I. INTRODUCTION:
1. Jesus’ favorite teaching method was the parable. Garrison Keeler is good, but Jesus is the best!
2. Hermeneutically, most parables are not allegorical but analogical. An interpretation based on what is not there is almost certainly wrong.
3. Parables should be studied with a telescope rather than a microscope.
4. This parable has suffered at the hands of its enemies and its friends. Julian the Apostate reproached Christ for having chosen the cunning thievery of a dishonest manager as a means of instruction for his disciples. Many interpreters today don’t quite know what to do with it!
5. Contextually, it follows immediately on the heels of the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son (Luke 15). It precedes the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31).
6. Comparison with Parable of the Prodigal Son:
- 1) “A certain man….”
- 2) both “squander” the resources of another (15:13; 16:1),
- 3) both betray a trust,
- 4) both come to a moment of truth,
- 5) both use soliloquy,
- 6) both seek relief from a crisis,
- 7) both receive an unexpected response.
7. Where does the parable formally end? Verse 8b – explanatory comment showing the arena of the parable’s relevance. Verse 9 – makes specific application. Phrase “And I tell you” – typical introduction for important sayings of Jesus and appear often at the conclusion of a parable.
8. Verses 10-13 – connected to v. 9 through repetition of key words: “unrighteous,” “mammon,” “master”
9. This is a “how much more” parable. It makes its point by contrast: if unsaved do such and such, how much more should Christians….
10. Correct interpretation leads to the correct main application. Most parables have one main point. Then there are secondary applications.
11. On the title – “You’re Fired!” – Vince McMahon, CEO of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.) used his trademark “Your Fired!” Donald Trump – “The Apprentice (2003), and “The Celebrity Apprentice” – trademarked the phrase “Your Fired!” in 2007.
Coming soon: — Part 2 – Notes on the Parable for preaching or teaching!