The parable of the unjust steward teaches responsibility before God.
In Luke 16:1–13, Jesus does not approve of dishonesty, but shows that God's children should think just as seriously about eternity as worldly people think about their earthly future.
Your request does not specify exactly which verses are needed "according to the Kulakov translation," but from the provided answer it is clear that the passage in question is Luke 16:1–13. Therefore, let us consider this passage by its meaning in Ukrainian rendering, taking into account the biblical and Adventist understanding. For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this parable is especially important because it touches on the theme of managing God's gifts, judgment, faithfulness in little things, and the proper attitude toward material blessings.
1. We are not owners, but stewards of God's gifts
The parable begins with the image of a rich master and a steward who was wasting someone else's property. This immediately leads us to a spiritual principle: a person is not the absolute master of his life. God entrusts us with time, health, money, abilities, family, and opportunities for service. All this is given for a certain time, and an account will be required for everything.
"So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 14:12
Adventist theology emphasizes that stewardship is not only a matter of tithe or offerings. It is a way of life for a faithful person. Ellen White repeatedly wrote that everything a person possesses belongs to God, and we are only stewards of His blessings. That is why the parable has not only an economic meaning, but a deeply spiritual one.
2. The day of accounting will surely come
In the second step of the story, the master tells the steward to give an account, because he can no longer manage. This reminds us of a serious biblical truth: human life is not without oversight. The moment comes when God evaluates a person's faithfulness.
“And just as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” Heb. 9:27
For Adventists, this topic is directly connected with the heavenly judgment and responsibility before God in the last days. But it is important to see this: Jesus is not frightening people here, but calling them to awaken. If we know that giving an account is inevitable, then we must live wisely already now. We cannot endlessly postpone repentance, faithfulness, and dedication.
The steward in the parable understands that his situation is changing. Although he is not a moral example, he at least begins to think ahead. It is precisely this element of foresight that Christ uses for instruction.
3. Christ does not praise deceit, but emphasizes foresight
The most difficult part of the parable is that the master seems to praise the steward for his shrewdness. However, Jesus is not saying that fraud is good. He shows a contrast: “the sons of this age” often prove wiser in their affairs than “the sons of light” in matters of eternity.
“So the master commended the unjust steward because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.” Luke 16:8
The meaning here is this: if people are able to build their temporary future with all seriousness, how much more should believers care about the eternal. Often secular people are more disciplined in their earthly plans than Christians are in prayer, service, Bible study, and preparation for the Kingdom of God.
This is very relevant for our time. We easily spend our energy on career, daily life, and accumulation, but do not always take character, mission, and salvation just as seriously. The parable exposes precisely this spiritual shortsightedness.
4. Material resources must be used for good and for an eternal purpose
Next, Jesus draws a practical conclusion regarding “unrighteous mammon.” This refers to earthly resources, which are themselves temporary and often connected with an unjust world. But even these means can be used for good: to support the needy, spread the gospel, serve people, and show mercy.
“And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.” Luke 16:9
Jesus is not teaching us to “buy” salvation. Salvation is given only by grace through faith. But true faith always shows itself in how a person uses his or her resources. Our money, time, and abilities can become instruments of blessing for others and evidence of whom our heart belongs to.
“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10
In God's eyes, the “small” things are very important. Faithfulness in everyday little things is proof of readiness for greater spiritual trusts. Therefore, Christian faithfulness begins not with great heroic deeds, but with honesty, integrity, thrift, generosity, and responsible living.
5. It is impossible to serve both God and mammon
The climax of the passage contains one of Christ’s strongest statements about the priorities of the heart.
“No servant can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon.” Luke 16:13
Mammon is not simply money. It is the power of material things over the human heart. The problem is not in the resources themselves, but in worshiping them. If wealth determines our decisions, security, identity, and hope, then it becomes an idol.
The Adventist end-time message calls for complete faithfulness to God. In a world ruled by consumerism, selfishness, and the pursuit of gain, the faithful Christian is called to live differently. His heart belongs to Christ, and therefore material things occupy their proper, subordinate place.
Conclusion.
The parable of the unjust steward does not justify sin, but teaches spiritual wisdom. We are stewards of God’s gifts. The day of accounting is drawing near. Earthly resources should be used for good, mission, and preparation for eternity. And most importantly, the heart cannot belong to both God and mammon at the same time.
The practical application is very simple: review this week how you use your time, money, strength, and talents. Ask yourself: does my way of life help God’s work? Can it be seen in my decisions that I am preparing not only for tomorrow, but also for eternity? Pray that the Lord will make you a faithful steward in little and in much.
