And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't directly answer Peter's question about inheritance, but turns it back on him with a rhetorical question about a steward. This highlights that the true "portion" we manage isn't earthly wealth, but the spiritual provisions entrusted to us to distribute to others at the right time.
And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, Jesus had been teaching about guarding against greed, sparked by a man's request to settle an inheritance dispute. He now poses a question about a wise manager, setting up a parable to illustrate what it means to be ready for his master’s return. This imagery of a trustworthy steward, responsible for providing for the household, directly follows Jesus's earlier teachings about vigilance and prepares the disciples for the responsibilities they will have.
Jesus doesn't always give direct answers. Sometimes, He asks a question that makes us think deeply about our own role.
When Peter asks about rewards for those who have sacrificed everything, Jesus responds with a question about a faithful manager. This isn't just about Peter and the other disciples; it's a general principle for everyone who serves God.
The Steward's Role
The master of a household entrusts significant responsibility to a steward. This person isn't just a servant; they are given authority to manage the household and, crucially, to distribute food to everyone at the right time. This highlights the importance of timely care and provision.
Beyond Service to Management
This role is a step above simple service. It requires wisdom and faithfulness – the ability to discern needs and act with integrity. Jesus is setting a high bar for those He calls to manage His affairs.
What makes a manager truly valuable in the eyes of their master? It's a powerful combination of character traits.
Jesus highlights two essential qualities for this trusted role: faithfulness and wisdom.
Faithfulness: Doing Your Duty
Faithfulness is about being dependable, loyal, and committed to the tasks assigned. It means showing up, doing what you're supposed to do, and honoring the trust placed in you, even when no one is watching.
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Wisdom: Discerning and Acting
Wisdom, in this context, goes beyond just intelligence. It's about good judgment, discretion, and the ability to make right decisions. A wise manager knows when and how to provide, ensuring needs are met effectively and appropriately.
The Reward of Being Found So Doing
When the master returns, he looks for this specific combination. The blessing is for the servant who is found 'doing' these things – living out faithfulness and wisdom in their daily responsibilities.
God's trust in us today is a preview of the incredible authority He promises for tomorrow.
Jesus doesn't just stop at describing the role of a steward; He hints at the incredible rewards.
From Household to All He Has
The parable suggests a progression. The faithful steward, initially put in charge of the household, is ultimately made 'ruler over all that he hath.' This isn't just about managing food; it's about inheriting dominion and authority.
Degrees of Reward
Commentators suggest that while all faithful believers will share in God's blessings, there may be different levels of authority and responsibility in the life to come. Those who are exceptionally faithful and wise managers in this life can expect a greater recompense, potentially holding positions of leadership and governance in God's eternal kingdom.
A Glimpse of Heaven
This points to a future where our current service is foundational for our eternal reign with Christ. It transforms our understanding of stewardship from a mundane duty to a sacred training ground for future glory.
Understand the original words
pistos · Greek Adjective
One who is dependable, trustworthy, and loyal in fulfilling duties or maintaining faith. In Scripture, it describes those who remain steadfast in their commitment to God and His commands regardless of circumstances.
phronimos · Greek Adjective
The state of being characterized by prudence, sound judgment, and insight. It implies the ability to apply divine wisdom to practical living and decision-making in alignment with God's will.
oikonomos · Greek Noun
A steward or administrator who has been entrusted with the management of a household or affairs belonging to another. Theologically, it highlights the Christian responsibility to act as God's representative in managing His gifts and resources.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus teaches about faithfulness
Jesus is teaching his disciples and a crowd, responding to a request about inheritance. He uses parables and questions to teach about spiritual readiness and faithful stewardship, including the parable of the faithful and wise manager.
c. 40-50 AD
Paul's Epistles written
The Apostle Paul writes letters to early Christian communities, often using the imagery of stewards and household management to explain Christian conduct and responsibility.
c. 60-62 AD
Gospel of Luke written
Luke, a close companion of Paul, compiles his Gospel, including Jesus' teachings and parables, likely drawing on eyewitness testimony and existing accounts.
c. 62 AD
Paul's imprisonment
During his imprisonment, Paul continues to write letters, including those that may reflect the themes of stewardship and faithful service he learned during his ministry.
This passage directly parallels Luke 12:42, using the same imagery of a faithful steward being appointed over his master's household to provide food at the proper time, reinforcing the concept of responsible leadership.
1 Corinthians 4:2Paul echoes the core requirement for a steward as being found 'faithful,' highlighting that this quality is paramount in God's economy, just as Jesus emphasized in Luke 12:42.
1 Peter 5:2Peter's instruction to 'shepherd the flock of God' by feeding and caring for it directly reflects the steward's duty in Luke 12:42 to provide the 'portion of food' to the household at the right time.
Colossians 1:7This verse describes Epaphras as a 'faithful minister' serving Christ, illustrating the principle of faithfulness in service that Jesus is calling for in the parable of the wise steward.
1 Kings 3:9Solomon's prayer for a 'discerning heart' to govern God's people connects with Jesus' emphasis on the steward being not just faithful, but also 'wise' in his management and distribution.
jfbLuke 12:13-53: "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me."
Lu 12:13-53. Covetousness—Watchfulness—Superiority to Earthly Ties.13. Master, &c.—that is, "Great Preacher of righteousness, help; there is need of Thee in this rapacious world; here am I the victim of injustice, and that from my own brother, who withholds from me my rightful share of the inheritance that has fallen to us." In this most inopportune intrusion upon the sole…
jfbLuke 12:42: "And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?"
- Who then, &c.—answering the question indirectly by another question, from which they were left to gather what it would be:—To you certainly in the first instance, representing the "stewards" of the "household" I am about to collect, but generally to all "servants" in My house.faithful and wise—Fidelity is the first…
Jesus doesn't directly answer Peter's question about inheritance, but turns it back on him with a rhetorical question about a steward. This highlights that the true "portion" we manage isn't earthly wealth, but the spiritual provisions entrusted to us to distribute to others at the right time.
Just before this, Jesus had been teaching about guarding against greed, sparked by a man's request to settle an inheritance dispute. He now poses a question about a wise manager, setting up a parable to illustrate what it means to be ready for his master’s return. This imagery of a trustworthy steward, responsible for providing for the household, directly follows Jesus's earlier teachings about vigilance and prepares the disciples for the responsibilities they will have.
Just before this, Jesus had been teaching about guarding against greed, sparked by a man's request to settle an inheritance dispute. He now poses a question about a wise manager, setting up a parable to illustrate what it means to be ready for his master’s return. This imagery of a trustworthy steward, responsible for providing for the household, directly follows Jesus's earlier teachings about vigilance and prepares the disciples for the responsibilities they will have.
"And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?" — Jesus doesn't directly answer Peter's question about inheritance, but turns it back on him with a rhetorical question about a steward. This highlights that the true "portion" we manage isn't earthly…
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Last reviewed October 2026