The Shrewd Manager

00:00:00 Speaker 1: A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold Proverbs twenty two to one. Dear Lord, help us to value integrity and a good name above earthly riches and fleeting success. May our actions reflect your love and truth, earning us a reputation that honors you. Give us the strength to choose righteousness over convenience, and lasting honor over temporary gain. In all our endeavors, let our lives be a testament to your values, rooted in your eternal wisdom. In your holy name, we pray Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, prepare to be entertained, challenged, and transformed by this cinematic retelling of Christ's parable. If you want to partner with us in our mission to bring the Bible to life in new ways, follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but also help us get discovered by more people. That way, we can reach the whole world with the story of Jesus. Jesus' stories had become famous throughout the region. Hundreds of people gathered at a time to hear him weave tales of illustrating the heart of God and the path toward wholeness. As he spoke with his disciples, Pharisees gathered around him. They wore their pristine robes and expensive ambulance. They had significantly profited from the people and lived rich and lavish lifestyles. Jesus saw the opportunity to stir them up man communicate the nuance of wealth. He had two stories in mind for them. 00:02:06 Speaker 2: Let me tell you a story about a rich man with a wicked but shrewd manager. 00:02:14 Speaker 3: Sooner or later, we almost give an account to God for what He's entrusted to us. We will be held accountable for the people in our care, the opportunities presented to us, and the resources given. The question is will we be shrewd, creative, and industrious with what we have or will we have a lazy and unurgent attitude towards life. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach frompray dot Com here to guide you through another parable narrated by Jesus. This parable is often considered one of the more difficult to understand, why because Jesus uses someone who seems more like a villain as an example of what to do. The tale of the shrewd Manager is a morally fuzzy story, but if we dig deep enough, there will be heavenly meaning for us and a lesson on how to treat the resources God has entrusted to us. As we delve into the paradoxical teaching of Jesus, we discover profound lessons on the nature of stewardship, the wisdom of foresight, and the eternal perspective on our earthly endeavors. Let's dive into the story inspired by Luke sixteen. Afterwards will unpact the ambiguous message of being a good steward. 00:03:25 Speaker 2: In a realm where power and wealth dictated the ebbs and flows of life, there lived a rich man known for his vast estates and unmeasured wealth. His land stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with olive groves and wheat fields. He pondered over his ledgers and accounts in his towering manner, amidst the finery of velvet and silver. He flipped the pages, looking closely at different returns on his investments. Something is wrong, he said to his servants. We have hundreds of talents going toward investments that have yielded no return? 00:04:05 Speaker 4: How long has this been going on? 00:04:08 Speaker 2: The servant coped and darted his eyes to the door. He bowed and replied. The Master's nostrils flared with anger, Bring him to me now. His voice bounced off the stone walls, stirring the entire household. The servant bowed and left to retrieve. Jbes, the manager of the master's wealth, had a reputation for his cunning and unorthodox investment methods. He was a frequent patron of taverns, listening for whispers of new ventures and intriguing opportunities. However, his recklessness didn't pay off as of late. The time had come to give an account for his poor decisions. He was brought to the offices of his master. He stood nervously, twiddling his thumbs as his master flipped through the ledges. Finally, the master spoke. His voice was as cold as the north winds. 00:05:03 Speaker 4: Jabez, rumors reached my ears of your wastefulness. You have been the guardian of my wealth, yet I find myself questioning your loyalty. 00:05:15 Speaker 2: Jabez cleared his throat and shifted in place. 00:05:18 Speaker 5: My lord, there were one or two bad investments, but they were made in good faith, I promise. As for the rest, I was looking more into the longer term. They've seen my poor investments now, but your children will certainly benefit from enough. 00:05:36 Speaker 2: The master interrupted with a raised hand. 00:05:39 Speaker 4: You can't talk your way out of this, Jabez. You've been dishonest with me and wasted wealth that wasn't yours. Present all of your accounts to me by tomorrow, for your time in my service is finished. 00:05:56 Speaker 2: Jabez was left with his head held low. He felt the grip of despair tighten around his heart. His future now teetered on the edge of a blade. Alone in his quarters, the walls echoing the gravity of his plight, he pondered his next move. He paced back and forth. H What shall I do. I'm no good at digging. These hands are certainly not suited for labor. Nigh far too much pride to beg on the streets. Just then he had a spark ignite in his mind, a plan as daring as it was dangerous. 00:06:31 Speaker 5: I can't help it if my master hates me. What's done is done. But maybe I can make some new friends. 00:06:39 Speaker 2: Jpez opened the scrolls containing some of his master's accounts. There were a few people who still owed the master money. He clapped his hands in a stroke of genius. He was only the manager of his master's wealth for one more day. If he could use his position to give these debtors better deals, he would curry favor with them, and maybe they would give him a job. 00:06:59 Speaker 5: Time to settle some accounts. 00:07:03 Speaker 2: He said, with a sly grin. Jabez trotted down the road towards the olive grove. Beautiful and vibrant trees swayed in the breeze. Jabas couldn't help but laugh at what he was doing. He was about to disobey his master more than he already had. But his disobedience wasn't reckless. It was calculated, measured, and shrewd. He knew he would be rejected by his master no matter what, so Jabez might as well use what little influence he had left to set himself up for the future. He knocked on the door of the olive grower and stood back. The man slowly opened the door, fear etched on the edges of his eyes. 00:07:40 Speaker 6: Jabez, I'm sorry I haven't paid my debt to your master. I it's been a lean year and I only see it getting worse. Please, is there any way I can have more time? 00:07:54 Speaker 2: Ja Bears waved his hand and smiled, My friend, I've come here to bring good. 00:08:00 Speaker 5: News, not bad. I know my master can be harsh, but I'm in a position to help. Can I come in? 00:08:07 Speaker 2: The olive grower nodded and gestured for him to enter. Jabez sat at his table. His wife bought him a cup of wine, and his children brought in some baked bread. You have a lovely family, Jabez said, with a charming smile. Now let's talk as friends, not businessmen. What do you owe my master? The olive grower let out a sigh and shook his head. 00:08:30 Speaker 6: I owe him nine hundred gallons of olive oil. When I began my business, I needed the initial supply to meet the demand. Your master gave me seven hundred, with two hundred in interest. I thought I could repay him, but I'm too far behind. 00:08:47 Speaker 2: Ja Bez leaned in, his voice dripping with honey. 00:08:50 Speaker 5: Like I said, I've come as a friend. Let's take your bill and make it say four hundred and fifty gallons. 00:08:58 Speaker 6: That's that's half of what I owe. Why are you being so generous? 00:09:05 Speaker 5: It's a small gesture between friends. I want to help you, and I know if I'm ever in knee down the road, you show me kindness years. 00:09:14 Speaker 2: The olive grower, taken aback by this unexpected turn, complied with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief. They shook hands and settled the debt then and there. Jabez made all the preparations for the olive farmer to send four hundred and fifty gallons of his oil to his master's estate. Jabez had leveraged his position to gain a friend. Now it was time to make more. Ja bees traveled outside the city to the rolling wheat fields. The golden ears of grain waved in the breeze. Birds chirped, and the bees buzzed about the nearby gardens. Jabez was pleased with his plan. He strolled to the wheat farmer's home with a pep in his step. Jabez knocked and the farmer answered. Although he was less apologetic than the olive grower. 00:10:03 Speaker 6: Jay Bez, I told your master I would pay him after harvest next year. Have you come to shake me down for more? He's already doubled my debt since our deal. 00:10:13 Speaker 5: My dear friend, I wouldn't dare shake you down for more. My master is a harsh man. He was wrong to double the interest, especially in such a lean year. Let's talk about striking a better deal. The farmer led Jabez to a stone table in the courtyard of his home. He poured him at drink and explained to him the situation. 00:10:33 Speaker 6: I owe your master a thousand bushels of wheat I borrowed during the drought. Had no choice. Your master knew it. That's why he made the interest so high. He knew I had no other options. 00:10:49 Speaker 2: The farmer was upset. Times have been tough for many and everyone was yearning for a break. Jabez was eager to give the farmer some peace of mind. You were desperate, I understand, jay Bears said empathetically. His voice was as smooth as silk. He smiled reassuringly and said, let's settle your bill. 00:11:10 Speaker 5: Now you owe one thousand, so let's shave the interest and make it eight hundred. Are you able to do that? 00:11:18 Speaker 2: I am? 00:11:20 Speaker 6: What's the catch? Surely your master hasn't had a change of heart. 00:11:25 Speaker 5: My master wants to gain wealth, but I'm interested in other things. I'm interested in friendships, connection and goodwill. If you can offer me those things in return for this kindness, we have it to you. 00:11:38 Speaker 2: The two shook hands. Jabez had gained another friend. The farmer sent the eight hundred bushels to Jabez's master. 00:11:46 Speaker 4: What is the meaning of all this? 00:11:49 Speaker 2: The master shouted as he looked at the shipments of olive oil and wheat. 00:11:53 Speaker 6: I am mode almost twice as much as this who settled these accounts. 00:11:59 Speaker 2: Just then, Jabez entered his master's halls to present his accounts. At that moment, the Master put it all together. 00:12:07 Speaker 4: It was you, wasn't it, Jabez. You settled these accounts for less than what they were worth. 00:12:14 Speaker 2: Japez shrugged and gave a wry smile. 00:12:17 Speaker 5: Master, if you're casting me out, I need to make connections elsewhere. It was still within my right as your manager to negotiate those prices. Now I can meet with some dignity and hope for my future. The Master bit his slip in anger, but his face soon softened. He shook his head and chuckled. 00:12:37 Speaker 4: You are a cunning man, Jabez. I'll give you that. What am I to do with you? Does your recklessness overshadow your shrewdness. Should I get rid of you so swiftly? 00:12:51 Speaker 2: The choice is yours, Master Jabear said with a bow. Jay Bears may have been dishonest, but he knew that with judgment comes urgency. He acted swiftly and built connections. That way, when the time came, Jabez would have his friends to help him. He knew the value of human connection, mercy, and goodwill. For all his wickedness, there was a wee glint of promise. The Master commended the dishonest manager because he acted wisely. Jesus explained, although he was wicked, he knew the value of people. 00:13:28 Speaker 1: He gestured to the listening Pharisees and said, your wealth is. 00:13:31 Speaker 2: A tool, not a god. You cannot have two masters. You cannot serve God and Mammon. You love the one and abandon the other. I tell you use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves. Generosity echoes into eternity. 00:13:49 Speaker 1: Jesus never decried wealth. He never shamed others for their possessions. However, he knew the chokehold riches had on the hearts of men. Bold and silver could potentially weigh one soul down to the grave. Jesus scanned the crowd and said. 00:14:09 Speaker 2: Let me tell you a story about a rich man who enjoyed all of his wealth until he dragged his heart down into the depths of hades. 00:14:20 Speaker 3: At the heart of this parable is a complex interplay of ethics, stewardship, and foresight. We gave the shrewd manager a name, Jabez. Upon realizing his reckoning was near, Jabez acted decisively to ensure his well being. His actions were morally ambiguous. However, he demonstrated a profound understanding of just how dire his predicament was, and he came up with a strategic approach to resolve it. He was industrious, he was creative, and he showed initiative. Jabez wasn't an honest man. He showed little regard for his master and was slippery to escape some dire straits. He also didn't mind underminding his master's Jesus is super clear in this story the steward is not a good man, but he is a shrewd man. He shows savvy, foresight and initiative. So why did Jesus feel the need to use a morally ambiguous, slimy, embezzling manager to prove his point? Well, look at the audience he's speaking to. He was speaking to his disciples, but also the Pharisees who were listening in. Jesus wanted to show them that this morally corrupt manager could be a better steward of his money than they were of the resources that God gave them. Jesus is always a little punchy with the religious elite, you see, he was gentle with everybody except for the Pharisees. This parable thrust us into the reflection on stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us. Are we, like the stewards, aware that we will one day give an account of our management? Are we acting with urgency knowing that we will soon have to bring to God what we've done with the opportunities given to us. Jesus uses is this morally complex character to underscore a critical lesson, and that's the importance of initiative. The Master didn't commend Jabez for his character. That's for sure. Jabez was a questionable guy. He didn't commend Jabez for his moral prowess or his integrity. He commended him because he was smart. He understood the moment and responded accordingly. He showed an ability to adapt and to respond and to be creative with what was given to him. Jesus isn't endorsing this man's actions, but he is revealing to us that it's important to have foresight in wisdom when we're dealing with the resources that have been given to us. It's also a commentary on how we adapt to new situations and how we respond to the urgent call. The judgment is coming and we need to do something about it now. This paradoxical compliment invites us to consider how we might use our worldly resources with wisdom and foresight to serve not just our immediate interests like Jabez, but our eternal well being and the kingdom of God. If this manager, being wicked, can be commended by God for his foresight, then how much more will we be praised and how we act with the future in mind? You see, this parable goes further. It challenges us to be as sharp in our own spiritual investments as the steward was with his worldly dealings. I think there's a critique in this parable. You see, there's a critique of the often laxadaisical attitude of the Pharisees and other spiritual leaders towards their stewardship by contrasting them with the vigor and determination of a wicked and greedy person. He gets their attention, and he should get our attention too. Jesus says this. The sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of Light. That should serve as a wake up call to reevaluate our priorities in the intensity with which we pursue the Kingdom of God. I'll never forget when I was at a conference for Christian marketing, and it was for business leaders who could market their product, or their services, or their business in a way that glorifies God. It was also for churches and church leaders to know how to better market what they offer, which is good teaching and a welcoming environment in awesome programs that bless the community. I'll never forget this speaker. He was a marketing expert, and he showed us all these pictures GodTube as a knockoff of YouTube, God's Book as a knockoff of Facebook. He also showed us a few songs that were Christian remakes of famous hip hop songs. I'll never forget his words. He looked at us and he said, this is garbage. We should be at the forefront of innovation, reflecting the creativity and the ingenuity of our God, and instead we're just taking what the world has made and ripping it off and making something worse. That stuck with me for such a long time. You see, we as believers are supposed to be at the forefront of innovation. We're supposed to be forward thinking. We're supposed to be trailblazers. In so doing, we're reflecting our divine calling to go and fill this earth with God's character. Have you been lazy, unimaginative, and uninspired in your walk with Christ? When was the last time you dreamed up a new idea to bless people, to innovate, and to bless this world? You see, Jesus declared at the end of our story, your wealth is a tool, not a God. You cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve God and Mammon. You will love one and abandon the other. I tell you use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves. Generosity echoes into eternity. Our resources are neither good nor bad. Money doesn't hold any moral value in and of itself. Money, status, and resource are tools for selfish desires or kingdom fire? Which one are you going to use it for? Have you been using and leveraging your resources for the kingdom of God, his people and those in need? Have you been leveraging relationships in your life to see other people transformed? Are you serving God with your money or are you serving money as your God? These are all questions that this parable advice is sa into. The parable of the shrewd Manager, with its morally ambiguous protagonists, invites us into a deeper reflection on the nature of our stewardship, the wisdom of our investments, and the orientation of our hearts as we think about success. It calls us to be shrewd, to be innovative, to be forward thinking, and to not be of this world, but be informed by an eternal perspective where the true value of our actions and decisions is measured in the currency of the Kingdom of heaven. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we do so with wisdom, foresight, and an unwavering focus on our eternal home. Join us next time on the Jesus Podcast as we highlight another dark character. His greed clouds his vision and he doesn't consider the error of his ways until it's too late.