Faced with the sudden crisis of losing his job, a desperate manager made strategic present decisions based on future certainty. Jesus commended him – not for dishonesty, but for his shrewdness: sharp foresight, rigorous analysis and careful, practical planning. The parable shows that Jesus expects his disciples to do likewise, faithfully making the most of our resources now, with the certain future in mind. He concludes with a warning about money: make Jesus, not your finances, your master.