Embracing Grace Beyond Right and Wrong

Devotional

Day 1: The Parable of the Dishonest Manager: A Call to Shrewdness and Reflection

Jesus’ parable of the dishonest manager challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about right and wrong, inviting us into a space where motives and actions are not always clear-cut. The story disrupts our tendency to identify with the “good guys” and instead places us in a confusing, gray area where we must wrestle with ambiguity. In this parable, the manager, facing the loss of his position, acts shrewdly to secure his future, and surprisingly, the master commends him for his cleverness rather than condemning his dishonesty. This unexpected twist compels us to pause, reflect, and ask deeper questions about our own lives, our judgments, and the ways we navigate complex situations. [07:40]

Luke 16:1-8 (ESV)
He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.”

Reflection: When have you faced a situation where the “right” choice was not clear? How did you respond, and what did you learn about yourself in that moment?

Day 2: Beyond Black and White: Embracing Life’s Complexity

Life is rarely as simple as right versus wrong, and Jesus’ teaching in this parable invites us to step beyond our usual black-and-white thinking. The world is full of situations where motives are mixed and circumstances are complicated, and we are called to resist the urge to judge quickly or harshly. Instead, we are encouraged to pause, consider different perspectives, and recognize that God’s wisdom often meets us in the gray areas of life. In these moments, we are invited to humility, curiosity, and a willingness to see beyond our own limited understanding. [10:33]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were tempted to judge someone quickly. How might your perspective change if you paused to consider their circumstances more deeply?

Day 3: The Field Beyond Right and Wrong: The Place of Grace

Out beyond our ideas of right-doing and wrong-doing, there is a field—an open space where grace abounds. In the parable, both the manager and the master act in ways that defy easy categorization, yet grace is present in their actions and responses. This field is where Jesus invites us to meet Him, to let go of rigid judgments, and to open ourselves to the ongoing work of grace in our lives. It is here that we learn to see ourselves and others with compassion, recognizing that everyone is in need of mercy and understanding. [14:30]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to let go of judgment and instead embrace grace—for yourself or for someone else?

Day 4: Opening Our Hearts to Grace and Our Eyes to Our Neighbor

As we open our hearts to grace, we begin to see our neighbors with new eyes. The parable reminds us that grace is not just a personal experience but something that transforms our relationships and our communities. When we stop judging by appearances and start looking with compassion, we become more attuned to the needs and stories of those around us. This shift in perspective allows us to move beyond self-interest and to act with kindness, generosity, and empathy, even in situations that are messy or unclear. [15:30]

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life you have struggled to see with compassion? What is one practical way you can show them grace this week?

Day 5: Living with Uncertainty: Trusting God in the Upside-Down

The world is often confusing and upside down, filled with uncertainty and situations that defy easy answers. Jesus’ parable encourages us to live faithfully even when we do not have all the answers, trusting that God is present in the midst of our confusion. Rather than being paralyzed by anxiety or the need for control, we are invited to bring our worries, hopes, and questions to God, trusting that He will guide us and provide for us in unexpected ways. In this trust, we find the freedom to live with courage and hope, even in the face of life’s uncertainties. [03:55]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one area of uncertainty or anxiety you are facing right now? How can you bring this to God in prayer and trust Him with the outcome?

Sermon Summary

Today’s reflection centers on one of Jesus’ most perplexing parables: the story of the dishonest manager. This parable, found in the Gospel of Luke, challenges our usual ways of reading scripture, where we instinctively align ourselves with the “good” characters and distance ourselves from the “bad.” Yet, in this story, the lines are blurred. The manager, who is about to lose his job for incompetence or dishonesty, acts shrewdly by reducing the debts of his master’s tenants, thereby securing favor for himself. Surprisingly, the master commends him—not for his dishonesty, but for his shrewdness.

This narrative unsettles our black-and-white thinking. We are left to wonder: Is Jesus encouraging us to be cunning? Or is there a deeper lesson? The parable invites us to step beyond our rigid categories of right and wrong and to see the world—and ourselves—through the lens of grace. Life is rarely as simple as we wish; our world is filled with complexity, ambiguity, and situations where the “right” choice is not always clear.

Jesus’ words push us to examine our own lives and judgments. He challenges us to recognize that grace often appears in unexpected places, even in the actions of those we might otherwise condemn. The parable asks us to consider the motivations and circumstances behind people’s actions, to look beyond surface-level judgments, and to open ourselves to the possibility that God’s grace is at work in ways we do not expect.

In a world where we are quick to draw lines and make judgments, Jesus calls us to a field “beyond ideas of right-doing and wrong-doing.” It is in this field that we encounter grace—grace for ourselves, for our neighbors, and even for those we struggle to understand. By opening our hearts to grace, we begin to see others with new eyes, recognizing our shared humanity and our shared need for God’s mercy.

Key Takeaways

1. The parable of the dishonest manager disrupts our tendency to divide people and actions into simple categories of good and bad. Jesus invites us to sit with the discomfort of ambiguity, recognizing that life’s situations are often more complex than they appear at first glance. This discomfort can be a holy space where God teaches us humility and discernment. [09:47]
2. Grace is the thread that runs through the story, showing up in the actions of both the manager and the master. Even when motives are mixed or actions are questionable, grace can break through and transform relationships. We are called to look for grace not only in the obvious places but also in the messy, complicated realities of life. [14:30]
3. Jesus challenges us to examine our own judgments and the ways we draw lines between “us” and “them.” By stepping beyond our instinct to judge, we open ourselves to the possibility of seeing others as God sees them—worthy of compassion, understanding, and love. This shift in perspective is essential for living out the gospel in a divided world. [12:03]
4. The parable reminds us that our resources—whether material or relational—are not just for our own security, but are meant to be used in service of others. The manager’s shrewdness, while flawed, points to the importance of using what we have to build relationships and extend hospitality, especially to those in need. [07:23]
5. Ultimately, Jesus invites us to a field “beyond right-doing and wrong-doing,” where grace is the defining reality. In this space, we are freed from the burden of always having to be right, and instead are called to be present, open, and receptive to God’s ongoing work in us and through us. This is where true transformation and community are found. [15:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:33] - The Lectionary and Its Purpose
[03:04] - Introducing the Parable of the Dishonest Manager
[03:55] - Jesus’ Teachings on Wealth and Worry
[05:34] - The Economic Context of the Parable
[06:36] - The Manager’s Predicament
[07:23] - The Manager’s Shrewd Plan
[08:30] - The Master’s Surprising Commendation
[09:47] - The Challenge of Black-and-White Thinking
[10:33] - Jesus’ Puzzling Words on Shrewdness
[12:03] - Beyond Right and Wrong: Real-Life Scenarios
[13:08] - Grace in Unexpected Places
[14:30] - Living Out Grace Beyond Judgment
[15:30] - Seeing Our Neighbor with New Eyes
[16:00] - Time for Reflection and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 16:1-13 (ESV) — He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Observation Questions

What actions did the manager take after learning he was going to lose his job? What was his motivation? ([07:23])
How did the master respond to the manager’s actions, and what reason did he give for his response? ([08:30])
According to the parable, what does Jesus say about the “children of this age” compared to the “children of light”? ([10:33])
In the sermon, what examples were given to show how real-life situations can be more complicated than simply “right” or “wrong”? ([12:03])

Interpretation Questions

Why might Jesus choose to tell a story where the main character is both dishonest and shrewd? What does this reveal about the way Jesus wants us to think about people and situations? ([09:47])
The master commends the manager not for his dishonesty, but for his shrewdness. What is the difference, and why is this distinction important for understanding the parable? ([08:30])
The sermon mentions that grace can show up in “messy, complicated realities.” How does this parable challenge our usual ways of judging others or ourselves? ([14:30])
Jesus invites us to a field “beyond ideas of right-doing and wrong-doing.” What does it mean to live in this “field,” and how might it change the way we relate to others? ([15:30])

Application Questions

The sermon points out that we often divide people and actions into “good” and “bad” categories. Can you think of a recent situation where you made a quick judgment about someone? What would it look like to pause and consider their circumstances before deciding? ([09:47])
The parable suggests that our resources—money, time, relationships—are not just for our own security. Is there a way you could use what you have this week to help someone else, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable? ([07:23])
The manager’s actions were motivated by a desire for connection and future security. When have you acted out of self-preservation, and how might God be inviting you to act out of grace instead? ([07:23])
The sermon gives examples of people making difficult choices in desperate situations (like a parent taking bread or a migrant crossing a border). How do these examples affect the way you think about “right” and “wrong”? ([12:03])
Jesus calls us to see our neighbors with new eyes, recognizing our shared need for grace. Is there someone in your life you struggle to understand or forgive? What is one step you could take this week to see them as God sees them? ([15:30])
The sermon says that “grace often appears in unexpected places.” Where have you seen grace show up in your own life, especially in a situation that was messy or unclear? ([14:30])
The idea of living “beyond right-doing and wrong-doing” can feel uncomfortable. What fears or hesitations do you have about letting go of black-and-white thinking? How might God be inviting you to trust Him more in those gray areas? ([09:47])

Sermon Clips

And yet, I find myself wondering if this is the crux of the whole parable. Does Jesus want us to be confused? Does Jesus want us to stop and think and wonder and ask? Because that single line deprives us of the position that we so naturally take when reading the Gospels. [00:08:51] (31 seconds) #EmbraceTheConfusion

When we read the Gospels, when we read the parables, when we read scripture, we tend to identify with the good guys rather than the bad guys. They are easily distinguishable. We know who is good in the story. We know who is bad in the story. Just think of it. good Samaritan, for example, or the good father in the prodigal son. Think of the bad Pharisee, the bad farmer who built those bigger barns. So often it is black and white we know who is right or wrong, but today in our parable who do we identify with? [00:09:22] (43 seconds) #QuestionYourAllegiances

And we're pushed even further into this confusion and uncomfortable place when Jesus continues on in the second half of verse 8 and into verse 9, saying, for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes. I wonder if Jesus is challenging us to stop. because I think that Jesus wants us to look again at our own lives. [00:10:45] (46 seconds) #ShrewdnessOfThisAge

Our world is far from black and white. It is a place that is confusing and upside down and causes us so often to draw our lines in the sand without seeing the whole story or perhaps looking at it from one perspective only. [00:12:03] (18 seconds) #PerspectiveOverJudgment

Sometimes something that appears to be wrong might be possibly right when considered and taken from a different perspective or with a different context. A migrant who enters a country illegally but does so because they face death and persecution in their own land because of their faith, because they are gay, or perhaps because they helped British forces when we were in their country. A migrant who enters illegally because they have no other choice and are desperate. [00:12:37] (38 seconds) #CompassionInComplexity

What about a parent who takes a loaf of bread without paying? But coming home they have children who haven't eaten all day because their benefits haven't been paid in on time and they use the last of their money to heat their house for that night. I'm sure you can think of many different scenarios as well our world is confusing our world is upside down and so out beyond right doing and wrong doing what do we find? [00:13:15] (47 seconds) #GraceBeyondRightAndWrong

One thing we find is grace grace is in our story today it astonishes me that when the manager creates a plan to save himself he uses grace when the owner responds to the manager what does he do? he demonstrates grace there's even grace shown to us in our desire to keep reading the parable so through judgmental eyes. [00:14:02] (32 seconds) #OpenHeartsSeeNeighbors

``And so we need to learn to go out beyond our ideas of right doing and wrong doing and find that field where we can live out grace. Because it is there beyond right and wrong that Jesus invites us to stop and look again. [00:14:37] (22 seconds)

It is there in that field that he invites us to open ourselves up to the ever -ongoing work of grace in our lives today. He invites us to stop judging with our eyes and to open our hearts to grace. [00:14:58] (22 seconds)

And as we open our hearts to grace, it is there that we see our neighbor. It is there that we see our neighbor. our neighbor, with a new perspective. [00:15:18] (19 seconds)

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Transcript

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