The Parable of the ten minas. Luke 19:11-27
In the parable of the ten minas in the gospel of Luke, we read about a man of noble birth who goes to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. Since he will be gone, he calls ten of his servants and gives them each one mina (about 3 months wages) and tells them to put this money to work until he comes back. When the king returns home, he sends for his servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find what they have gained with it.
The first servant showed that his mina had earned ten more. The king was pleased, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant!…Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities” (verse 17).
The next servant’s investment had yielded five additional minas, and the servant was rewarded with charge of five cities (verses 18-19).
Then came a servant who reported that he had done nothing with his mina except hide it in a cloth (Luke 19:20). The king commanded that his mina be given to the one who had earned ten. People in the crowd did not think this was fair. The king responded, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away” (verses 25-26).
The nobleman in this parable is Jesus, who left this world but who will return as King some day. The servants who are given the mina represent you and me, as followers of Jesus. The Lord has given us a valuable commission, and we must be faithful to serve Him until He returns. Upon His return, Jesus will determine the faithfulness of His own People.
We all have the same job – to live for Christ. I assume you are reading this Bible Journal daily because you have an interest in living for Christ. This passage today tells us that we must invest the investment that Jesus made in us. God has invested many things in each one of us. Our possessions, our time, our lives, and even the Gospel message has been placed in our care. God has given us these things and said, “Put ___________ to work, until I come back”. So, we have to ask ourself, “how am I using the things God has given me? How am I spending my money, my time, and my life? How am I using the Gospel message?” And…”What kind of return is God getting on His investment in me? I hope and long for the day when I hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant”!
Also read Psalm 129