Jesus had just challenged His listeners to be servants to all, willing to give of themselves and their goods for the needs of others. At the same time He encouraged them to lay up treasures in Heaven for there is where treasure really counts. Peter asked if this parable of Jesus was meant for the disciples as well as the people? It is then Jesus answered his question with the question in our text. Who is a good steward or manager of a household? Who is the steward or manager of servants commended by the Lord? It is the standards mentioned in these two verses that show the character of good stewardship and service for God.

Years ago, I read of a church member in Delaware who took a page right out of the parable of the good steward. He decided to give one dollar to one thousand different people with a note to use the dollar to multiply it in some way to bring glory to God. There were many different ways the people used the money. Some invested it, others put it in the bank to draw interest. One lady bought materials and made dolls, which she then sold for $373. Altogether they raised $6000. Multiplying the original amount six times. Certainly it was a great example of stewardship.

However, when Jesus spoke of stewardship in these verses He focused on character. While what we do is important it is what we are that Jesus looks at. Here are three characteristics of the commended steward in the eyes of God:

The word faithful could also be translated trustworthy or reliable. This is the first characteristic mentioned by Jesus. Faithfulness to God, to those in the body of Christ and to all we come in contact with is of the utmost importance. Faithfulness is found in obeying God. Jesus set the standard in His life while here on earth. He came to serve God and to serve others. His testimony, “I do always those things which please the Father.” (John 8:29) God will bless our faithfulness with fruitfulness. We are not left alone to make out the best we know how. God Himself works together with us to bring forth results. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil 2:12,13) As we faithfully follow His directions in our life we can be assured of fruitful outcome. How are you managing the responsibility given to you by God? Are you faithful?

GOOD STEWARDS ARE DISCERNING (42) 
“Who is that…. wise…steward”

To be wise is to be prudent or mindful. I am reminded of King Solomon when he became the leader of the Hebrew nation. God told him He would grant him anything he desired. Solomon asked for wisdom. His request pleased God and He added to His gift of wisdom riches and honor as well. Oh how we need wisdom in this day and age. The world in its foolishness is turning from the wisdom of God. Yet, it is His wisdom that we need. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5) The truly wise man is tuned to the will of God for his stewardship. He looks to God for guidance and discernment. Have you asked for God’s wisdom to guide you?

Here is faithfulness and wisdom being practiced on a regular basis. The good servant of God is actively pursuing the things of God. He is interested in his personal relationship with God and in the welfare of others. His desire is to share the good news of salvation in Christ and to help all those he can to find and foster relationships as well. Satan will try to hinder you in that service and it is so easy to find reasons and excuses for quitting. But by God’s grace let’s continue to serve in the way He has shown us. Look at what Jesus said in this same chapter (vs 37) “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” God promises reward to those who continue serving.

When I think of service and stewardship I am reminded of one who was a great mentor and help to me. He showed me by his example the right things to do and the paths to take to please God. He was instrumental in my becoming part of the Baltimore School of the Bible ministry and encouraged me in every way he could to express my faith and encourage others. This same person taught at Baltimore School of the Bible for over 25 years and was the Dean. He was a faithful, wise, working servant of God until God called him home. His name, Stan Loizeaux, and I can think of no better example of the kind of steward God asks us to be. May God help all of us to be dependable, discerning and diligent in our service to Him. God bless.