The parable of the dishonest manager is found in Luke 16:1-9. R.C. Sproul once said about this passage that it is “universally considered by biblical scholars to be the most difficult of Jesus’ parables to understand.” William Barclay said that “this is the most puzzling parable that Jesus ever spoke.” James Montgomery Boice begins his commentary on this passage by stating flatly, “This parable has been a problem for many readers.” And John MacArthur says that “this is one of the most astonishing and enigmatic of all Jesus’ parables.” If you read this parable and come away confused at least you are in good company.
Give it a read, and then imagine what you might say if you were going to try and explain its meaning to someone else. What do you think Jesus was saying through this parable?