”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 19.11-26
As I read about the story of the parable of the ten minas (a mina is about 3 months wages), my initial thoughts is that this is a parable about investing wisely. The future king gives his ten servants each one mina for them to invest while he is away. As we find out, only two of the ten invested wisely. One who was given ten, made ten more. Another who was given five, made five more. But the servant who was given one, hid it away, was afraid of losing the masters money, and thus did nothing with it. The master rewards those who invested well and punishes (by death) those who not only invested poorly but did not want him to be king.
It’s a rather harsh and hard parable by Jesus. People with much greater knowledge than me have examined this in depth and given great interpretations. But for me, I think it’s less now about investing and much more about about obedience and allegiance. Although none of the servants loved their master, at least two were obedient in taking his money and making it work for itself. The one servant who hid the investment like a coward, was called out for being so. The master of the story is more concerned about obedience than reward.
Jesus is nearing Jerusalem and he knows not everyone there wants to make him king. Is he the king he referred to in the story? Luke tells us in v.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.“ Why would he tell this parable here and now? Because people thought the Kingdom would appear at once? Jesus knew he was moving into unpopular territory. Many would follow him and believe but many others (like the servants in the story) would dislike, even hate him.
I believe the point of the parable to be this — God is moving in as King. Jesus is the coming Messiah, and even though many will not want to follow, it still doesn’t change the fact that he is God. He is the Christ and even those who do not
According to the NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible Commentary: “This parable provides a transition to the topic of Jesus’ coming rejection in Jerusalem. Though Jesus is about to enter Jerusalem, this does not mean the consummation of the kingdom is about to occur (v. 11). Furthermore, Jesus’ rejection and crucifixion are not a denial of the inauguration of his kingdom (nor a denial of final judgment); they are the very means by which his saving rule is established. This passage indicates an interim period between Jesus’ resurrection and his return is assumed in which faithful service is encouraged .”
Jesus is our king. Whenever his kingdom is fully realized, on earth as it is in heaven, we will be ready and waiting, serving and investing, making the most out of our calling and his command to make disciples of all nations.
As I write this I am a part of a new exciting initiative in which we are building a ministry to disciple and mentor pastors for God’s church. It’s not easy. The plowing of the ground is difficult. Sometimes it’s rocky and sometimes it rough. But in the end, God is the one who brings the harvest, we are simply called to place our hands to the plow.
Will you walk in obedience with King Jesus? Will you welcome in his kingdom, await his arrive and receive him into your heart this hour?
”O Lord Jesus, you are good. I praise you for loving me, calling me, using me for your glory. Even though the path forward is not easy, you are faithful and you are good. Even when I doubt or stumble, you remain steadfast. Come now, Lord Jesus, return to save us. Return to reconcile this world and make us one with you. I praise you Lord this day. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen