The Parable of the King’s Servants

Luke 19:11–27
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Almost half of Americans report having less than $5,000 in savings and investments, and 1 out of 10 have nothing at all. Significantly, more than one-fourth of Americans did not save or invest any of their income in the past year. (Kevin Higgins - Sermon Central). … More

Investment

As Jesus draws near to Jerusalem it was expected that He will establish the kingdom immediately. So he tells this parable now to correct this mistaken idea. He wants them to know what they are to do while the king is gone and before he comes back. He did this through the parable of the pounds, which seems to represent professing believers during the church age. This parable of the pounds is teaching a different lesson than the parable of the talents in Matt. 25:14-30. Notice three facts:

The master has given us a job (vv. 11-13). - Jesus begins his story by stating that, “A certain nobleman (King) went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return (v. 13). So He called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said, “Occupy (Do business) till I come.” These ten minas were the equivalent of a little over three months’ wages.
The master will hold us accountable (vv. 14-15). - After some time the nobleman did return, and he required a personal accounting from each of his servants.
Our relationship to the master will be revealed by what we do or don’t do. There were some who hated him (vv. 14 & 27). There were those who served Him gladly (vv. 16-19). There were those who refused to use what had been given to them (vv. 20-23). The third servant put his mina away in a handkerchief and it was taken away from him (v. 21).

In this parable each person was given one pound, speaking of equal opportunity, whereas in the parable of the talents, each was given according to his ability. In the parable of the talents it is not how much ability you have, but how faithful you are to use what you have for the Lord. In the parable of the pounds each person has the same amount, which probably represents the message of the Gospel and we all have equal responsibility to share it.

Application

I want to take what Jesus has invested in me and use it completely for His honor and glory! I need to be as concerned about other peoples welfare as I am about my own.

Luke 19:11-27 (English Standard Version)

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