A “Weird thing” started happening sometime around the 4th century.
Chapters and Verses…were being added to the Scriptures – so that people could “find things” more readily.
It was the MONKS who established these various “ARTIFICIAL Divisions.”
The story of the “Prodigal Son” in chapter 15 was “FOREVER DISTANCED” from the Parable of the Unjust Manager in chapter 16.
They were now, a whole chapter apart! Originally, they followed one another sequentially.
What was “originally tied together” was now being separated.
The reason I share this with you, is because eventually it would deeply affect “interpretation.”
So, what I am saying is: at one time, there was a connection between the “Lost Sheep,” the “Lost Coin,” the “Prodigal Son” and the “Unjust Manager.”
These parables or wise religious stories were all deeply embedded in Middle Eastern culture and tradition.
“THEY” would have heard things differently – than what WE hear!
A RICH MAN- boo, hiss, hiss…had a MANAGER. (Yay, for the manager!)
SOMEONE, we do not know whom, brought CHARGES, RUMOR, INNUENDO, ACCUSATIONS AND ALLEGATIONS about his current manager. BOO!!!!!!!
It must have been considered to be a reliable source, because it was all taken “quite seriously.”
The manager was obviously from all accounts a liar and a thief! (OoHS and AHhS)
The language of the Parable in its entirety suggests a farming scene or setting.
“Rents” are paid for in the form of agricultural produce. No cash or money is ever exchanged. Payment is made in “goods ONLY!”
And oh, this manager is a clever one, alright!
“WHAT’S THIS I HEAR ABOUT YOU?” (Uh-oh, you could hear a pin drop!) SHhhh….
The SILENCE of the manager is actually incriminating! The silences speaks volumes. Silence is consent. Silence is a confession of guilt.
Oops! Caught red handed! Now what?
The manager was told to “RELINQUISH” the account books, but they still remained in his possession.
Those books equaled power!
In the Middle East you are not silent! You speak up immediately. You plead for your job, you beg and grovel, if necessary! You do what you have to do.
Jobs are scarce. You beg to be reinstated! You demand it. Your reputation is at stake and on the line. Jobs are hard to come by…
This is an “honor and shame society!” YOUR HONOR is everything. The manager was being SHAMED, BIG TIME! BUT, he was dismissed in private, meaning no else – is yet aware…of it!
He has ONE LAST “CARD” that he can yet still play!
Being a “clever scoundrel”-he dreams up an “even more clever scheme!”
He decides to steal MORE! Totally unheard of…groans and cries can be heard throughout the audience of listeners. No don’t do that…stop him!
He conducts private meetings. He insists that the “debtors” come to him. He is in control. He has the books. He reduced their debts ENORMOUSLY! He makes the debtors sign for it in their own handwriting.
Each debtor GLADLY makes the necessary changes. They then, go to the village and town and sing the praises of both the Master and of his Manager. What fantastic guys, they are!!! YAY!!!
A festive mood breaks out…the Master is the most generous man-EVER!
He is so kind, so generous, so benevolent, so forgiving…he is to be highly praised and “HONORED” by ALL. (What a guy!!!)
The manager was “intelligent and daring.” He risked everything on his scheme…and IT WORKED! Yippie!!!!
He is beyond clever, beyond cunning, beyond resourceful! Both THE MASTER and HIS MANAGER become the heroes of the entire community. Did the MANAGER manipulate the MASTER into getting his own way? NOPE!!! Quite the opposite is true. He “could not” manipulate the MASTER to change his NATURE!
The MASTER was a good man! True to his word! A man of grace. IT IS the MASTER who pays the price. You can always trust the grace of OUR MASTER.
He is loving, caring, forgiving, kind, and filled with grace and love. His WORD is always good and to be forever trusted!
You can always count on the MASTER to keep his word!
Amen.