From a position of business ethics, the landowner suddenly shifts his focus to one of social norms and interpersonal relationships. He comments on the use of money as a tool by which to gain friends seems sinister, and contrary to the general canon of Jesus' teachings. Jesus might not be condoning sin and evil; but he does seem to suggest that money can be used to manipulate social relations to achieve desired ends of harmony and social stability. There is an "ends justifies the means" ethic embedded in the parable. Jesus states, "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings," (Luke 16:9). Using worldly wealth to gain friends is the crux of the problem. To understand this complex ethical issue, it is necessary to examine the prevailing social norms and the role that money played in human relations.
Landry points out that landowners and anyone in a similar position of high social status would have "lost face," or been embarrassed if a subordinate was even rumored to be cheating him. The landowner is, in fact, concerned about the rumors almost more than about the money....
Because the steward rectifies the situation using honest means that benefit both landlord and tenant, everyone is happy in the end.
The parable of the steward should therefore be renamed the parable of the "Just Steward," rather than the unjust steward. The steward is acting in accordance with prevailing social norms related to the preservation of social class status and inter-class harmony. Relationships between rich and poor, and the middle class, are socially proscribed. The moral ambiguity that seems to be embedded in the story vanishes in light of the fact that the ends justify the means.
Works Cited
Bailey, Kenneth E. Poet & Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983.
Donahue, John R. The Gospel in Parable. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1988.
Green, Joel B. The Gospel of Luke. NICNT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.
Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Gospel of Luke. SacPag. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 1991.
Landry, David and May, Ben. Honor Restored: New Light on the Parable of the Prudent Steward (Luke 16:1-8a). Journal of Biblical Literature 119 (2000): 287-
