Another Curious Parable

This article looks at the curious or strange parable in Luke 16 variously called the parable of the shrewd manager (NIV), or the dishonest manager (ESV), or the unjust steward (NKJV), or the prudent steward, giving us a clue to the fact that there are divergent views about the focus and meaning of the parable. When we put the two curious parables of Luke 16, and the intervening verses, together with the parable of the prodigal son in the preceding chapter, we see a consistent theme about the responsibility of disciples to be ‘sons of light’, using the time and resources with which we have been entrusted by God with integrity and honesty. In this, as in all things, Jesus is the ‘pattern for our duty, showing God in beauty.’