And to whomsoever much
is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit
much, of him will they ask the more.--Luke 12:41-48.
The preceding verses (v. 35-40) dealt with the faithfulness of the rank
and file; this parable deals with the responsibility of official position
and sketches the alternative of selfish and serviceable leadership. The
head steward had charge of a great estate, directing the labor of workmen
and maids, dealing out supplies, and controlling the welfare and happiness
of all. The absence of the master made his authority for the time
absolute. Would he use it for the good of all? If so, wider scope and
higher honor would come to him. Or would he become intoxicated with power,
take things easy, boss his fellow-servants around, and become a petty
tyrant? If so, he would get what was coming to him. Every man's duty is
measured by his knowledge and by his power. If, therefore, a man rises to
leadership, and finds his elbow-room enlarging, let him stiffen his sense
of duty to correspond, or there will be trouble. Degeneration by power is
written all over history.
The functions of a head steward belong to the age of great landowners. How
would you modernize this parable to express the same ideas?
Second Day: Preparing for the Use of Power
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty
nights, he afterward hungered. And the tempter came and said unto
him, If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become
bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth
of God. Then the devil taketh him into the holy city; and he set
him on the pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou art
the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written,
He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and,
On their hands they shall bear thee up,
Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Jesus said unto him, Again it is written, Thou shalt not make
trial of the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him unto an
exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the
world, and the glory of them; and he said unto him, All these
things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee
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