Knowing The Word in Luke 19:11-27, The Parable of the Ten Minas

Since 9:51, Luke has been describing a journey to Jerusalem. Now Jesus is within 17 miles, leading some to think that the climax was near, yet the climactic kingdom would be very different than people imagined. Jesus tells the Parable of the Nobleman to explain the truth to them. The nobleman, who we can understand as Jesus, goes to a far country, meaning he will not return soon and that Jesus’ second coming will be delayed. Jesus’ departure to the far country to receive a kingdom means he goes to receive authority over the place he has left. The nobleman gives ten workers a mina each to continue doing business in his absence. A mina is worth three months wages for a laborer. The hatred of the citizens foreshadows the opposition Jesus will face in Jerusalem. They did what they could to keep him from getting authority. When the nobleman returns we find that the workers’ reward is not retirement but more work. The one who did not work was motivated by fear. He says to the nobleman, “You make gain out of other people’s efforts.” He could have put the money to some use but did nothing. Now his words about his master will condemn him. There is a principle in the Christian life that we are to use what we have been given. We do not stand still but use our gifts or lose them. Having received his authority and settled his accounts with his servants, the nobleman now deals with those who defied him in a very severe manner.

11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16 The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ 19 And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ 20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ 24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ 25 And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ 26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Book of Common Prayer