knowing how to deal with the world

 

Pentecost XV      Luke 16:1-13

 Tacked on after the repentance of the Prodigal Son, who learned about real love and loyalty after only valuing opulence and the lifestyle it can bring, this parable is about someone ALMOST lost.

 He was accused of squandering the property of his master.  He was called to give an account.  He knew that if his master knew that he was charging interest on top of what was owed by his debtors, a practice condemned by God and dishonest to the creditors and his master, he would be fired and not have a livelihood. 

So, he summoned the debtors and took the interest he was charging them off, which was really his extra cut of profit.  His master commended him for being shrewd, because he corrected his dishonesty and returned what was not meant to be his.  He also gained the favor of the creditors, along with the admiration of his master.  Jesus claimed that those of his own generation (those who had routinely charged interest, against the Law of Moses) were more shrewd than past ones in dealing with the world around them.  It brings to mind that we are called to be “shrewd as snakes and unmixed as doves.”

The line about making friends by means of (learning how to deal with or maneuver) dishonest wealth (mammon) is a reference to doing the right thing even when confronted with dishonest business practices, and that one will be ensured of a place in heaven for doing so faithfully.

 The punchline of this text is in being faithful over little and those things of little importance and being honest with regard to the immoral business practices in the world, or one will not be entrusted with the things of the Kingdom, even if it belongs to someone else.

 To put it bluntly, “You cannot serve God and wealth.”  In the end, he repented, even if only after being caught.