Knowing The Word in Luke 19:11-27

The Parable of the Ten Minas

19:11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16 The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ 19 And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25 And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”

Comments

Since 9:51, Luke has been describing a journey to Jerusalem. Now Jesus is within 17 miles, leading some to think that the climax was near, yet the climactic kingdom would be very different than the people imagined. Jesus’ parable was to help explain the truth to them. The nobleman, whom we can understand as Jesus, went to a faraway country, meaning he will not return soon, and that Jesus’ second coming would be delayed. “To receive for himself a kingdom” means the authority over the place he has left, namely Earth. Jesus came to Earth as a helpless baby and will return as a judging King.

A mina was worth 3 months wages for a laborer. Jesus, the nobleman, has left his workers a generous treasure to use while he is away. The hateful citizens foreshadow the opposition Jesus faced in Jerusalem. They did what they could to keep him from getting authority. People have for generations rebelled against all that Jesus stands for.

The reward for the faithful workers was more work. The last worker, motivated by fear, did nothing useful with his treasure. Instead, he hid it, not understanding the incredible gift given him by the nobleman. He could have at least put the money in the bank to earn interest. Now his words about his master being a severe man will condemn him. There is a principle in the Christian life that we are to use what we have been given. We do not stand still but use our gifts or lose them. The nobleman, having received his authority and settled his accounts with his servants, now deals with those who defied him when he went away in a very severe manner. Jesus will ultimately put every person to the test.

Application

The New Testament is clear that every Christian receives spiritual gifts from Jesus that we are to use. What gift has Jesus given you and how are you using it? If you do not know what your gift is, talk with someone about it. Do an online spiritual gifts assessment. Don’t sit on your gifts!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you have gifted me with (fill in your gifts here), and I give you thanks for them. Through your Spirit, assist me in using them day by day, that upon the day of your return I will be counted among the faithful workers.