Money, Relationships, and Jesus’ Most Confusing Parable

Read Luke 16.1-13

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

This gospel text is called "The Parable of the Unjust Steward". If you're not sure what to make of the parable from Luke 16:1-13 take some comfort because I've come across at least four interpretations of the parable that ends somewhere in v. 8

1. The children of the light Christians need to act more shrewdly.
2. Christians should make friends by "Unrighteous Mammon" or using the KJV "filthy lucre."
3. If you're not faithful with Unrighteous Mammon, who will trust you with the true riches?
4. You cannot serve two masters.

Part of the problem is that terms like "Unrighteous Mammon" and "true riches" are not made very clear, and how are we to make friends with "Unrighteous Mammon" that v. 9 says will welcome us into our eternal homes? But the most vexing question is why the rich man commended his dishonest manager. In this last question, we will hear the faint heartbeat of a challenging message in this passage of scripture.