Last week's gospel reading would have to be one of the most difficult to interpret: the parable of the dishonest manager (Luke 16: 1- 13). At face value it seems to be commending some form of dishonesty. Most of the commentaries that I consulted seem to conflict with each other about the right interpretation for this parable. So, it is up for grabs, really. My own interpretation seems to align with Eugene Peterson's tranlsation/interpretation in 'The Message': 'Streetwise people are smarter in this regard than law abiding citizens...I want you to be smart in the same way - but for what is right...' (Luke 16: 8 - 9). My take: be smart and realize the ways of the world around you. Be alert of the greed that exists and don't be taken in by it, because when it runs out you will still be welcome
into the reign of God.
So now, what's your interpretation of this difficult text?
Chris
2 comments:
Considering the placement of this parables are the stories of the lost coin, lost sheep and lost son which are about the mercy of God, I think this parable also reflects on the mercy of God.
Just as the manager cooks the books for his boss, giving remission of 20- 50%, Jesus also cooks Gods books, offering 100% remission to all...... To the lost, tax collectors etc.
And God is merciful and allows this to happen.
Yes, Juliana, and some suggest that the 'dishonest wealth' is a reference to the tax collectors (etc) who are not welcome by the Pharisees.
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