We've said that Jesus designed his parables to tease us into active thought. That often means looking for the surprise in the story. This week it is right on the surface. Jesus gives the example of a dishonest manager who is wasting his owner's possessions, but the owner finds out. And once the manager realizes he is about to be fired, he uses the remaining time to cut deals with clients. It's the sort of thing we might label as exploitation or at least deception. It seems very unethical. But here comes the surprise: Jesus uses it as a positive example to challenge his followers. Certainly Jesus is not encouraging dishonesty, so what is he commending? What might it look like for 'sons of light' to be so calculating with God's resources? Let's talk about "The Taming of the Shrewd"

Luke 16:1-12