Stewardship
Lesson 2
Luke 12:42-48
Introduction
Last week we studied the meaning of the word stewardship and identified some of the characteristics of a steward. Some of the characteristics we came up with are responsible, integrity, (having) foresight, godly, knowledgeable, and faithful. After identifying these characteristics, we then sought to find these characteristics exhibited in Luke’s story.
I. Who is the master in this parable?
a) Well, there are actually three (3) masters in this parable. The 1st master is God. God is both master and owner of the house (household). All things belong to God (Ps. 24:1); nothing belongs to us. Because God is owner and Lord over all, we are just managers, stewards of all that God has created and given.
b) The 2nd master is Christ. He is the “firstborn” of all creation (Col. 1:15); and in him, the “firstborn” of the family of God (Rom. 8:29). Because he is the son of the father, all things were given to him. And as son of the father, he is ruler over all things.
c) The 3rd master is the man portrayed in this parable; he is the symbol of both God and Christ. In him is embodied the ownership that belongs to God and the authority over the household. He is the one who hires slaves and gives them charge over the affairs of the estate until his return. When he returns, he exercises authority over the whole household.
II. Why is the master away?
a) In the story, no particular reason is given for why the master is away. It was very common during that time for a master not to live within his house, which is why he needed a wise steward to handle the affairs. Today we would call the person an absentee owner/landlord, but in that day, it would be odd for the master to be present.
b) Because we said that the master is an illustration of Christ, this is also a parable about his being away, and how we as stewards will act/live in his absence? Will we misuse what he has given and beat the other slaves, or will we be “good stewards” and manage what he has given well?
c) Because it was not unusual for the master to be away, he really would return at a time when the slaves did not expect. This too is an illustration of Christ. Though this comes from a different parable, we will not know “the day, nor the hour.” “Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives (v. 43).”
III. What is the responsibility of the steward while the master is away?
a) His primary responsibility is to manage the household well. V. 42, “to give them their allowance of food at the proper time….” This means that the manager is to make sure that the household is functioning properly; everything is properly cared for, and that the affairs of the household are kept in order until the master returns (this includes keeping proper receipts, paying debts, keeping proper supplies, and that the estate remains profitable).
b) He is to be found working when the master returns. He is not to become unruly in the master’s absence (v. 45) but to be found fulfilling the calling that was given to him by his master. “That slave whose master finds him working when he comes will be rewarded. I tell you the truth: He will put him in charge of all his possessions (vs. 43-44 CSB).”
c) Remember, this parable is also an illustration of Christ’s return. We don’t know when Christ will return, but whenever that will be, we should be found working; being good stewards of all that we are in charge of. If we are a “bad steward” as in v. 45, when he does return, he will truly cut us into pieces (v. 46).
Background: Genesis 37:5-9
Next Week: Genesis 39-41
Questions for the week:
1. Why is the story of Potiphar important?
2. Was Joseph rich?
3. What did Joseph own?
4. How does Joseph participate in Pharaoh’s house?
5. How does Joseph’s stewardship bless others?