LUKE 19: 11-27 [PARABLES IN LUKE]
THE ONCE & FUTURE KING
[Luke 16:10-12 / Luke 22:28-30]
What would Jesus have us doing while we live on earth? This final parable in Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem highlights the believer’s responsibility or stewardship during the interval between Jesus’ death and return. Jesus related this story to prepare His followers to understand what they were to be about after He died for mankind’s sin. His disciples were hoping He would set up an earthly kingdom. So Jesus tells this memorable story so His followers would know what they were to do between His departure and His second coming. He would go away for a while and His followers would need to be faithful and productive during His absence (CIT).
Because we live in that interim time period, this parable applies directly to us. [Each of us have been given resources with which to build and expand God’s kingdom.] Jesus expects us to use our talents, time, and gifts for His kingdom. If we use the gifts and opportunities God has blessed us with, they in turn will multiply as we use them and because we used them in kingdom service. [Remember the words Jesus’ just spoken in Luke 17:21, “Behold the Kingdom of God is within you.”]
The story indicates that the King will ask each of us to give an account for what we have done with His gifts when He returns. While waiting for the eternal kingdom of God to begin in glory we are called upon to do Christ’s work. Those who do will be rewarded for their effort. Not only will each be rewarded for their kingdom effort, there will apparently be degrees of reward according to one’s faithfulness also.
Let’s use the following outline to enhance our study:
I. KINGDOM ANTICIPATION, 19:11.
II. RECEIVING HIS KINGDOM, 19:12-14.
III. RETURNING AS KING, 15-21.
IV. REWARDING HIS SERVANTS, 22-27.
On the heels of Zacchaeus’ gift to the poor and returning what he gained dishonestly in demonstration of his true conversion, Jesus relays this stewardship of life parable. Jesus tells this kingdom parable while leaving Zacchaeus’ house in preparation for His arrival in Jerusalem. The purpose of the parable is given in verse 11. “While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.”
Jesus gave this parable because ... the people with Him thought He was going to instated the kingdom immediately. Because of the messianic expectations of Jesus’ day, His proximity to Jerusalem and the importance of His soon arrival there, these messianic expectation. So Jesus is correcting false notions of the nature and purpose of His’ Jerusalem trip. The parable also explains the reason for Jesus’ delay in setting up His Kingdom and helps prepare the disciple for what they should be doing with their life after His return to the Father. [It will also help to dispel some of the disappointment on the part of His followers.]
II. RECEIVING HIS KINGDOM, 19:12-14.
The story begins in verse 12 with a nobleman leaving in anticipation of being appointed king. “So He said, “A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return.”
The parable Jesus tells is a relevant one. [The historical backdrop is that Palestinian rulers such as Archelaus did go to Rome to receive power as king.] King Herod had just died and his son had journeyed to Rome to press his claims for the kingdom. Meantime, his subjects had sent delegations to Caesar saying, “This man is not acceptable as our king.” Jesus is using a contemporary event to veil the telling of His story. [Larson, Bruce. The Preacher's Commentary Series, Vol. 26: Luke. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1983, S. 285.]
Our nobleman went into a far country to receive his kingdom. The man of noble birth obviously represented Jesus. Because His followers thought the kingdom was to be set up immediately, Jesus wants to explain the reason for the delay in setting up His Kingdom. By saying the nobleman journeyed to a distant country Jesus is suggesting a time interval between the future king’s departure and return. Jesus indicates that He would have to leave them for an extended time before He returns as King to set up His kingdom.
Before leaving the future king in verse 13 entrusts his servants with gifts of which they were to be stewards. “And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’
Before leaving the prince “called 10 of his servants and gave them” each a expensive coin called a mina. A mina was approximately three months’ wages for a day laborer, so its value was considerable. [A mina in the Greco-Syrian monetary system was worth 100 drachmas, between 20 and 35 dollars.] They were to invest the money while he was gone.
In the days before Connecticut became a state, the colonial legislature was in session when a thick darkness blotted out the sunlight. The cry was heard, "It is the day of judgment! Let us go home and get ready!"
But one member of the legislature, an old church deacon, stood up and said, "Brethren, it may be the day of judgment-I do not know. The Lord may come. But when He does, I want Him to find me at my post, doing my duty up to the very last moment. Mr. Speaker, I move that candles be brought in and that we get on with the business of the colony."
The servants are here instructed to "Do business till I return." At His ascension (Lk. 24:49, 53), Jesus also "went into a far country" (v.12), and He could return at any moment. But until He does, our duty as His servants is to make the best use of our talents and our opportunities to serve Him. In view of our Savior's promise to return, let's keep developing our gifts of love, faith and hope "get on with His business!
In verse 14 his subjects sent a delegation to prevent the man of noble birth from reigning over them. “But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’
While the king is absent in an effort to secure his kingdom, his citizens oppose his sovereignty or rule. This group of His subjects, did not want him to be ... king. [Obviously this group represented the religious leaders in particular and the nation in general.] They “sent a delegation after him” presumably to the emperor or ruler who was bestowing the kingdom on the nobleman. We don’t want this man to rule over us,” said the citizenry. This was the very thing they would say a few days later of the Lord Himself (John 19:15). This voice of rebellion is still what the world says to its Creator and Sovereign. [According to the following verse, this delegation did not work.]
III. RETURNING AS KING, 15-21.
Having returned as king his servants are summon to ascertain what they had gain with their entrusted gifts in verse 15. “When he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that these slaves, to whom he had given the money, be called to him so that he might know what business they had done.
During the prince’s absence (between first and second coming) the servants were to multiply his holdings [for us this means spread the word]. Even though they were in a setting hostile to the nobleman, his servants still had responsibility to carry out his command. When the king returned, he called the servants in to find out what they had done with the money he had entrusted to them.
The first servant appears in verse 16 to report he had earn 10 more minas. “The first appeared, saying, ‘Master, your mina has made ten minas more.’
The first servant had used the money to be productive for the king. This one had gained another 10 minas.
In verse 17 the servant is commended and place in charge of 10 cities. “And he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’
The servant was commended by the king and given a reward commensurate with the amount of money earned. Notice Jesus says he was rewarded for his faithfulness not the for the success that came as a result of his faithfulness.
One stormy night an ELDERLY COUPLE entered the lobby of a small hotel and asked for a room. The clerk said they were filled, as were all the hotels in town. "But I can't send a fine couple like you out in the rain," he said. "Would you be willing to sleep in my room?" The couple hesitated, but the clerk insisted. The next morning when the man paid his bill, he said, "You're the kind of man who should be managing the best hotel in the United States. Someday I'll build you one." The clerk smiled politely.
Several years later the clerk received a letter from the elderly man, recalling that stormy night and asking him to come to New York. A round-trip ticket was enclosed. When the clerk arrived, his host took him to the corner of 5th Avenue and 34th Street, where stood a magnificent new building. "That," explained the man, "is the hotel I have built for you to manage." The man was William Waldorf Astor, and that hotel was the original Waldorf-Astoria. The young clerk, George C. Boldt, became its first manager.
Never downplay the importance of what you are doing for Jesus. He sees it all. The reward for diligent service in small things is the fulfillment that comes from being entrusted with greater service for our God and King, be it here or in heaven. [D.J.D. Our Daily Bread. Radio Bible Class.]
A second servant reported that he had added greatly to his gift in verse 18. “The second came, saying, ‘Your mina, master, has made five minas.’
God appoints us to places of service to develop the gifts and talents He has given us. There we are to develop our self by using our God-given opportunities, no matter how small they may seem. [If God wants to promote us, He'll do it in His own way and time.]
American botanist George Washington Carver (1864-1943) said that he once asked God to tell him about the universe. According to Carver, the Lord replied, "George, the universe is just too big for you to understand. Suppose you let Me take care of that."
Humbled, Carver asked, "Lord, how about a peanut?" The Lord said, "Now, George, that's something your own size. Go to work on it and I'll help you." When Carver was done studying the peanut, he had discovered more than 300 products that could be made with that tiny bit of God's world.
There is nothing wrong with thinking big and wanting to do something important. But as Christians, we should bring all our goals and plans to the Lord in prayer, asking for His will to be done through us. And we must be willing to start at the bottom, with little things, if that is His plan for us.
In God's kingdom, promotions to greater usefulness go to those who are faithful in little things-to those who are willing to start with “peanuts.” [D.J.D. Our Daily Bread. Radio Bible Class.] It's a big thing to do a little thing well for God.
In verse 19 the servant is commended and place in charge of 5 cities. “And he said to him also, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’
Again the reward is commensurate with the amount of money earned.
In verse 20 a third servant reported he had hid his gift and then in verse 21 tries to justify his hiding of his master’s gift. “Another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I kept put away in a handkerchief; [21] for I was afraid of you, because you are an exacting man; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.’
[Of the ten, only three report: the first, second and “another,” because interest can be sustained only so long.] The unfaithful servant stood nervously before his master and confessed in effect, "Lord, I didn't do anything." Modern Christians often tend to measure fidelity by what they do not do. "A good Christian doesn't drink, cuss, steal, or get into mischief.") And, of course, there's some validity in that point of view. But faithful discipleship is more, so much more, than that.
When you pray, ask the Lord to help you stay on guard against the unfaithfulness of non-involvement. Ask Him to enable you to be involved in kingdom service.
IV. REWARDING HIS SERVANTS, 22-27.
In verses 22-24 the newly crowned king demands the gift be taken from the unfaithful steward and given to the most faithful one. Verse 22 indicates that the king took the fearful servant’s words at face value. “He said to him, ‘By your own words I will judge you, you worthless slave. Did you know that I am an exacting man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow?
The slave is judged for his noncompliance with the master’s command in verse 13. He had already decided what he wanted to do with his life and didn’t really listen to the instruction of his master.
A story is told about President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a remarkable and charismatic man who sometimes wearied of those long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said. One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who passed down the line and shook his hand he murmured, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” The guests responded with phrases like: “Marvelous! Keep up the good work.” “We are proud of you.” “God bless you, sir.” It was not until the end of the line, while greeting the ambassador from Bolivia, that his words were actually heard. The ambassador leaned over and whispered, “I’m sure she had it coming.” I suggest that most of us are like the other guests. We think we know what’s going to be said, so we really don’t bother to listen. [Larson, S. 283.]
The servant who hid his original pound displeased his master to such an extent that his one pound was taken away. Jesus seems to be saying that there are only two classes of people—the fruitful and the unfruitful. The fruitful are alive and reproducing. It is a powerful injunction that we are to leave more behind than we found. If we don’t, we have missed the message. [Larson, S. 286.]
Jesus went away but will return in power. Some disciples are good stewards, some are not because of fearfulness or laziness or they simply choose not to hear what Jesus was teaching.
In verse 23 the fearful one is told he should have made some gain through bankers. ‘Then why did you not put my money in the bank, and having come, I would have collected it with interest?’
Even if he were right in his defense then he should have at least banked the money, then the king would have received his money back with interest. [To me “in the bank” is at least praying, attending church and giving some acknowledge to Jesus and His cause with your life. There at least your life draws some interest, instead of losing all of it.]
The implication was that the servant did not really expect the king to come back. He was not concerned about the king’s return so he did not bother with the king’s business. His lack of action could indicate that this servant belonged to the group of people who did not want the king to reign over them (v. 14).
Verse 24 pronounces the judgment and the loss that occurs. “Then he said to the bystanders, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’
His money was taken away and given to the one who had done the most for the king.
Some in verse 25 thought this loss unfair. “And they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas already.’
Why take away what little this one has and give it to one who has already received a great reward?
Verse 26 summaries the parable in proverbial form. “I tell you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.
The exaggerated rewards highlight the fact that following Jesus is a risk calling for courage, but it will be amply rewarded. The fearful lose out and the opponents suffer death.
The one who is faithful in investing his life, be it time, tithe, or evangelizing will be given great reward. The one who is semi-faithful will be well rewarded. The one who is faithless will lose his reward altogether. Although everyone will be elated in heaven, those who are presently faithful will be challenged and excited. They will grow and develop. On the other hand, those who didn’t invest their time, talents, or finances in heaven will walk the streets of gold wishing they had been given responsibility in the kingdom. [Courson, S. 393.]
In verse 27 the king gives the command that those who did not want to surrender to him as their lord be slain. “But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.”
In sharp contrast with the two rewarded servants who had expected the king’s return, the enemies of the king were put to death in the king’s presence. The analogy of this parable was clear to Jesus’ hearers. Jesus was going away to receive a kingship. When He returned, He would establish His kingdom. Until that time His followers were to fulfill the responsibilities He gave them. On His return He would reward the faithful commensurate with their service to Him, and His enemies would be judged before Him. [Walvoord, John & Zuck, Roy. The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983, S. 253.]
Verse 28 portrays Jesus as out in front of the crowd, going to Jerusalem where he would suffer and die for the subjects of His kingdom. [ Jerusalem is named, with all that it implied, at the beginning and ending of this parable (vv. 11, 28) and this entire section (9:51; 19:28).]
IN CLOSING.
The kingdom of God has not yet been actuated [inaugurated] on earth for Jesus is away in a distant land called heaven. The King will return one day. This parable explains why Jesus’ has delayed setting up His Kingdom. Jesus though will return one day and establish the kingdom of God. In the mean time Jesus’ rightful rule is being rejected by His own subjects. When King Jesus does return He will not only call His own servants into account, He will also condemn those who have rejected His Lordship. [Evans, Craig. New International Com. Luke. 1995. Hendrickson Publishers. Peabody, Mass. p. 285.]
Whether you are an atheist, a skeptic, or one who practices any brand of non-Christian religion doesn’t change the reality of Jesus’ sovereignty. Jesus informs us through this parable that right now we are free to debate and argue, but when the final curtain is closed, He is Lord!” [Larson, S. 285]
As Christians, we believe that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords and that in the last days Our Lord and King will return to inaugurate His kingdom. When Jesus returns to assume His rightful place He will assess His servants use of the gifts, talents, time and opportunities He has given them. His faithful servants will be rewarded and given positions of authority in the Kingdom of God (Luke 22:28-30). As stewards of our own lives, are we increasing in Christ-likeness? Are we serving Christ as members of His body the church in an effort to reach others for His kingdom? If we are fruitful, we will be more tomorrow than we are today. May our aim be to hear those words of commendation from verse 17, “Well done, good servant.”
[Father, in all the things of life, in both the little and great, help me to be faithful to Your calling.]
