Stewards: the good, the bad & the ugly Going Deeper “A steward is a ruler and servant, one who exists to please his master.” If a steward both rules and serves, what are the products, the consequences, the outcomes of such a complex role? Do we expect stewards to function in today’s world? Is stewardship still a relevant concept for today? If so, how is it, then, that the notion of stewardship (let alone service) has become so underused and misunderstood? Surely by holding so significant a position, a the role of a modern day steward is no less important than it was in the days of Biblical stewards, rulers and servants? In this series we will explore the notion of stewardship by looking closely at twelve different Biblical stewards. Drawing from both the Old and the New Testaments, we will probe the choices, unearth the consequences and track the impact of a range of ancient stewards, the good, the bad as well as the ugly. Once we learn to fully appreciate the twin nature of the steward – being both ruler and servant – we will see that the theme of duality runs deeply throughout. For, just as Jesus encouraged his disciples to receive the Holy Spirit before being sent out to spread His good news, so too must every steward today learn both to receive as well as to give. Writing in his book Basic Christianity, John Stott references the words of Jesus’ appointed chief steward, Peter, who wrote 1st Peter 2:21: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow in his steps.”

Stott underscores that this term ‘follow in his steps’ is a Greek construct used only once in the New Testament. Central to it is the notion of a pupil tracing exactly the teaching of their master. Students receive an example; then they follow in the teacher’s steps. While Peter was not always a shining example of following in his master’s footsteps, by the end he was deemed a good steward who pleased his master. If there was hope for him, could there be hope for us? Before we progress, perhaps it would be wise to pause and define our key term. In essence, today’s stewards have little functional difference than those in earlier times. An airline steward today is responsible for taking care of passengers en route to their destination. Is that really so very different from a biblical steward who was responsible to his master for the care of all the master’s possessions? Both have a degree of authority but neither are outright owners (or the ones in charge) of their possessions. In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus tells his disciples the Parable of the Talents. Three servants are given talents according to their abilities: the first servant gets five talents, the second servant two talents and the third, one. When called to account after a “long time” of their master being away, the first two servants have increased their holdings by 100%: five talents become ten; two become four. But it is in their words that we see the underscoring of Jesus’ definition of stewardship. Both of these first two stewards use the word “entrusted”. “Master, you entrusted me with five talents … Master, you entrusted me with two talents…” (20-22). It is more than telling that the third servant, the one who buried the talent given to him, does not use the word “entrusted” when he gives his accounting. The image embedded in this Greek word, “partheke” is not part of his understanding. “Entrusted” indicates a deposit, a watching over as a treasure. Jesus defines stewardship with the double use of this word here as a close, watchful ownership where there is real growth with deep trust. Our third steward buried his talent. He did not trust himself to use it. Our best example of a steward – to which we shall turn first of all – is Jesus Himself. Not only was Jesus God’s most precious treasure, but sharing the “good news” of Jesus’ life, death and saving resurrection is the task , or “talent”, which we have been given. This gospel has saved and made us pleasing to God, allowing us to serve as stewards. It is a model that Paul uses for himself and all Christian leaders, commissioning them in his writings. He describes his work as “stewardship” (oikonomian 1 Cor. 9:17) and he also calls elders and bishops overseers and “God’s steward” (oikonomon) Titus 1:7). This is every Christian’s work, to be His steward. While it is true that only belief in the work and person of Jesus saves, stewardship is a consequence of service born of love and gratitude to our Master for His own life and service. The Lord God did not give the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel and say, “Keep them, then I will deliver you out of slavery.” No. He delivered a people to freedom, then gave the commandments and said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Use them to love. Stewards serve out their love for their masters. This service doesn’t save, but it does define.

Yet, sometimes love fails. All the biblical stewards in our studies cover the range from good to bad and to the ugly. At times, some move along this range and back again. But let us start our first study with a good steward who stays. Read the full Stewards series online at www.stewardship.org.uk/stewards Stewardship PO Box 99, Loughton, Essex IG10 3QJ t 020 8502 5600 e: enquiries@stewardship.org.uk w: www.stewardship.org.uk Stewardship is the operating name of Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited, a registered charity no. 234714, and a company limited by guarantee no. 90305, registered in England © Copyright Stewardship 2013