Luke 16:7 – “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’ ‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied. He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the dishonest manager continues his plan to reduce his master’s debtors’ bills. After reducing the olive oil debt in the previous verse, he now moves to another debtor who owes one thousand bushels of wheat. The manager tells him to adjust the amount to eight hundred, reducing the debt by 20 percent. Once again, the manager is strategically building goodwill with the debtors, ensuring they will feel obligated to help him once he loses his job.
The reduction of such a significant debt would have been seen as a great favor by the debtor. In a society that valued mutual support and reciprocal relationships, the manager was ensuring that he wouldn’t be left out in the cold once his dismissal became official. This part of the parable sets up the main teaching point: though the manager’s actions were dishonest, his foresight and resourcefulness demonstrate a lesson that Jesus uses to teach spiritual wisdom.
Historical Context
Wheat was a staple crop in the ancient world, and a debt involving one thousand bushels was substantial. A “bushel” (or “kor” in the original text) was a measurement roughly equivalent to 10 or 12 bushels in modern terms, making this an enormous amount of wheat. Such debts typically arose from farming agreements or land rentals where tenants owed a portion of their harvest to the landowner.
Reducing the debt by 200 bushels would have been a considerable financial relief, possibly representing months of labor. The debtor would have seen this as an act of generosity and possibly thought it reflected the master’s kindness. In reality, it was the manager’s scheme to gain favor. The story reflects the manager’s understanding of how to navigate the social and economic systems of the time.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the contrast between worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom. The manager’s actions show how much effort people are willing to invest in securing their earthly future, even if it means using dishonest tactics. Jesus later uses this contrast to encourage His followers to show the same diligence and foresight in preparing for their eternal future.
God calls His people to be good stewards of the resources He has given them. While the manager used his master’s wealth for personal gain, believers are to use their resources to honor God and bless others. This verse is a reminder that, in the end, God will hold everyone accountable for how they have managed what He entrusted to them.
Literary Analysis
The parable uses repetition and escalation to build tension. First, the manager reduces the olive oil debt, and then he reduces the wheat debt. Each interaction emphasizes the urgency of the manager’s situation and his determination to secure his future. The repetition also highlights the contrast between the manager’s shrewdness and the moral lesson Jesus is teaching.
The parable’s structure is designed to draw the listener in with a relatable, real-world scenario before revealing the deeper spiritual meaning. By presenting the manager’s cunning actions, Jesus provokes His audience to reflect on whether they show the same level of intentionality in their spiritual lives.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 12:42-43 – “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants…? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.”
- Matthew 25:21 – “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.’”
- Proverbs 11:1 – “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”
These verses highlight the importance of faithfulness, honesty, and wise management of resources. While the manager in the parable is commended for his shrewdness, God’s ultimate standard is faithful stewardship.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a challenge to reflect on how we are using our resources. Are we as intentional and thoughtful about preparing for eternity as the manager was about securing his earthly future? Are we using our time, talents, and finances to serve God and others, or are we focused on temporary gain?
The manager’s actions also raise questions about generosity. While his motives were selfish, believers are called to use their blessings to help others out of love, not manipulation. By living generously and wisely, we can make a positive impact in this life while storing up treasures in heaven.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the fact that He entrusts His people with meaningful responsibilities. He gives us resources, relationships, and opportunities, not just for our own benefit, but so we can use them to glorify Him and serve others. His love is also seen in the fact that He provides guidance on how to be good stewards, helping us avoid the pitfalls of greed and dishonesty.
God’s love includes accountability. Just as the manager was held accountable by his master, we will one day give an account to God. But this is not meant to instill fear—it’s an expression of God’s desire for us to live purposefully and experience the joy of faithful stewardship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of faithful stewardship. He fully obeyed the mission given to Him by the Father, using every moment of His life to serve others and fulfill God’s plan of salvation. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided the way for believers to be reconciled to God and empowered to live lives that reflect His priorities.
Jesus also taught extensively about wealth, generosity, and accountability. His life demonstrated sacrificial giving—He gave everything for the sake of others. Christians are called to follow His example by living generously and using their resources to further His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Am I as intentional about preparing for eternity as I am about my earthly plans?
- How can I use my resources—money, time, and talents—to serve others and honor God?
- What does generosity look like in my daily life?
- In what areas of my life do I need to be a better steward of God’s blessings?
- How does Jesus’ example of selflessness challenge my current approach to managing what I have?
This verse is a reminder that life is short, and the resources we have today are temporary. But by using them wisely and generously, we can make an eternal impact and bring glory to God.