Luke 19:11 is about Jesus telling a parable to illustrate that believers are called to actively use the resources and abilities given to them by God in anticipation of His return and the coming Kingdom.
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.
Setting the Scene for Luke 19:11
In Luke chapter 19, Jesus tells a parable to a crowd of people who had gathered to see him as he passed through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. The scene is set on a dusty road lined with onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of the renowned teacher and healer. Among the crowd are tax collectors, sinners, Pharisees, and disciples, each with their own motives and expectations.
As Jesus walks through the bustling streets, a man named Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector and wealthy but despised member of the community, climbs a sycamore-fig tree to get a better view of Jesus. Zacchaeus, curious about the commotion surrounding Jesus, had heard of his teachings and miracles and was eager to see him for himself. Little did he know that this encounter would change his life forever.
The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and curiosity as Jesus approaches the tree where Zacchaeus is perched. The crowd murmurs in disapproval that Jesus would choose to associate with a sinner like Zacchaeus. However, Jesus surprises everyone by calling out to Zacchaeus by name and inviting himself to his home. This unexpected gesture of grace and acceptance leaves Zacchaeus transformed, prompting him to repent and make amends for his past wrongdoings.
What is Luke 19:11 about?
Jesus uses the story of a nobleman going on a journey in this parable to teach his followers about the importance of stewardship and faithfulness. He gives each of his ten servants one mina, a unit of currency, and instructs them to engage in business until he returns. Upon his return, he calls his servants to see how they have managed the minas. The faithful servants who have multiplied their minas are praised and rewarded with authority over cities, while the one who fearfully hoarded his mina is rebuked.
This parable teaches us about the expectations of stewardship in God’s kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of using the talents and resources we are given to further the kingdom and bring glory to God. Like the servants in the parable, we are called to actively engage in fruitful and faithful stewardship of what God has entrusted to us, whether it be our time, talents, or resources. The parable reminds us that being faithful with the little things will lead to greater responsibilities and rewards in God’s kingdom.
So, reflect on how you are stewarding the blessings and gifts God has given you. Are you actively using them to spread His love and further His kingdom, or are you holding back out of fear or complacency? Faithful stewardship leads to rewards in God’s kingdom, where we are entrusted with even greater responsibilities to bring glory to Him.
Understanding what Luke 19:11 really means
The Parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19:11 serves as a crucial lesson from Jesus to correct misconceptions about the immediate establishment of God’s kingdom. As Jesus nears Jerusalem, the anticipation among the people is palpable, with many expecting the kingdom of God to manifest instantly. However, Jesus, in His wisdom, goes on to tell them a parable, a story with a deeper spiritual truth woven within its narrative. This method of teaching through parables allows Jesus to convey profound lessons in a relatable and understandable manner.
The phrase “Because he was near Jerusalem” holds significant symbolism, indicating the proximity to the climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the fulfillment of prophecies. It underscores the pivotal moment in Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem, where His ultimate sacrifice and victory over sin and death would take place. The people’s misconception that the kingdom of God would appear immediately reflects a common expectation of an earthly kingdom, which Jesus seeks to correct through His teachings and parables.
In Acts 1:6-7, the disciples inquire about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, to which Jesus responds that the timing is not for them to know. This passage echoes the theme of God’s sovereignty over the timing of His kingdom’s fulfillment. Similarly, in Matthew 24:36, Jesus emphasizes the unknown timing of His return, emphasizing the need for readiness and faithfulness. Romans 14:17, as explained by Paul, sheds light on the true nature of the kingdom of God, emphasizing righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit over mere external manifestations.
The relevance of this verse to people today is profound, as many still grapple with the desire for immediate solutions or visible signs of God’s kingdom in their lives. The lesson of patience and trust in God’s timing is a timeless one, reminding us that the kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Just as a gardener must patiently nurture seeds to see a garden bloom, we are called to trust in God’s timing and continue to cultivate our faith, even when immediate results are not apparent.
Reflecting on areas in our lives where impatience clouds our trust in God’s timing can lead to personal growth and spiritual maturity. By engaging in practices that help us experience the reality of God’s kingdom in the present, such as prayer, service, and community involvement, we align our expectations with God’s plan. Through understanding the deeper meanings of this verse and related passages, we can find peace in knowing that God’s timing is perfect, and His kingdom unfolds according to His divine will.
What will we do with the resources entrusted to us?
We are called to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We are entrusted with various resources, whether they be financial, time, talents, or influence, just as the nobleman in the parable in Luke 19 entrusted his servants with a certain amount of money to manage while he was away. Our responsibility is to wisely invest and utilize these resources, bearing fruit and making a positive impact in the world. We, as followers of Christ, are expected to be faithful and diligent in using the resources given to us for the Kingdom of God. We are called to be good stewards, not only for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. Our actions and decisions should reflect our understanding of the value and purpose of these resources, and we should seek to use them in ways that align with God’s will and bring glory to Him. We will ultimately be held accountable for how we have managed the resources entrusted to us. We too will have to answer for how we have used our time, talents, and treasures, just as the servants in the parable were called to give an account of their stewardship. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, investing wisely and generously in the things that matter to God and contributing to the growth of His Kingdom.
Application
Think of your talents as tools in a toolbox. God has given you everything you need to build something incredible. Are you using these tools to craft a legacy, or are they collecting dust? Every day is a chance to make an impact in your workplace, in your family, and in your community. Don’t let your gifts go to waste. Will you step up and make the most of what you’ve been given?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.