Luke 19:11-27
[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. [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. '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 he has 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."
Jesus tells this story in part to manage the expectations of his followers, who are getting ahead of themselves and sense that a grand conclusion is imminent. He wants them to understand that a time is coming when they will need to be faithful and responsible in his absence, that the kingdom will come, but not quite yet.
This is a parable that speaks very directly to our situation. We are living in the in-between times, awaiting the second coming, while looking back to the first. The nobleman has been made king and will be returning to rule his country. He has given us responsibilities in his absence; as the servants were entrusted with significant capital to invest, so we have been gifted to build and expand his kingdom. Are we living in expectation of his return? Are we the kind of servants that he will be pleased with?
What gifts do we have that we can use to build the kingdom of God on earth? Are we pouring our energy, skills and talents into furthering his influence? Shall we resolve to get a good return on the "minas" we have been given?
