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Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Fearing

Text: Luke 16:1-13

Money talks, but what is it saying about us? In this thought-provoking exploration of Jesus's most puzzling financial parable, we dive deep into the story of a manager who makes a radical choice when faced with imminent unemployment. Far from being a simple tale about dishonesty, this parable challenges everything we think we know about economic justice.

The key to unlocking this scripture lies in understanding the exploitative economic landscape of first-century Palestine. Under Roman occupation, wealthy landowners squeezed struggling farmers through a system of debt and interest—creating a pyramid with the rich at the top and the poor masses at the bottom. When our manager realizes he's about to be fired, he has a moment of clarity: he's just as expendable in this broken system as those beneath him. His solution? Switch sides.

By reducing debts (likely by removing unjust interest), the manager uses his fleeting position of power to offer relief to those who had been oppressed. While we might initially see this as dishonest, Jesus surprisingly commends this shrewdness and drives home his point with a stark conclusion: "You cannot serve both God and wealth."

This message speaks directly to us today. Most of us occupy some position of influence in society—like the middle manager in the parable—and have opportunities to use that influence for good. Are we perpetuating systems that concentrate wealth at the expense of relationships, or are we building communities where money serves people rather than the other way around? Are our churches known as friends to the poor or tools of the rich?

The good news is that we're not powerless. Together, we can challenge unjust economic structures regardless of political affiliation. God has promised that oppressive pyramids will be upended, and we're invited to joyfully participate in that work.

What decisions will you make this week that show where your true loyalty lies? How might you use your position to ease someone's burden?

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