How much owest thou?

This chapter begins with a parable and ends with an anecdote - both of which concern ‘a certain rich man’. The parable of the unjust steward, vv. 1-8, is followed by application, vv. 9-13. The condemnation of the covetous Pharisees, vv. 14-18, is followed by illustration, vv. 19-31.

We must not think that the Lord Jesus in any way approved of the dishonest practices of the unjust steward! It is the ‘lord’, v. 8, i. e., the ‘certain rich man’, who is forced to reluctantly admire the strategy of his unfaithful steward. The Lord Jesus makes the point that ungodly men know how to use their money now for benefit in the future.

The Lord draws three important lessons from this parable. Firstly, a believer’s wealth invested wisely in this life can reap dividends in the life to come, vv. 8b-9. Secondly, faithfulness in money management qualifies a disciple to handle spiritual wealth, vv. 10-12. Thirdly, money should be mastered in the service of God and never allowed to become the master, v. 13.

The Lord’s teaching immediately draws the scorn of the Pharisees. The Christian’s attitude to wealth will always seem crazy to the ungodly. The Lord reminds them of three important facts. Firstly, what was precious to them was abhorrent to God, v. 15. Secondly, the Lord’s teaching harmonized with the Old Testament scriptures and, despite the fact that John’s ministry had signalled a dispensational change, God’s standard had never changed, v. 16. Thirdly (and this was a ‘hot topic’ in Pharisaic circles), illegitimate divorce was simply a grosser expression of what motivated them - covetousness, v. 18.

The final illustration of the chapter, vv. 19-31 shows that a covetous lifestyle indicates a total absence of divine life and the certainty of future judgement. The rich man is not condemned for being rich; rather his selfish abuse of his wealth was proof that he had no living link with God.

Today presents an opportunity to revisit my attitude to money. Am I carefully using it to invest in spiritual, eternal things? Is it my servant, or has it become my master? Is my use of my wealth consistent with my profession of faith?