Good News Week 49. Kingdom Business

That doesn’t mean that its secondary meaning is less important, but it means that to better understand what it means for later hearers it’s important to understand what it meant for it’s immediate hearers.

So let’s read the parable and then lets look at it’s primary meaning and then let’s allow it’s primary meaning to impact it’s application for us.

Are you ready?

Let’s go.

The Parable Of The Ten Minas

Luke 19:11–27 CSB

11 As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem, and they thought the kingdom of God was going to appear right away. 12 Therefore he said, “A nobleman traveled to a far country to receive for himself authority to be kingE and then to return. 13 He called ten of his servants, gave them ten minas, and told them, ‘Engage in business until I come back.’ 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We don’t want this man to rule over us.’ 15 “At his return, having received the authority to be king, he summoned those servants he had given the money to, so that he could find out how much they had made in business. 16 The first came forward and said, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten more minas.’ 17 “ ‘Well done, good servant!’ he told him. ‘Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, have authority over ten towns.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’ 19 “So he said to him, ‘You will be over five towns.’ 20 “And another came and said, ‘Master, here is your mina. I have kept it safe in a cloth 21 because I was afraid of you since you’re a harsh man: you collect what you didn’t deposit and reap what you didn’t sow.’ 22 “He told him, ‘I will condemn you by what you have said, you evil servant! If you knew I was a harsh man, collecting what I didn’t deposit and reaping what I didn’t sow, 23 why, then, didn’t you put my money in the bank? And when I returned, I would have collected it with interest.’ 24 So he said to those standing there, ‘Take the mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’ 26 “ ‘I tell you, that to everyone who has, more will be given; and from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away. 27 But bring here these enemies of mine, who did not want me to rule over them, and slaughter them in my presence.’ ”

So, lets real quick make sure we understand the basic story Jesus is telling.

A nobleman is leaving to go another country where he will be given authority to rule over the land from whence he came.

Eventually he will come back to rule as the King.

But while he is gone he gives his servants minas (money) to do business while he is gone.

Now his subjects, those he was given authority to rule over, hated him, they dind't want him to be their king.

We he returned as King he meets with his servants.

He commends his servants who did something with the money and he rebukes the servant who did not.

And he condemns the ones who were enemies against him.

And His Kingdom is establish.

So what’s it mean?

They Thought The Kingdom Of God Was Going To Appear Right Away

They thought the Kingdom of God was going to appear right away.

Yes, thats a long point for a slide but it’s the primary clue in understand the immediate application of the parable.

The disciples (not just the 12, but all the followers of Jesus) were expecting the Kingdom to come very soon.

They were expecting Jesus to enter Jerusalem and take over.

Well, Jesus would enter Jerusalem and take over, he just wouldn’t take over in the manner they were expecting and wanting.

See if you simply look down at what immediately follows this parable in Luke is Jesus’ triumphal entry into JeruSalem where they would declare him the King, they would worship him as King, the would honor him as King, they would receive him as King, they would apply scripture to him as King.

And Jesus wold welcome this coronation ceremony.

But they thought that this entrance into Jerusalem would be the beginning of an coup, and overthrow of powers and principalities, a toppling of oppressors, and the reestablishment of Israel.

And they would be right.

But what they would would be wrong about was the manner in which this over throw would happen and how this Kingdom would come - first in our hearts and then in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior - Jesus Christ.

Listen , we still get it wrong.

We are still looking to install new governments instead of letting Christ rule our hearts.

So Jesus tells them this parable.

He wants them to understand that, yes he is King, but the Kingdom on earth under the rule of the King isn’t immediate.

He is telling them to be patient.

To live out the kingdom.

To be about Kingdom business until the King returns.

He is preparing them for the long-haul.

He is also warning them about a coming judgment.

Remember, the primary audience is the Jews.

Jesus is the King/Messiah/LORD that was prophesied would come.

He Was and Is the One Isaiah calls the Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, whose would carry the weight of government on His shoulders.

And in the story you have servants and subjects.

The Servants are the ones who receive His Royal Rule.

The Subjects are the one who reject His Royal Rule.

Notice, the servant who didn’t do anything with what was in trusted to him wasn’t condemned but he also wasn’t commended.

His entrance into the Kingdom was based on his acceptance of the King - By grace through faith

His reward upon the King’s return was based upon what he did with what he was given - Just and fair according to works

Also, notice the subjects who rejected their King were judged.

Those who actively opposed the King were judged.

Again, the immediate meaning of the parable it to warn Israel and prepare them.

There are two types in the parable - servants and subjects.

Those Jews who receive Jesus as King and those who would not.

And ultimately the rejection of Jesus by many in Israel would bring judgement.

In AD 70 the temple would be destroyed.

The system they placed their faith in, the system that those who rejected Jesus expected to be their salvation was destroyed.

So Jesus is using this parable to tell them that the King and the Kingdom is not coming immediately in the manner they thought.

Jesus was preparing them for better Kingdom ruled by a better King.

Jesus was offering them hope and escape for the destruction that was to come.

If the Kingdom Rule looks different than don’t be alarmed when this earth is shaken.

And Jesus was warning them of the destruction ahead for those who rejected the Royal Rule.

He was telling them, I am the King.

Be busy while you await the fullness of the Kingdom.

I am the King.

Don’t reject the Kingdom and don’t expect the Kingdom to look like power, expect it to look like suffering and then resurrection.

They thought the Kingdom was going to appear right away.

He was telling them to advance the Kingdom while they await His return.

Be busy about Kingdom business.

Live as ambassadors of the Kingdom they are waiting for.

There’s work to do for the King while you wait for the Return.

And there’s judgement for those religious leaders and those who rejected the Rule of Jesus.

It was encouragement for those who expected Jesus to overtake Rome immediately.

And it was warning for those Religious Leaders who would hand Jesus over to Rome to be crucified.

But what about us.

Get the point Pastor.

What about me, what about us?

Well, that part of the problem with the American church, we think the scripture revolve around us.

What about everyone who has read these words of Jesus since those immediate hearers?

What’s the point for the rest of the Church?

While We Wait

So that was the primary application.

But for us.

What do we do while we wait?

First - Don’t Get Impatient

Like the original hearers we need to remind ourselves that the Kingdom is an already/not yet Kingdom.

What does that mean?

It means that while the King rules over the church the Kingdom hasn’t yet been established in the earth.

This world is unjust.

This world is broken.

This world is under the rule of Sin.

So don’t be surprised when this world is at odds with the Kingdom.

1 Peter 4:12 CSB

Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.

While we live in the world we don’t belong to the kingdom of this world.

We are citizens of another Kingdom.

Don’t be surprised when this kingdom doesn’t feel like home.

Don’t be surprised when this kingdom rubs against you.

Don’t be surprised when this kingdom tries to rule against you.

Don’t be surprised when this kingdom is a fiery trial.

You live in a kingdom you don’t belong to.

Don’t get impatient.

Why?

Secondly - The King Will Return

On the day of Jesus ascension, when he physically left this world to be received and enthroned in the heavens, the angels appeared to those looking up into the heavens, questioning what now, and they said in Acts 1:9-11

Acts 1:9–11 CSB

After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”

Jesus will return as King of Kings and LORD of Lords.

Because He was obedient unto death, he was exalted.

Philippians 2:8–11 CSB

he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

And as King He will return to rule.

Revelation 1:7 CSB

Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. So it is to be. Amen.

Every eye will see him. King Jesus.

It’s the next great event for the church, for the world, the return of King Jesus.

Titus 2:13 CSB

while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:8 CSB

and then the lawless one will be revealed. The Lord Jesus will destroy him with the breath of his mouth and will bring him to nothing at the appearance of his coming.

The King will return.

King Jesus will return.

He will deal with the principalities and powers.

He will destroy the Man of Sin, the Lawless One.

He will bring justice.

He will bring peace.

He will bring righteousness.

He will bring the Kingdom to us.

Jesus will return.

Are you ready?

Are you anticipating that great day?

It’s coming.

What day of rejoicing that will be when my Jesus I shall see.

The King is coming.

Thirdly - Kingdom Business

Did you see this?

In the parable the King expects his servants to be about Kingdom business.

What is Kingdom business?

Simple, it’s to preach and participate in the Kingdom.

It’s to proclaim and demonstrate the Kingdom.

It’s to preach the Gospel of Jesus and make disciples.

Matthew 28:18–19 CSB

Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

It to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

It’s to Mat 25:36-40

Matthew 25:36–40 CSB

I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’ “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

It’s to Micah 6:8

Micah 6:8 CSB

Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.

This is Kingdom Business.

To share the love of Jesus.

To teach the doctrine of Jesus reveled in scripture.

To help the oppressed.

To love the broken.

To baptize new believers.

To welcome people into the church.

To foster children.

To love our spouse If we are married.

To promote human flourishing.

To speak out for those who are powerless to be heard on their own.

Isaiah 58:6–12 CSB

Isn’t this the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh and blood? Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard. At that time, when you call, the Lord will answer; when you cry out, he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking, and if you offer yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted one, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose water never runs dry. Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the foundations laid long ago; you will be called the repairer of broken walls, the restorer of streets where people live.

This is Kingdom Business.

To restore.

To rebuild.

To repair.

We have Kingdom Business.

Fourthly - The King Has Entrusted You With Kingdom Gifts

It’s important to note that the Mina’s given to the servants weren’t theirs - they were gifts entrusted to them while they waited on the return of the King.

As followers of Jesus we have been entrusted with gifts.

Jesus has given us power and authority as to live out the Kingdom while we wait for the King to return.

Matthew 16:19 CSB

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 28:18–19 CSB

2 Corinthians 5:20 CSB

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

As ambassadors or Kingdom representatives we have been given power and authority.

Power is the ability to do something.

Authority is the right to do it.

What have we been given power and authority to do?

We’ve been given power and authority to bring a vision of heaven to earth.

If our power and authority doesn’t look like righteousness and joy in the Holy Spirit, and if our lives aren’t marked by the fruit of the Spirit we aren’t operating obediently.

But listen you haven’t just been given power and authority, we’ve been told how to use it.

Like Jesus, with humility, meekness, grace, love, truth.

It very possible for us to try to advance Kingdom business by using worldly means.

But the weapons of our warfare are not of the world, but they are mighty in God to pull down strongholds.

Don’t expect Kingdom results and results with worldly ways and weapons.

You may see instant results but you won’t see Kingdom rewards.

That why it can be so tempting to wage war like the world wages war.

We often get the results we are after more quickly when we fight like the world, but we aren’t living for instant results we are living for Kingdom rewards.

Not only have we been given power and authority to do Kingdom Business we have been given spiritual gifts to accomplish it.

Ephesians 4:11–12 CSB

And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,

1 Corinthians 12:18 CSB

But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted.

Administration

Being an apostle

Discernment

Evangelism

Exhortation

Faith

Giving

Healing

Helps

Hospitality

Knowledge

Leadership

Mercy

Prophecy

Serving

Speaking in tongues

Teaching (sometimes known as shepherding)

Wisdom

Preaching

And in the OT the Holy Spirit gift individuals in talents and abilities.

God has gifted the church.

God has gifted you.

Ephesians 4:7 CSB

Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

1 Corinthians 12:11 CSB

One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.

In Christ, as ambassadors of King Jesus, He has given us gifts and resources to advance his Kingdom Business and build up the Church.

Don’t tell me you don’t have a role to play in the Church or in Kingdom Business.

You have been entrusted by the King!

Fifthly - What Will You Do With What You’ve Been Given?

Jesus identifies 3 servants in the story.

Two of the servants used their resources to grow the Kingdom.

The were rewarded.

They were commended.

They were given more.

One of the servants hid his resources.

He was not rewarded.

He was not commended.

He was corrected.

He was stripped of what he was given.

Here’s the point - The King expects his people to do something with what they’ve been entrusted with.

Not for salvation.

But for advancement of His Kingdom and the building up of the church.

He doesn’t expect you to do things in your own power but he expects you to do something with what he has given you.

Time.

Talents.

Treasure.

Spiritual Gifts.

How are you investing them?

How are you being faithful with what you’ve been entrusted with?

Both in the church and in the world.

How are you representing the Kingdom in the world?

How are you using your spiritual gift to build up this church?

Outreach, greeters, ushers, prayer warriors, kids workers, cleaning, giving, tech, band, nursery, youth, encouragement, hospitality, teaching, administration, tongues and interpretation, midweek meals, kids events?

How are you using your gifts to advance the Kingdom in the world?

Doing justice, loving mercy, good works, feeding the hungry, missions work, advancing racial healing, speaking truth in love, fostering, supporting a pro-life ethic?

What are you doing with what you’ve been given?

Use you’re gift.

God is advancing His Kingdom and Building His Church thru His people.

Don’t be the third servant.

Submit all of your life to King Jesus.

Be Ready for the Return of King Jesus.

Live ready by living like He’s coming today.

Because He just may.

What a day that will be when my Jesus i shall see.

He’s coming.

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