Parable of the Unjust Steward

In the Parable of the Unjust Steward in Luke 16, Jesus describes a very perplexing situation. Rather than the dishonest steward in the Parable of the Unjust Steward being berated or punished for his treachery, he is lauded by his master for taking the initiative to acquire friends for himself, even by theft, knowing his master was going to release him from his duties.
What's more impressive about this parable of the unjust steward is that Jesus himself encourages his followers to be like this dishonest and unjust steward.
What gives? What is Jesus talking about? For, surely Jesus -- as any good Jew would do (it's in the 10 commandments after all) -- should be condemning the thievery of the man who was in charge of handling his master's monetary affairs. How can we make sense of this parable in light of all of Jesus' other teachings?
Check out this video from The Mass Readings Explained with Dr. Brant Pitre to get at the meaning of this parable within it's 1st century Jewish context.
To learn more about this passage about the parable of the unjust steward and the connection between it, the Psalm, and the Old Testament readings for this Sunday's Mass, subscribe today to The Mass Readings Explained:
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For more Bible studies by Dr. Pitre, visit:
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[@dariuszprokop2204]

I've heard/read the parable many times, and each time I knew I was missing something of immense importance. Thank you for clearing up yet another biblical story, brother Brant.

[@CatholicProductions]

Thanks Dariusz!

[@embertjohnson3789]

messiahjesusbible dot com and your point is?

[@annemburada6265]

You,Dariusz,will see the Lord Jesus soon: Tomorrow at 11.11 pm EST already. How happy you must be to meet the Lord so soon whereas all we other worshippers have to stay back on this dismal planet, while you live in The Glory of the Lord

[@troyadamson8618]

I remember a homily or two on this parable, seen other videos about it, but this one really cleared it up. This guy's explanations are so good . I can't wait to go back to Mass again. Without being able to go Mass recently , it's like losing a part of yourself inside.

[@georgemacintyre2858]

@@CatholicProductions iiiiiii0i

[@myrddingwynedd2751]

Thank God for men like this who clarify what is often hazy and unclear for us. It is apparent that without knowledge of ancient languages and cultures, we sometimes have no chance of understanding some of the parables of Jesus.

[@CatholicProductions]

Thank you Myrddin! Glad it is/was helpful.

[@PurpleObscuration]

You are so right, I could have read the parable a thousand time and never have arrived at this conclusion.

[@CatholicProductions]

@@PurpleObscuration It's quite alright... The Bible says the same thing about... well, the Bible... "He [Paul] writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand..." 2 Peter 3:16. So, you're only living out a Biblical principle ;-). God bless and thanks for your comments... and for smashing that Like button! ;-) Helps a lot!

[@ninageorge4974]

Yes I agree

[@melz2743]

The word “it fails” can also mean to die or to cease. Talking about ones life not the money. Eternal dwelling here refers to HELL not Heaven because everyone in the parable are all Unjust. So this parable is actually teaching the disciples not to follow this example or you will end up where the unjust are. Not a place of security as thought by the Steward but Hell a place of torment. Hell is also eternal. Simple and clear.

[@kalebkizmet7514]

I am not Roman Catholic but so impressed...i think you nailed this. Well done.

[@jimmcintyre4390]

Oh my goodness that was a twist. I love how you tackle the hard readings.

[@sethball1319]

Finally an interpretation that makes sense! I’ve been all over the place reading about this parable. Thank you Dr. Pitre!

[@Sean-lv6fx]

Sometimes I think that is why those who choose religious vocations are wiser than the rest of us because they seem to be investing more in their eternal inheritance.

[@mariejoanbanasanluis3646]

Exactly. Their lives is not wasted either

[@jursamaj]

There is no "eternal inheritance". These people aren't wise, they're conmen.

[@josephjackson1956]

jursamaj how do you know that? What's your proof?

[@josephjackson1956]

jursamaj how do you know that? What's your proof?

[@jursamaj]

@@josephjackson1956 Tell you what: you show me how you proved all the other religions wrong (and all other sects of your religion, for that matter…), and I'll use that method on yours.

[@samarkandmarquez7577]

I've gotta admit, even fourteen minutes into the video I was still struggling to see where your explanation was going, but you weaved it all together very nicely at the end there. Thank you so much for this explanation because I did not get this parable my first time through.

[@Srananmang007]

I'm a Pentecostal, and love how you broke this down. God bless you brother

[@GA-hg4ov]

Thank you Dr .Pitre for a wonderful explanation to this head scratching Gospel Passage.

[@katkat2340]

Convicted 🙏🏽thanks be to God , good messenger of the word . For every lottery ticket I should spend that much or more to the poor. I know I shouldn’t buy them at all.

[@giovannipagliari1537]

Thank you Dr. Pitre for another faith-filled explanation. May God continue to bless you in your ministry in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

[@paulhandsome1691]

Wow Thank YOU LORD JESUS FOR TRUE TEACHERS Thank You Dr.Pitre God Bless you

[@drdelaur]

All of this is beautiful all of this is true but I think there’s even eat one more layer I met a woman yesterday I was going to do a surgery on and I asked her how many times she was pregnant she said three I asked her how many children she had she said one when I asked what happened to the others Sadness overwhelmed her and she said she had abortion and she wasn’t proud of it At that point I told her I was sorry and that God was very merciful When I told her that I think I was spending my masters money It doesn’t cost us anything to be merciful because we are spending God’s mercy on the people who need it the most We are stewards of God’s mercy Let’s blow it and the people as we can

[@azusmith2513]

Thank you

[@josephjackson1956]

Mark DeLaurentis since God has infinite wealth, I believe it is encouraged to spend the master's money as freely as possible in order to save souls

[@wetdroidedition2549]

I think you explained better this parabole with what you said, at least for me. Thanks!

[@macmudgee]

I agree, we have the power to forgive sin just like Jesus. Sin weighs us down, truth sets us free, love covers a multitude of sins.

[@algo6485]

Wow. Thank you

[@SimplyCatholic]

Thank you Dr. Pitre! You give us all such great help in understanding. You are a gift. Blessings

[@Bonedadyo]

Thank you for clearing this up for me, Dr! May The Lord be with you and your family always.

[@evannongrum2967]

Yes . Me too feel like to thank Dr. Pitre for the explanation of this hitherto difficult to understand text.

[@veepee1557]

After death what will happened on a body? How a dead body get life, after death? Why the brilliant believe such a foolish story?

[@paolofresnoza4261]

Thank you brother! :) Praise be to God!

[@rosemariekury9186]

Thanks for this. The priest never explained this parable and now it's more clearer. !

[@rubenmartinez4346]

Never would I have understood it on my own! Ha!

[@tallimae]

same here!

[@josephjackson1956]

Talitha Pitre are you related to Dr. Pitre? :D

[@tallimae]

Nope, but he’s lives 3 hours away from me. I try to claim him lol He’s from southeast Louisiana and I’m from southwest Louisiana

[@josephjackson1956]

Talitha Pitre that's awesome! XD

[@marvissmith9567]

You should have the Holy Spirit in you Hé Will explain it to you

[@centyluis310]

Wow now I get it! Thank you Lord for the grace you’ve given me to understand your words 🤍🙏🏾

[@libertasvirtus6948]

Thank you for this video! I was confused by this Gospel reading today at Mass.

[@josephzammit8483]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWG7Zn55h5pqhLc

[@fernvarias9473]

1 Corinthians 10:26 “ For the earth is the Lord’s and all its contents” Now I fully understand the meaning of this parable. Thank you Sir.

[@peterschmidt6459]

Thank you for this Message As you said the Key why the continued embezzlement is commended is - as Saint Augustine puts it - his foresight for the Future.

[@amoschannel6982]

Thanks Dr! Lets use the stolen money for making friends that will last forever.

[@paulmiller3469]

Could be a plan, if you wanted to be an unjust albeit prudent son of darkness. But if you want to shoot a little higher, I'll bet we can be just as prudent but without the theft.

[@whenggomez2137]

Amos Channel is this about robinhood spirituality?

[@adelaidawallaert287]

Thank you Dr.Brant Pitre,God bless you always!

[@maurice0101]

I have been searching the web for an explanation for months as this parable did test my beliefs to the core. I was absolutly confused. Dr. Pitre's explanation was given line-by-line in small easy to understand steps, for people who only know English (no Greek, Hebrew or Latin) and have read maybe two versions of the bible in English. This video really enlightened me and put my beliefs back on solid grounds. I have book-marked it for repeated viewing and looking forward to many more similar videos on the other confusing parables. Thank you Dr. Pitre!

[@relynloganathan2836]

Wow wow wow! Great explanation. Million thanks. God bless you and your family.

[@CatholicProductions]

Thank you Relyn. I know Dr. Pitre appreciates your prayers for him and his family.

[@Daniel-nj7mf]

God bless you Dr. Pitre! Thank you for this great lesson of Bible reading!

[@jennacalicchio4312]

Wow! Amen! What a wonderful explanation. I could not figure this out for the life of me. Praise the Lord! God bless you.

[@SuperRuthJ]

Thank you so much! Beautiful teachings, God bless you!

[@joyceffc62]

Thank you Lord, that when I have a question on today’s mass reading, you have provided explanations. Bless you Brant Pitre and Catholic Produxtoons

[@mazikode]

Thank you so much. Thats the first time this parable has been explained in a way that makes sense.

[@kensoignatius6810]

Thank you so much Dr. Pitre. Your enlightenment on this passage is without precedent for me. God bless you.

[@lillystein9926]

He is a genius, Dr. Pitre! I so much enjoy listening to his exegesis of Scripture...You make it so easy to understand and truly have helped me....Thank YOU!

[@Leslei8417]

God bless you Dr Pitre for your work

[@MrTagahuron]

I struggled trying to understand this parable for years! Thanks for explaining clearly as day! Praise be Jesus and Mary!

[@mazikode]

Thank you Dr Pitre God bless you.

[@zilawylde7006]

Dr.Pitre God bless you.

[@mmacho73]

If there is any time in human history where the gifts of the spirit are needed, it would be today. God is the same today tomorrow and forever more.

[@mariandominicanithya6459]

Beautiful, insightful, logical and eye opening ! God bless you..

[@Travis1365]

Excellent, God bless Dr Pitre

[@thatcatholicgirlhelena]

Thank you so much Dr. Brant!😍😍😍

[@ucheuju9348]

God bless you again Dr. Pitre for this profound explanation on this parable that used to leave me with more questions than answers. I used to think that Jesus was commending the dishonest steward, despite his acts, but your explanation just made perfect sense. God bless you as you keep edifying us with these reflections.

[@christianaayebazibwe1730]

Thank you so much for this detailed and amazing commentary😊! It's a parable I've been failing to understand for some years now but thank you for breaking it down. God bless you.

[@mikaelakuria6263]

Thank you so much Dr for that brilliant teaching. You have made that parable very clear. God bless yku

[@frjobv]

God bless you, Sir.

[@tterinnattre1473]

First, Thank you lord Jesus.Amen. And also thank you Dr Brant Pitre for helping me understand all the parables like no one has ever done before in my life. Not even the Bishops,priests and laity in our countryside who are educated in theology from vatican and rome could help me understand the least of the parables and bible passages. There is immense joy and pleasure in watching your videos on bible passages and their explanation. I appreciate your wonderful and incredible talent in explaining the bible verses and narrating the gospel passages. May God bless you and your family and your work and your mission. Thank you Lord Jesus and thank you Dr Brant once again.

[@klausehrhardt4481]

One of the best lessons of economy and investments ever. The same goes for other currencies like scholarship, study, devotion and prayer as the guy above had put into this vid. That as many souls as possible may profit on your wisdom. God Bless.

[@momochago2136]

Thank you. This is such a good insightful explanation. I had to share it in facebook. I want people to know that scripture is not just an old outdated book.

[@EddieDBama]

Thanks so much for this video. When I heard Dr Pitre's voice, I knew it was from NOLA. Great explanation.

[@jenniferkyere8904]

Wow! My spiritual bank account! Thank you for clarifying this reading to such a degree. Thanks be to God for his messengers on earth!

[@leonellardizabal2929]

now i understand that parable..thank you and God bless

[@sabukurian3353]

Yes. Real twist. Thanks for the explanation of the parable often misunderstood.

[@firsteleven7714]

Brilliant analysis. Thank you for blessing us with this thorough and fortifying explanation of what was to me the most confusing Parable offered by our Lord and Savior. It is now so clear.

[@jepoymeneses]

Thank you for clearing this up!

[@lemonwatson2298]

Beautiful explanation. Praise the Lord!

[@grantbartley483]

Quite a persuasive exegesis. Thank you for looking deeper.

[@michaeltrustallion4323]

Thank you and praise God for your message

[@ninageorge4974]

Superbly explained Dr Pitre, May God bless you, your loved ones and all your endeavours 🙏🏻

[@GodsGadfly]

Thank you. 🙏 I have never understood this parable.

[@grendal102]

I am so glad that God brought me to this site. That parable had me scratching my head for years. Its makes all the sens of the world now.

[@antidepressant11]

wow...we need more of this for sure. the whole Gospel.

[@mariopiazza3379]

Al Capone a notorious crime figure, living in the 20s and 30s during the depression, set up many soup kitchens to help the poor. and destitute. Perhaps the same type of story. The poor loved him, many of the poor were destined for heaven, i can understand that these poor starving Christians would think very highly of this man, and they would probably defend Al when he stands in front of the judgement seat of Christ.

[@cottoon8837]

after I watched this vid...i thought something along those lines too...:)

[@elvedadoe3027]

Finally, it all makes sense. Thank you!!!🙏🏼

[@pcm7315]

Exactly, first time I understood this parable in a "heavenly" sense.

[@bellaboop1]

Just about to do laundry and asked the Lord what He wants me to listen to while working and this video was first. This man is correct when he says we likely see the steward as being benevolent, I certainly did reading the story and had a real problem with the rich man's treatment of the steward, while confused over him being commended. So this clears much up for me thank you Holy Spirit for leading me here! Yahweh Is The Only Way 💖♰😇

[@tryforthesky2224]

That's fantastic. Thank-you!!!

[@JeanPhilippeChetcuti]

Thanks for the insight. 🙏🏻

[@dinaandrade5415]

Of all the parables in the Bible, this is the one that really stumped me. I was flabbergasted as to how 《Jesus could've been praising this steward for his dishonesty and advocating almost, that we should all be like him ( sons of the world) 》. I started to think there was some misprint in my Bible or that I didn't have a good translation. I went into other translations and they were the same. Confusion!!! So I just ignored it, never read it again and turned a deaf ear when it was being read. Thank you very much for your explanation. It now makes much more sense.

[@zilawylde7006]

Mind blowing. Thank you Sir.

[@loviskashuupulwa2749]

Well explained. I understand it now Thank you Dr.

[@delemaitreful]

Beautifully explained. Thank you!

[@rawsunshine]

Another great video! Hope you feel / get better soon

[@4SyriaTruth]

Brilliant, reminds me of what Mar Charbel said, "الشاطر يخلص نفسه". (The smart one saves himself) ... also we can take the time to pray, and offer the infinite merits of Christ in the treasury of the Church's indulgences + and pay off the debts of poor sinners, and souls in Purgatory

[@MmM-do6rg]

مش مفهومة القصة باردو

[@nathanielschroeder1321]

Thank you for helping us know

[@albericrozario5173]

Brilliantly explained! thank you

[@mike67mj]

I've been waiting for this, this whole year C.Thanks be to God

[@JordonHill]

Thank you. Amazing.

[@Carlos-vg8cr]

Fantastic explanation!

[@fuqna]

Hi there. How does no one here see the obvious parable explanation, being also for receiving indulgences for the souls in Purgatory? This is so clear to me. Watch the video again if you have to.

[@katkat2340]

Occidental Realm I totally got that too! Called to pray.

[@CatholicProductions]

Greetings: This is a possible explanation... but there is a break down and possibly a little bit of equivocation going on: "And I tell you, make friends for yourselves [1] by means of unrighteous mammon, [2] so that when it fails [3] they may receive you into the eternal habitations.” For arguments sake, if we assume we're talking about indulgences here: (1) It doesn't seem problematic that the unrighteous mammon equals the merits of Christ and dispensed through the Church (i.e., Jesus earned it and the Church is "stealing" from the merits he earned to dispense for salvation [or more specifically, the temporal punishments incurred from sin, as that is what indulgences are ordered towards]). (3) It doesn't seem problematic that by performing the approved required actions to obtain an indulgence for someone else so that they would benefit... that those same people "may receive you into the eternal habitations" after you have been judged. (2) However, what does it mean that the unrighteous mammon fails if we are going to assume that the unrighteous mammon (i.e., #1) is/are the merits of Christ? It makes sense to me that “it failing” would be for temporal money/goods/riches ultimately failing. But then we’d be equivocating back to the non-eternal interpretation of what the #1 unrighteous mammon is. It certainly makes sense to me that there is some eternal dimension to this (given #3), but when I see #2 and know that the “it” refers to unrighteous mammon, I have hesitation therefore to speak of that stolen mammon as the merits of Christ. Yes, they can fail you if you fail to accept them first, but I don’t sense that’s what’s being said. That seems contrived. Do you know of any early Church Father that suggests this understanding? I am unaware of one. It's certainly possible, but something that I don't see all too clearly at the moment. Thanks for chiming in! I know Dr. Pitre has considered this interpretation before, but don't know where he officially stands on it as of today or if he has more data in one direction or the other.

[@paulmiller3469]

@@CatholicProductions Good question and good response from Catholic Productions. This is what the internet should always be.

[@fuqna]

@@CatholicProductions [2] it stops, you stop, you die; then they receive you. ekleipó is the Greek word. It doesn't fail. It stops, or you stop. Then they receive you.

[@Maryorra]

Exactly what I thought too! We must help souls pay their debts so that these souls will help us when we require their help. This was my very first thought.

[@truthseeker8766]

Another layer, and this is where I thought he would go with this parable, is that the dishonest steward is unwittingly exemplifying the nature of Christ towards us in His forgiveness of our sin debt. If only the children of light would show that same Christ-like nature by extending forgiveness to others, which works to repair that debtor/debtee relationship.

[@TheLMack]

More and more, that's the way I'm reading this parable - at least as another layer, as you said. If you ignore the chapter breaks, it looks like Jesus is after the hearts of the pharisees from the beginning of Lk 15 to the end of 16.

[@spanishtranslator1668]

Excellent!

[@alephtav4254]

How wickedness in Man when blinded by sins of evil We are like given great talebts, skills, and wealth but only put into wicked materials or pagans of this world that blinded man as temporal happiness, peace and assurance Blessed are those truly merciful as Jesus Said😊🙏🙏 How GOD sees the great Intention of the Heart Not by works alone but the Thankful Heart

[@nathanngumi8467]

Word, very insightful exegesis.

[@bradbrown2168]

Awesome explanation! Kudos.

[@cbrown5996]

What a great break-down of this parable. I have also, often seen it as how we should forgive one another. Write off each other's sins in a sense. Only Christ's death on a cross pays for all of our sins, so when we forgive others, we are using God's forgiveness. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

[@JimCvit]

Finally! Thank you!

[@roisinkelly1509]

Marvellous .......thankyou.

[@joelscott4384]

Thank you Sir!

[@CatholicProductions]

Thank you Joel.

[@medelinaxalan9453]

Wow!!! This parable surely cones from devil teaching us dishonesty

[@branrx]

Best explanation I’ve heard

[@anthonycalipjo8669]

I didn't get it completely I have to watch it 3 times before it sink in... glory to God for giving u the wisdom Dr. Pitre...

[@josephjude1290]

Great knowledge

[@jasoneg3]

Wow! It finally makes sense, and I have heard so many "wrong" interpretations of this parable. Thank you.

[@BLKNBALD100]

You are so right man, in fact, just this morning I heard someone trying to interpret this parable but my spirit just didn't agree with their interpretation so, I asked the Lord, "what does it really mean", then my attention was drawn to, "the people of this world and the people of light." And just now I ran across this interpretation and it satisfied my hunger for the truth...I try asking God first for the answer and sometime He gives me enlightment and other times He leads me to someone who can make it plan without me asking them.

[@brianmelville520]

Beautiful. Boa Vista, RR, Brazil.

[@magaman6353]

Excellent exegesis!

[@scarval1]

Superb explaination

[@nikao7751]

In other words pay it forward and forward to the kingdom of heaven. Thanks this was very detailed and insightful

[@anandjohn4879]

Thank you

[@josephjackson1956]

Be crafty with your money in the sense that you prepare yourself for the heavenly kingdom

[@cjhasmyheart]

Saved by Grace Alone! Not by anything or anyone else! The grace of JESUS CHRIST ONLY!!!!!

[@CatholicProductions]

Hey James, thanks for your comment. As Catholics we can wholeheartedly agree with that statement, provided it means the same thing as when Catholics say it. There are many Christian (and even non-Christian) groups using the same parlance in other contexts but meaning very different realities... but, again, using the exact same words. So, to the extent that the words "Saved by grace alone" is meant in the way a Catholic would mean it, excellent point. But, to the degree that what you mean by that phrase does not take into account all of sacred scripture's data on how one is saved, then I would refrain from affirming. God bless.

[@cjhasmyheart]

If you are saying grace plus the church saves you or grace plus the pope or an earthly priest, or Mary than we are not talking the same GOSPEL. JESUS ONLY, HIS GRACE, HIS WORKS, HIS SUBSTITUTION. GRACE ONLY NOTHING ELSE. For we are saved by grace and this not of ourselves!

[@SuperIliad]

(14:24) This reminds me of the talk, “Wasting Your Life,” by Venerable Fulton Sheen.