Luke 19:12-27 is about a parable told by Jesus that conveys the importance of faithfulness and responsible stewardship of the gifts and opportunities that God has given us, emphasizing the consequences of choosing to neglect or misuse these blessings.
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.
19 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
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 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.’”
Setting the Scene for Luke 19:12-27
In Luke chapter 19, Jesus tells a parable to a crowd that had gathered around him as he was passing 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, all curious to hear what Jesus has to say.
As Jesus begins to speak, he tells a story about a nobleman who goes on a journey to receive a kingdom and then return. Before leaving, the nobleman entrusts his servants with a sum of money, instructing them to engage in business until he comes back. The nobleman’s subjects, however, send a delegation after him, expressing their disdain for his rule.
The parable unfolds with the nobleman rewarding his faithful servants upon his return and punishing those who did not invest the money wisely. Through this story, Jesus conveys the importance of using one’s talents and resources wisely in anticipation of his eventual return and the establishment of his kingdom. The scene is filled with tension and anticipation as the crowd contemplates the implications of the parable for their own lives.
What is Luke 19:12-27 about?
This verse from the Parable of the Ten Minas reminds us of the importance of stewardship and faithfulness in all aspects of our lives. Just like the servants in the parable were entrusted with different amounts of minas, we are all given different gifts and resources by the Lord. How we manage and use these gifts is crucial in determining our spiritual growth and impact on the world around us. We demonstrate our love for God and our commitment to His kingdom by being faithful stewards of what we have been given, whether it be time, talents, or material possessions. Our actions and decisions should reflect our gratitude for the blessings we have received and our willingness to use them for the greater good. We too can expect to be blessed and entrusted with greater responsibilities when we prove ourselves to be trustworthy and diligent in our stewardship, just as the faithful servants who multiplied their minas were rewarded.
On the other hand, if we neglect or misuse the gifts we have been given, we run the risk of facing loss and consequences. Unfaithfulness and complacency do not align with the call to be good stewards of God’s blessings. This verse serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder to examine our hearts and evaluate how we are managing the resources and opportunities that have been placed in our hands. Our Heavenly Father will not go unnoticed by us as we strive to be faithful stewards.
Understanding what Luke 19:12-27 really means
The Parable of the Ten Minas, as told by Jesus, is a poignant story that holds valuable lessons for believers. In this parable, a nobleman departs to receive a kingdom and entrusts his servants with minas to manage in his absence. The nobleman’s journey symbolizes Jesus’ ascension to heaven and His promised return, while the minas represent the resources and gifts God has given us to steward.
The command to “engage in business until I come” underscores the call for Christians to actively use their talents and resources for the advancement of God’s kingdom. It serves as a reminder that we are to be diligent and faithful in our service, knowing that we are accountable to God for how we utilize what He has entrusted to us. The promise of rewards for faithfulness, such as having authority over cities, highlights the principle of reaping greater responsibilities and blessings in God’s kingdom through faithful stewardship.
Similar to the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30, this parable emphasizes the importance of using our gifts wisely and faithfully. The biblical mandate for stewards to be found faithful in 1 Corinthians 4:2 further reinforces the concept of faithfulness in managing God’s resources. The imminent return of Jesus, as mentioned in Revelation 22:12, serves as a reminder of the accountability we have in using our time, talents, and resources for His glory.
In today’s context, the Parable of the Ten Minas challenges individuals to reflect on their stewardship of God-given resources. It prompts us to consider how we are utilizing our time, talents, and resources for the betterment of God’s kingdom and the impact our actions have in eternity. Just as the diligent employees in the anecdote were rewarded for their efforts, the parable encourages us to be proactive and responsible in our service to God, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded.
Ultimately, the Parable of the Ten Minas calls us to a life of faithfulness and stewardship. It urges us to actively engage in God’s work, wisely using our gifts and resources for His glory, and to be prepared for the return of Christ. By heeding these lessons and living faithfully, we can anticipate hearing the words, “Well done, good servant!” and receiving the rewards of our faithful service in God’s eternal kingdom.
What will you do with the resources given to you?
I will invest the resources that have been entrusted to me wisely and diligently, utilizing them to bring about growth and increase. I will demonstrate good stewardship and faithfulness by taking the initiative to multiply what I have been given. I understand that there is an expectation for me to produce results and not be idle or wasteful with the resources at hand.
Furthermore, I will strive to be productive and fruitful in all aspects of my life, whether it be in my work, relationships, or service to others. I will take heed of the consequences of neglecting the responsibilities I have been given and instead aim to be proactive and diligent in utilizing the resources and opportunities that come my way. I seek to honor the trust placed in me and ultimately bring glory to the one who has entrusted me with these resources by being a faithful steward and making the most of what I have.
Application
In our journey of faith, we are entrusted with unique gifts that are meant to be utilized for a greater purpose. Just as a dedicated employee brings their best skills to work or a loving parent cherishes time with their family, we are called to take action and make a difference with what we’ve been given. Let us not shy away from our talents, but rather, let us embrace them wholeheartedly and make a positive impact on our community and beyond. Are you ready to step up and be a faithful steward of your gifts today?
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.