Art in Religion: The Shrewd Manager
This is a tough parable. Even the theologians have a difficult time explaining it. It leaves me wondering if there is something missing to modern ears that might have seemed obvious to the disciples and early Christians. It almost seems as if Jesus is condoning dishonesty.
Having read a number of explanations from people more learned than I, I’ve concluded that it boils down to attitude or perhaps passion. The Shrewd Manager was willing to do whatever he needed to do to protect his relationships. His methods left no one further hurt and generally everyone was happy. He was thinking of himself and his future. Maybe that’s what the disciples needed to hear—that they need to think about the future.
Here is some art that might help us think about this confusing parable.
In most case there are three parts to each painting. The rich man, the shrewd manager and the people who are usually depicted as happily going about their business with their burden in life lessened.
The first painting is from the Coptic tradition of North Africa. “What?” the shrewd merchant is saying. “You want a written report?”
Here we see the interaction of the boss and the manager only.
Next is an etching that also focuses on just the two key players. That guy in the middle is the snitch—the fellow who reported the shrewd manager. I wonder if he was a really good friend of the rich man or if he expected a reward!
But notice the shrewd manager here. He stands before the rich man in humility.
The next depiction tells the whole story. Pay attention to all the interaction of the characters. There’s real drama here!
Here is a similar drawing.
We’ll close with a painting by Marinus van Reymerswaele from 1540 back when “witch hats” were fashionable all year round. Once again you have all three elements. The happy debtors. The satisfied merchant and the shrewd manager who is still trying to explain himself even after the rich man has commended him. “It’s all right,” the rich man is saying. “I’ve got most of my money back. The people think well of me. They really like you. Go on your way and be happy. I won’t worry about you. You’ll be fine.”
