The Parable of the Ten Minas, Luke 19:10-27
Jesus tells a very familiar story that his listeners would easily understand. It may not be the same today, but it was in his time. Jesus speaks of everyday life that most Judeans would know, like, farming, business, kingdoms, kings, servants, and severe punishment. Here’s Jesus’ story conveying rewards as a strong motivation to serve.
1. The key to understanding the story.
“10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
Jesus made it plain and simple to understand.
He did not come to overthrow any government.
He came to provide salvation.
2. The reason for the parable.
“11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.” Luke 19:11
To correct the wrong notion that the physical kingdom of God will appear once He enters Jerusalem.
He sat on a donkey, not just to portray humility, but to quell that wrong notion of being the political king of Israel.
Verse 41 says, Jesus prophesied that Jerusalem will be destroyed by the Roman army which happened in 70 A.D.
3. The Nobleman who became King.
“12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home.” Luke 19:12-15.
Jesus is the nobleman who went to a distant country to be appointed as king.
Return – refers to future second coming of Jesus bringing with Him God’s physical kingdom.
The subject who sent a delegation were rejecters of Jesus.
He has absolute sovereignty over His land and His people.
4. The faithful servants.
“13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ “15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.” Luke 19:13, 15.
Servants – doulos in Greek. Doesn’t necessarily mean a slave as we define it today, but it could be an employee.
John 15:16, “16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
Jesus has sovereignty to choose who will serve in God’s kingdom.
Having been called, the servants were made fit for the service. (Ask in my name).
The servants are expected to be faithful in their calling regardless of the size of resources and responsibility.
5. The unfaithful servant.
“20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?”
He knew the king but did not have a deeper relationship with him.
Didn’t care about the king’s investment.
Did not even bother to secure the minas, placed it in a piece of cloth.
Could be the people who knew God’s existence but has no relationship with Him.
There is a severe consequence of rejecting the King’s gracious offer to be part of His kingdom.