“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. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.[a] ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ 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. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 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? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ 24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ 26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’” Luke 19.11-27
At first glance, this passage is not only difficult to understand but rather harsh as well. The master, soon to be king, is leaving to be anointed, but those left behind do not want him to be king. Regardless, he gives them each a deposit of wealth that he wants them to invest. Upon his return only two have done well, and the others ignored his instructions to invest. The result is death to those who did not want him to be king.
The Asbury Bible Commentary suggests this is a glimpse of the life of Jesus as Messiah—present and returning King of Israel. His departure from this world will result in his return, but those he left behind, the Jews—God’s chosen people—either failed to obey his commands or rejected him completely as Messiah. This is, to some, an allegory of what has happened and what will happen to those who choose or reject Christ as Savior.
For those who invest, this is the good news: they will be given more. Their physical and spiritual blessings will be multiplied many times over. I’m thinking of the faithfulness of Billy Graham, a simple preacher from North Carolina who was used to take the gospel to hundreds of millions. He who was trusted with a little at the beginning was blessed a hundredfold by his faithfulness to the Lord.
Now, we can’t all be Billy Grahams! Nor are we called to be someone we are not. However, we are all given a sphere of people to encourage, to love, to engage, and to help grow spiritually in the Kingdom of God. Our influence is fueled and filled by God’s Spirit. His Kingdom is both a present and future reality. We ought to live in a way that multiplies the gifts and resources the Lord has given us.
So where does it all begin? First, surrender your life to Jesus. Begin to live for Him and walk with Him. Second, know that everything He has given you is a gift to be used to glorify God and bless others. Third, celebrate the life you have been given. We know this life on earth is short, but the Kingdom of Heaven exists for all eternity.
Live not only for what you see and know today, but for what is coming. Draw near to God. Respond to His word of grace and say yes to His gift of salvation.
“O Lord God, You are faithful and loving. Even when my love fails, Your love remains steadfast. Come now, Holy Spirit, and fill me with Your grace. Help me walk according to Your ways and give thanks for this life You have given. I trust You, Lord, and praise Your holy name. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen