Understanding The Parable of Unjust Steward in Luke 16:1-13 in the Context of Nigeria Politicians and Some Church Leaders

Abstract

The parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16:1-13 is well known for its vexing exegetical difficulties. Who is the kyrios of v. 8? Why would he praise a dishonest steward? How could Jesus possibly hold the steward up as an example for his followers? What is the relationship of verses 8b-13 to the rest of the parable? Traditionally Luke 16:1-13 has been understood as portraying a steward who cheats his master but who is commended for his wisdom, a quality to be imitated by Christ's disciples in their use of material possessions in light of the coming eschatological kingdom. But the difficulties in the parable have elicited variety of challenges to this consensus. In answer to the question of how a master could praise a dishonest steward, some scholars have postulated on socioeconomic grounds that the steward's actions were not really unjust at all and that he was merely releasing his commission. Others have seen the parable as a clear case of irony or have appealed to textual emendation or mistranslations of an Aramaic original. Furthermore most scholars deny that vv. 8b-13 have anything to do with the original Parable and that the parable has anything to do with wealth. This paper examines Nigerians politicians that looted the treasury yet some of our fathers in the Lord instead of rebuking them after they have destroyed the Economy they still praise and celebrate them as national Heroes. The paper concludes that it is not a crime to be wealthy but it must be acquired in a godly way and should be used to assist the poor and to propagate the kingdom of God on earth.