We don’t use the word “shrewd” much in our vernacular. If we hear it, we think of a slimy lawyer or a slick used car salesman… not that there is anything wrong with lawyers or used car salesmen :) The word carries a negative connotation. In searching images for this blog entry, almost every entry had to do with sneaky or even devil-like behavior.

However, the word means,

having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute

The Greek word that is used in the New Testament (phronimōs) has to do with being wise, future thinking. If someone is shrewd, he has insight, intuition, awareness of the reality around him.

In this week’s parable, Jesus tells of a pretty slick character. When he looses his job, he uses his fading power to prepare for the future. While his actions are questionable, no doubt he is shrewd. Jesus catches his hearers off guard by commending the man. He praises his shrewdness.

The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly (Luke 16:8 NIV)

Matthew records another instance of Jesus speaking of the need to be shrewd.

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16 NIV)

What does this look like for us? Why did Jesus chastise the disciples for their lack of shrewdness? Join us Sunday as we consider the Shrewd Manager in Luke 16:1-13.