The Parable of the Minas

Please take your Bibles, and find Luke 19:11.  I want to share a message with you this morning on the parable of the minas, and this parable is not about bait fish.

 

In our study of Luke’s Gospel, we have seen the story of the rich, young ruler.  We have seen the story of Blind Bartimaeus, and last Sunday, we saw the story of Zachaeus, the wee, little man.

 

The parable of the minas or pounds is unique to Luke.  However, it is similar to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25.

 

Remember, a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning or spiritual meaning.  Also, parables revealed mysteries to those who received Jesus, concealed realities to those who rejected Him, and fulfilled prophecies for both.

 

One last reminder regarding parables is to not press the parable in finding symbolism in every object or act.  That would lead to the Bible contradicting itself, which we know it never does.

 

 

1. The Parable

 

In verse 11, they heard these things.  They includes Jews and Gentiles.  They also included the crowd and Jesus’ disciples.

 

These things refers to the story of  Zacaheus. That story is told in verses 1-10, and was fresh in their minds.

 

Jesus was about to tell a parable as they continued on their journey to Jerusalem.  However, in telling this parable, He needed to correct a misunderstanding.

 

The crowd believed that the Messiah would establish His earthly kingdom in Jerusalem and through force militarily.  Therefore, they believed it was immanent since they believed that Jesus was the Messiah, and they were on their way to Jerusalem. 

 

Jesus needed to correct that.  It would happen, but not on their timeline.

 

BTW…In our study of Luke, we have seen multiple different definitions of the kingdom of God.  In this instance, it means His earthly kingdom. 

 

The parable begins in verse 12 with a certain nobleman.  He left his home and went into a far country to receive his kingdom, and he would eventually return.

 

While he was gone, he had work for his servants to do.  They were to invest this money which was three months’ of wages.

 

The NKJV uses the word mina.  The KJV uses the word pound.  Therefore, your Bible may say the parable of the minas or the parable of the pounds.

 

However, notice the mindset of the citizens in verse 14.  They hated this nobleman and didn’t want his ruling over them.

 

So, he left and returned in verse 15.  When he did, he called three of ten servants to him to give an account.  Keep in mind that he gave them all the same amount of money.

 

The first had a return of 10 minas.  The second had return of 5 minas, and they third didn’t invest the minas at all.

 

The nobleman was pleased with the first and second servant, and he rewarded their faithfulness. However, he was greatly displeased with the third and punished him along with the citizens who didn’t want him to rule over them and were his enemies.

 

 

1. The Participants or Parts

 

The nobleman is Jesus Christ.

 

The nobleman’s servants are followers of Jesus Christ.  However, the third seems to be a follower in name only. 

 

In verse 20, the third servant had unbelieving actions.  He didn’t do what his master said.

 

In verse 21, his unbelieving actions were fueled by his unbelieving attitude.  He didn’t like his master.

 

In verse 22, the third servant had an unbelieving alias.  His master called him a wicked servant.

 

This third servant was a servant in name only.  I think this was true of Judas. You might be able to fool those around you, but you can’t and won’ fool the Lord.

 

In verse 14, the citizens were the Jewish religious leaders.  They hated Jesus and didn’t believe He was the Messiah.

 

What do the minas or pounds symbolize?  I believe it is our faith that was once for all delivered to the saints, or  you might call it our relationship with Christ.

 

 

• The Point

 

First, like the nobleman, Jesus will go to distant land in heaven between His ascension and return.

 

Second, when He does return, it will be with His kingdom to establish on earth.

 

Third, while He is away, like the servants in the parable, the followers of Jesus are to be faithful in fulfilling their responsibilities.  I will come back to that in just a moment.

 

Fourth, when Jesus returns, He will reward the faithful who received Him and obeyed Him.

 

However, and fifthly, when Jesus returns, He will punish those who have reject Him by disobeying Him.

 

So, while Jesus is away, what is our responsibility?  Verse 13 says do business until I come.

 

What is our business?  What is the business of every Christian while He is gone?

 

1. Every Christian should read his or her bible daily to know God more and better through His word.
2. Every Christian should pray daily.
3. Every Christian should make disciples. That includes evangelizing, baptizing, and teaching.
4. Every Christian should be connected with a local church. The local church is God’s earthly picture of heaven.
5. Every Christian should serve that local church with his or her spiritual gifts, natural abilities, and financial resources.

 

Are you doing your business for the Lord while He is gone and until He returns?  I pray so.