The Prodigal 2: The Steward

Proper 20, Year C; Luke 16:1-13

When we turn to Luke 16, we discover a sequel to the famous parable of the Prodigal Son. The first story was about a son who squandered his inheritance but was welcomed back home by the mercy of his father—Prodigal 1: The Son. Now Jesus shifts from the crowds to His disciples and offers another parable—Prodigal 2: The Steward. If the first parable shows what grace does for those who squander, this second one teaches us how to live wisely once grace has been received. The Son was about being welcomed back; the Steward is about how to move forward.

To grasp the lesson, we need to understand the terms. “Prodigal” comes from the idea of scattering like dust—wasteful, unrestrained. A “steward” is a manager of something that does not belong to him, like the steward of Gondor who held the throne in trust until the king returned. The steward in Jesus’ story is called “unrighteous” because he squandered his master’s possessions, not because of his cleverness. And “unrighteous money” refers to worldly wealth in contrast to the true riches of the kingdom. The key term is “shrewd”—acting with prudence to gain future advantage.

The story unfolds with a steward caught mismanaging accounts. Facing unemployment, too soft for manual labor and too proud to beg, he reduces the debts of his master’s debtors to gain their favor. Shockingly, the master praises him—not for dishonesty, but for his shrewdness. Mercy was extended where strict justice was due, and that gracious action was commended. The parable reframes our stewardship: God entrusts us with worldly possessions, and though we have squandered much, the time we have left before judgment is our chance to act wisely. By showing mercy, forgiving, and blessing others with what is not ultimately ours, we prepare ourselves for eternal welcome.

Jesus drives home the teaching. The “sons of this age” often act with more foresight than the “sons of light.” We are to use unrighteous wealth to make friends who will receive us into eternal dwellings—that is, by giving to the poor and needy, we make a friend of Christ Himself (Matt. 25:40). Faithful stewardship in little things reveals how we will be entrusted with much in the kingdom. This life is a trial run for what is to come; real ownership awaits us there. But there is a warning: if we fail to be faithful with worldly riches, we will not be given true riches. And finally, Jesus presses the point—no one can serve two masters. We will either be owned by money or by God.

So what do we do? First, recognize that what you do in this life shapes your future inheritance. Even though all belongs to God, He delights to give His children a portion of His kingdom as their own possession. Second, be shrewd. Seek advantage for the kingdom by leveraging your possessions, time, and opportunities to extend mercy and blessing. Third, make friends in high places—invest in people, for those whom you serve and support now will welcome you into eternal dwellings. And finally, live as Prodigal sons and stewards: forgiven by grace, but now called to steward our lives with wisdom toward the inheritance that awaits.

Peace be with you,

Pastor Bruce