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Service Notes

5 will be baptized at Living Hope Baptist Church in the Bronx this morning. The Charter Service will be on Feb 22nd

Call to Worship

To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest;

to all who mourn and long for comfort;

to all who struggle and desire victory;

to all who sin and need a Savior;

to all who are strangers and want fellowship;

to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness;

we welcome you here today.

We pray God’s Word will provide rest, comfort, victory as we point you to our Savior today.

Bible Reading and Review

Glad to be back in Luke. We saw last week when I go outside of our book series. I preach about dragons on Christmas morning.

Always good to review especially when the passage for the day starts with “and when they heard these things”

We get a summary of what they are hearing in Luke 19:10 “10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Luke 19:10 KJV

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

This is a 17 mile walk. Do not believe that Jesus just makes this one statement and walks silently.

The disciples are looking for the kingdom to come immediately and to be set up. And Jesus is making it clear to them that's not what's going to happen in Jerusalem.

A few things to watch for as we read

Jesus pointing to His own departure as He speaks of the departure of the nobleman

Look at what He says about the delay in His return

Notice what He says about the rejection by the citizens

Make note of the disproportionate reward given to the servants

Consider the different categories of people in this story, because everyone of us fall into one of these 3 categories

Luke 19:11–27 (KJV)

Luke 19:11–27 KJV

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Sermon Introduction

Watched a funny dialogue between husband and wife. Husband receives a phone call and conveys to his wife. She asks many questions that were outside of the scope of the conversation. We should not do this with the stories Jesus tells the disciples.

We are given the theme and intent of this story

Luke 19:11 “11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.”

Luke 19:11 KJV

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Jesus shares a story that should help them understand

Jesus keeps stooping lower and lower to bring the truth to where the disciples lived

May God forgive me and others who take truth and try to fly high with it so that people are impressed but do not know what we are saying

Jesus' parables were always designed to capture people in the realm of the familiar and then move them to the realm of the unfamiliar.

Stories are self-contained. This is the only place this story is recorded,

Don’t confuse it or try mix it with the story of talents given in Matthew 25.

Matthew 25 KJV

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Story from every day life, custom, traditions, farming, and from history

historical incident very familiar to the people of Jericho

Rome would this part of the world.

Cesar was ultimate ruling all the Roman empire.

However, they were pragmatic so they allowed subordinate kings to rule.

Israel had subordinate kings but Rome had to affirm them as Kings

The Kings ruling at this time were of a family called the Herods

First being Herod the Great (name given to himself)

He negotiated with Marc Antony to grant him the right to rule under Caesar in Israel.

Herod dies in 4 BC and wants to leave rule to his 3 kings.

Kingdom was divided; Archelaus (ark-a-lay-us) had this area around Jericho

He had a home in this area

When he went to Rome to receive the right to rule, he was followed by a group who lobbied against him

He was not received by the people and denied the title of King

The nobleman who went to the great king to receive a kingdom came back to reign and to judge all his subjects; and they fall into three categories: the faithful, the fake and the foolish, and they are judged appropriately.

Transitional Statement: Lessons for us on our journey into the unknown.

Right expectation about the nature of discipleship

Luke 19:11 “11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.”

Luke 19:11 KJV

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Preparing disciples for endurance

Immediately Appear comes from a word only used twice in the NT

Here and Acts 21:3

Acts 21:3 KJV

3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

Nautical term means “to come into sight or view”

On this 17 mile journey they thought they would come over a hill and look past the Mount of Olives and a Kingdom would appear

Why? OT Prophecy

Miracles and statements such as Luke 17:21 “21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Luke 17:21 KJV

21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Overlooking the prophecy of Jesus suffering and the foreshadowing of the sacrificial system.

Preparing disciples for rejection

Luke 19:14 “14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.”

Luke 19:14 KJV

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

Soon the crowd in Jerusalem will go from shouting “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

Still today there are people who are telling Christians that they are called to lead a victory parade —

Follow Jesus and you’ll be healthy.

Follow Jesus and you’ll be rich.

Follow Jesus and you won't have problems. And if you do, and if you do, it's because you don't have enough faith.

Testimony of those who walked this path before us

As Christ was rejected, we should expect the same as we follow Him

Paul calls the end of his life the end of a fight. 2 Timothy 4:7 “7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

2 Timothy 4:7 KJV

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Transitional Statement: Church I do not have a word of prophecy to tell you this is going to be your year. But I can tell you it is going to be a worthy fight.

Occupy till I come.

Luke 19:13 “13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”

Luke 19:13 KJV

13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Expect many of you think of Occupy Portland or Occupy Wall Street which was a protest/anarchy against economic inequality worldwide. In this case “occupy” means the opposite. It doesn’t mean destroy stuff but it means build stuff.

Engage in business till I come

What type of business? Luke 19:15 “15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.”

Luke 19:15 KJV

15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

The big picture is very clear.

Jesus, in speaking of the servants being given a task whereby they were to engage in business until their master comes

The picture of rewarding them for doing business, is all designed to point to one thing and that is their devotion to their king.

Don’t be like the wife in the opening story and miss the given details by focusing on the secondary matters of the rewards.

Can you think of another time the work of the Lord is referenced to as business? Luke 2:49 “49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

Luke 2:49 KJV

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

Stewardship reflects understanding of authority

Luke 19:16 “16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.”

Luke 19:16 KJV

16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

How many of you can say you have gained some pounds in 2022? Don’t raise your hand.

Pound: Approximately three months wages of a regular day laborer in Jesus’ time.

What is the difference in the servants?

Did one them have a Warren Buffet type uncle that told them how to invest?

Did one of them short the stocks on the sell of animals for sacrifices? Knowing that would soon end.

No the difference is seen in their respect of lack of respect for the Returning King!

Three Responses

The Faithful

Luke 19:19 “19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.”

Luke 19:19 KJV

19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

Both of the servants with 5 & 10 ROI hear “Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little

But the whole point of the whole image is not a message about financial stewardship; it's a message about the whole of your life.

They realized that it was the king's money that they’re investing. Luke 19:16 “16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.”

Luke 19:16 KJV

16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

Speaks of humility. Thy pound gained 10 lbs.

The Fake

Luke 19:20-21 “20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

Luke 19:20–21 KJV

20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

Another came - specifies of a different variety. Not like the last two.

A napkin? He just threw about 18k in his pocket

Demonstrates a careless attitude.

He had no desire to honor the nobleman.

Here's a person driven not by love but by fear. Luke 19:21 “21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man:

Luke 19:21 KJV

21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

Accuses of him of not only being austere but a thief! thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.”

This isn't a true believer.  Some commentators say, "We're not too sure about this guy whether he's a believer or not." I'm sure! No true believer calls the Lord a liar, a thief and austere.”

Indifference drove the man.

King questions the legitimacy of that lame excuse. Luke 19:22-23 “22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?”

Luke 19:22–23 KJV

22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

Shared with you before about the older gentleman that when asked why he didn’t go to church said “he didn’t have any peanut butter.” When asked what that meant he said “I thought one excuse was as good as another.”

The Foolish

Luke 19:27 “27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.”

Luke 19:27 KJV

27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Reject the Nobleman and He is still Lord

Many think if they reject Christ, then Christ has nothing to do with them.  Even if you reject Christ and He has everything to do with you.

You don't want Him to reign over you?  He reigns anyway.

Transitional Statement: Those who ignore God’s Word are those who will not let this man reign over them. 

Disproportionate generosity of our King

Notice their reward is not going to come from the world. Their reward is going to come from the king.

Disproportionate

The whole point is the disproportionate generosity of God.

Invested roughly 3 years salary = rule over 10 cities?

“Lord, let me make a difference for you that is utterly disproportionate to who I am.” — David Brainerd prayers.

The Lords answer - Of course!

More opportunities provided

Luke 19:24 “24 And he said unto them that stood by (7 other servants), Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.”

Luke 19:24 KJV

24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

They complain thinking Jesus wasn’t good at math. Luke 19:25 “25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)”

Luke 19:25 KJV

25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

What are they thinking? They must think the Lord is over-the-top gracious.

No matter how much you have, you're going to get more. That's how grace operates.  It never stops, it never ceases, it's lavish, it is undying, it is unending, it is undiminished.

Quick Review: Man didn’t deserve the first investment. Man didn’t deserve an environment where that talent would multiply. Man didn’t deserve 10 cities. Not on top of that he is getting another opportunity!

Opportunities lost by the servant, but not lost by the King

Luke 19:24 “24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.”

Luke 19:24 KJV

24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

Some of you in here in a very real and clear way know the joy of the opportunity that was afforded

What was not showed the proper respect by others is now being raised in your house

The opportunities we know we didn’t deserve was handed to us, simply because we remained faithful and showed up

What is taken away?  Opportunity, privilege, influence, a chance to make a real difference in this world and the world to come.

Devotion from a friend this week (yes, everything you share with me is fair game for sermon material. Just ask my kids.

Tough passage to pick up on first read.

Hebrews 9:1 “1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.”

Hebrews 9:1 KJV

1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

The promises of God merge the divine into the human world. Only God can do that. The things we do to serve God are the place we get to share in the world of the most high God. Though they were ordinances, commandments, or laws, they were also divine fellowship made possible by God’s grace. This was not just the mode of the first covenant with Israel, but in all the places of service and worship. These earthly things were made holy by the presence of God. Let the children of God always be reminded that though the task may resemble some worldly chore, not unlike what they may do for their employment, it is divine service.

Rewarded in the world to come

Teaching concerning our role during the millennial reign of Christ. 1 Cor 6:3 “3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?”

1 Corinthians 6:3 KJV

3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

In the future someday when Jesus comes, there will be a reward time for the faithful. 

Paul calls it the BemaJudgment where we will receive our rewards for the gold, silver, precious stones of our service and all the things we do for selfish fain are burned away.

Often I do not think about the reward of faithfulness. I guess I just think I will be satisfied with the “cheap seats.” It is heaven after all.

This is not the appropriate way for a servant to think. It is not about Him.

Conclusion (Slow Down)

such a great theme and passage for us as we start a new year

Let’s look at the opportunities that God has given us and consider the respect the work should be shown as we await the return of the most noble of all nobleman!

We are headed into the portion where we say “the pastor is giving an invitation”

If I have fulfilled my assignment to teach God’s Word today then God is extending an invitation today.

To whom is He extending this invitation? All of us.

To the foolish

you are given an opportunity to recognize that Jesus is Lord.

You will not delay His return or deny His place on the throne with resistance

One day every knee in this one will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus is Lord, we invite you to join us in this today

To the fake

To those who sitting their with the truth in your hands

You know the opportunity that is in front of you

You desire to be associated with the Lord and His people

But other than a few fleeting moments here and there in a church service you have a fairly careless attitude toward the things of God.

Wake up. Realize your apathy towards the things of God is apathy towards God Himself.

To the faithful

Let’s not look at the work God has given us begrudgingly.

That is not a sink full of dishes. That is a monument to you having been able to feed your tribe another meal.

It is not “just another volunteer role to fill” it’s an invitation to invest our lives as we await for the Kings return.

The people God brings into your lives aren’t problems to fix, but they are opportunities that God is giving you

Right now counts forever, so you have to live right now in light of forever.

Closing Prayer and invitation to respond