goals and achieve personal gains with more resolve than Christians pursue their eternal ones.

We are being called as believers to show foresight by being shrewd in applying every God-given resource with urgency toward His Kingdom, much like a person works diligently to benefit themselves and secure their earthly future.

This is not a teaching about salvation based on works or a gospel of prosperity but, rather, God’s generosity in granting us a position in Heaven based on how we steward the money He has blessed us with here on earth.

When we come face to face with Jesus, we will be required to provide an account for our obedience in giving, no matter how much or little we have. True riches are found in doing the Lord’s work. When we shift our consumeristic mindset to focus on the poor, lost, sick, lonely, and vulnerable, we will be rewarded by God.

Jesus uses a profound picture to help us imagine what it will be like when we arrive in Heaven and are united with countless individuals who share their stories, saying, “Thank you. I am here because you made the Gospel real for me. You met my needs, both physical and spiritual, and showed me God’s love in action.”

Prayer

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Jesus, I know this earth and everything in it will pass away. Help me live aware of the things that last for all eternity, especially as it concerns others. Amen.