In Luke 16:1–9, Jesus tells an unusual story about a manager who is about to lose his job because he has been wasting his master’s possessions. Knowing that his dismissal is inevitable, the manager begins making arrangements for his future. He calls in those who owe his master money and reduces their debts, hoping they will welcome him into their homes when he is unemployed.
Surprisingly, the master commends him for acting shrewdly. Jesus isn’t approving of the manager’s dishonesty. He is drawing attention to his ability to recognise his situation, think ahead, and make use of the opportunity available to him.
The Greek word translated as “manager” is oikonomos, meaning a steward or someone entrusted with another person’s affairs. Such managers oversaw finances, property, servants, and other household responsibilities. Although they exercised considerable authority, everything under their care belonged to their master. They were expected to manage it faithfully and give an account of their stewardship.
This helps us understand the wider lesson Jesus was teaching. Like the manager in the parable, we have been entrusted with resources, opportunities, and responsibilities that ultimately belong to God.
In Luke 16:8, Jesus observes that people of this world often show greater foresight in managing earthly affairs than God’s people demonstrate in matters of eternal importance. People carefully plan their finances, careers, businesses, and retirement because they recognise the value of preparing for the future. Jesus wants His followers to exercise that same wisdom in pursuing what matters to God.
He continues in Luke 16:9: “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”
Jesus reminds us that money and possessions are temporary, but how we use them can have lasting significance. When we give to those in need, support God’s work, or help someone through a difficult season, we are using earthly resources for purposes that extend beyond our immediate interests.
This teaching connects with Matthew 6:19–21, where Jesus encourages His followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than placing their security in earthly possessions. He reminds them that where their treasure is, their hearts will be also.
The principle of stewardship also extends beyond money. In 1 Corinthians 4:1–2, Paul describes believers entrusted with God’s work as stewards who must prove faithful. Similarly, 1 Peter 4:10 encourages us to use whatever gifts we have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.
Whether we have financial resources, practical skills, knowledge, influence, or simply time to offer, God calls us to use these gifts responsibly. A listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a willingness to help someone in need can become an expression of His love.
Jesus reinforces this in Luke 16:10, teaching that whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. Faithfulness begins with how we handle what is already in our care.
The passage also challenges us to examine our relationship with money. In Luke 16:13, Jesus declares, “You cannot serve both God and money.” Money is useful, but it should never become the source of our identity or security. Our possessions are meant to serve God’s purposes rather than control our hearts.
As we reflect on this passage, we should consider how we are using what God has entrusted to us. Are we holding tightly to our resources, or are we willing to share them? Are we making room in our lives to serve others? Are our daily choices shaped only by present needs, or do we also consider their eternal value?
The manager in Jesus’ parable acted with his future in mind. We are called to do the same, guided by faith, integrity, and love.
May God give us the wisdom to use what we have well, the generosity to bless others, and the faithfulness to honour Him in every responsibility entrusted to our care.
By: Samuel Griffin