DOCTYPE html> The Gospel of Luke: chapter 16
The bull of St Luke

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

The Rich Man and his Steward: Lk 16,1-13

The Parable: 16,1-8a

Jesus we are told in verse 1 is speaking to the disciples when he tells this story. What does this imply?

The Rich man is then introduced; we will meet another later in the chapter, 16,19. Look again at the rich man of 12,13-21. Note as well the comments in 1,53; 6,24; 18,25.

The steward or manager - look at various translations to assess what he did. The only other mention of a steward in this Gospel is 12,42, a verse which we will be considering more closely. For stewards see 1 Cor 4,1-2 or 1 Peter 4,10.
Note the parallel with 15,13.

In verse 2 consider what the rich man does and does not say to the steward.

In verses 3-4 we have the reaction of the steward. How does he refer to the rich man?

Then he puts his plan into effect in verses 5-7. Think of a modern term for this activity. Consider and evaluate what he does.

Look at various translations for verse 8a which is usually regarded as ending the parable and consider what is being said here. I will comment further but now take a first look at my response.

Commentary: 16,8-13

The Greek word "lord" can mean "master" which is how verse 8a is normally translated, following verse 3.
Verse 8b is then read as the beginning of Jesus' commentary but that does seem a strange split in the sentence (so for example, the NABRE). On its own, verse 8b lacks a subject.

"Lord" is the usually Christian way of speaking of Jesus and the title occurs quite frequently in Luke's Gospel especially when he addressing his own community. Therefore it seems to me that translating verse 8a as "Lord" needs more consideration that it is normally given. Look at 12,1. Look also at 17,5-6 and 12,42.

Read therefore verses 8-9 with "Lord" instead of "master" and see if that does make sense. How has Jesus assessed the steward? There is a contrast here with 12,20, see for this Proverbs 9,8.

Most translations speak of the servant in verse 8 and wealth in verse 9 as "dishonest". Look around to see if you can find the literal meaning of the Greek word - it can be found in Douay or AV. Consider how this word is used in the verses that follow.

The sayings which make up verses 8-13 are then arranged around a few key words. Make a list of them and see what theme emerges.
Consider the saying in verse 13 which forms the climax of these sayings. Where lies the force of the contrast? 1 Kings 18 may give a clue.

How then do verses 8-13 form a further commentary on the story

Go now to my response.

The Sunday Gospel

The parable of the dishonest steward with its added sayings (Lk 16,1-13) is read on the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time.

The reading from the Old Testament is taken from the prophet Amos (as it will also be on 26th Sunday.) Comment on this reading and what it highlights in the Gospel

Now we can go to my response.

We can now continue our reading with the Pharisees scoffing at Jesus, 16,14-31.