The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-11-03
Sunday School
Lesson
for
November 4.

lNTRODUCTIoN.-Many expositors have found
much difficulty in attempting to interpret the
Scripture appointed for today's lesson. Some OF
them, Cajctan for example, have declared that
the sense was obscure and have abandoned all
hope Of solution These scholars fell into one
serious mstake-thcy supposed that the parable
was related by Jesus to set forth something in
the steward which He desired to commend to
His disciples. Whereas, His object was just the
reverse-to exhibit course of life from which
He would deliver them. The passage must be
divided into two parts. The first part, Verses
TO 9, the parable, exhibits man who is un.
faithful to his employer The second part,
Verses to Is, contains the practical advice or
instruction Of Jesus, suggested by the parable.
designed to secure faithfulness in business on
the part Of His followers. The concrete mega.
tive is followed by the abstract positive. The
two taken together make an admirable address
OH Christian mans obligation to he upright In
all secular matters. Probably the subject Is
treated here more completely than in any other
portion Of Gods word.
DISMISSED Werses I and 2).-The steward Of
q rich man was summarly discharged for dis
honesty. Evidently he had been greatly trust.
ed. As was customary in eastern countries he
without direction Of his lord (Gen. xii: 40). So
great was the confidence imposed that no super
vision was exercised, and 1t was a long time
before his wrong doing became known. He had
taken advantage Of his opportunity and used the
property Of his employer in q prodigal way, 20
that the attention Of the servants and friends
was attracted It may be assumed that they
would not hastily expose the conduct, but at
last prompted by meddlssome spirit, by malice
or by sincere love for justice. they made
known what to them was o cause Of scandal.
The proprietor called his faithless employee,
openly accused him Of his fault. required set.
tlsment Of affairs. and announced his dismissal
from service. The guilty man had been over.
taken and punished (Num. xxxii; 23), Sin al
ways brings man to grief prov. xi: sD.
RESOLVED (veuss and D.-out OF position.
deprived Of all means Of support how shall the
steward obtain LIVELIHOOD The question was
involved In much difficulty because OF his career.
mans record 10 Q large part OF his capital.
He knew that no one would trust him in place
requiring honesty, and he was aware, that be.
cause OF his former mode OF life he was un-
able to engage as q common laborer. where
left. that Of begging, was not entertained for .
mcment-he was ashamed to descend to that dc.
graded station. lie does not appear to have
considered the act Of stealing--he was in no
danger Of bsceming.a criminal But after some
reflection he resolved upon his course. He
would make friends OF the neighbors round
about. those who had business relations with
his old master, SO that their Ympsthies would
be with him and not with their creditor. In
this way he would be able to enter into their
homes and abide for time at least This was
extremity.
DEFRAUDED (versss s to z).-But how shsll
the steward make friends with the old dsbtossi