The Parable of the Faithful Steward

Introduction

If you have your Bible this morning, please take it and find Luke 12:41.  This morning, we are going to look at what is often referred to as, “The Parable of the Faithful Steward.”

 

On the first Sunday in April, Bro. Ronnie taught us from Luke 12:35-40.  Those verses contain at least one parable and possibly two.  They certainly contain the parable of the expectant steward and maybe the parable of the surprised master.

 

In today’s context, steward means someone who is in charge.  However, this steward is also a servant or a slave.

 

Please remember that a parable is an earthly story with a spiritual meaning or even multiple meanings.  Also, we would be wise not press the parable too hard.  In other words, we don’t have to find a spiritual meaning for noun or verb in the parable.

 

Look back at 12:40. The point of the previous parable or parables is the point of the today’s parable.

 

40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

 

As follower of Christ, we must be ready for the return of Christ.  If you’re not a follower of Christ, I would say you are NOT ready for the return of Christ.

 

 

Exposition

Peter asked in verse 41 if the previous parable was for the disciples only or for the multitude as well.  Jesus didn’t answer explicitly, but I believe the text indicates that previous parable and today’s parable is meant for the multitude.

 

I want us to see three main characters: the master, faithful steward, and the unfaithful servant.

 

 

1. The Master

 

Undoubtedly, the master is the Lord Jesus, and let’s notice the master’s role.  However, we shouldn’t make the parable say something we know isn’t true.

 

In verse 42, the master has authority and give authority to the faithful and wise steward.

 

In verse 43, the master inspects the work of the steward and the servants.

 

In verse 45, the master goes away for an indefinite period of time. 

 

In verse 46, when the master returns, he holds the servants accountable for their work.  He even punishes the unfaithful ones by cutting them in two and grouping them with unbelievers.

 

Does this mean Jesus cuts unbelievers in two?  This is called hyperbole. 

 

Jesus is exaggerating to get your attention.  He did this in the Sermon on the Mount when He said pluck out your eye if it causes you to sin or cut off your hand if it causes you to sin.

 

 

2. The Faithful Steward

 

In verse 42, the faithful steward is also wise.  His master has given certain responsibilities to him, and he is faithful to do them. 

 

In verses 43-44, when the master returns from his trip, if he finds the steward or servant doing his will, the master will give even more responsibility to him.  This servant will be extremely blessed for his work. 

 

 

3. The Unfaithful Servant

 

In verse 45, the unfaithful servant thinks he has plenty of time before his master returns.  Therefore, he begins to beat the other servants and he drinks and gets drunk. 

 

In verse 46, he will be judged by his master with severe punishment.  His master will assign a place with the unbelievers. 

 

In verse 47, the unfaithful servant will be punished with many stripes or beatings.  Why? He knew his master’s will and did not do it. 

 

BTW…Notice verses 47 and 48 together.  This make shock you, but this parable seems to indicate that there will be differing degrees of hell.

 

The parable seems to say that hell will be hotter or more painful for the one who had knowledge of how to be saved, and yet reject it.  For the one who had less knowledge, it will still be hell, but not as painful.

 

Also, this is related as to why Southern Baptists are so passionate about missions.  We give to missions.  We pray for missions.  We go on mission.

 

Why?  Because we believe that the Bible says that the only way to go to heaven is through a personal relationship with Jesus. 

 

We have to get the gospel to those who haven’t heard.  There is no other way.

 

 

Applications/Conclusions

First, we must be ready for the return of Christ.  We are ready when we are saved. 

 

To not be saved when we have the opportunity is literally playing with fire.  See Revelation 20:11-15.

 

11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

Second, the way for the saved to be ready is to be busy doing the Master’s will.  See 1 Corinthians 15:58.

 

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

 

Specifically, what is the work of the Lord?  It is pointing others to Christ. 

 

It is sharing your salvation story.  It is sharing a gospel presentation.  It is sharing an evangelistic tract.  It is inviting neighbors and family and friends to church to hear the gospel. 

 

Finally, when you are follower of Christ and you know God’s will, there is a level of accountability for you to live your life honoring Him.  To whom much is given, much is required, and for whom much is required, Jesus is more than worth it!