Scripture to Read: Luke 19:11-14
There was a crowd, so Jesus taught another parable. God led Luke to write this in Luke 19:11–14, “While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. 12 So He said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return. 13 And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’ 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’” Jesus knew that many in the crowd expected Him to establish His Kingdom here on earth while He was there with them. But Jesus knew that He was going to Jerusalem to be rejected, crucified, raised, and then exalted. The nobleman represented Jesus. Jesus would eventually leave to receive full authority (Ephesians 1:20–22), pointing to His heavenly Kingdom. The phrase “and then return” points to Christ’s future return. This parable includes the period between Jesus’s first coming and His return as well as the certainty of His future reign and judgment. To “Do business” means to put the money to productive use. Spiritually, this refers to being faithful with all Christ has entrusted to His people. Every servant of the Lord is accountable to be a faithful servant and not passive. Those who “hated him” represent those who reject Jesus. They don’t want Him as King.
Challenge & Application
When you consider all our Lord has entrusted to you, the gospel; time & opportunities; spiritual gifts; material resources; positions of responsibility; and influence over others, how are you stewarding it all?
How can you grow in your stewardship?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!