Luke 19:11-27 - Faithfulness to Christ in a Faithless Generation
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
We live in a faithless generation. I think most people would agree with that assertion. Jesus spoke of His own generation as a faithless generation as well as we saw back in Luke 9:41. We can probably safely assume that our generation is not any more faithful than Christ’s.
With that in mind…
We are introduced to three types of people in Jesus’s parable today. Everyone falls into one of these three groups of people.
Saved and Faithful Servants of Christ
Unfaithful False Servants of Christ
Adversaries of Christ
Some may pretend to find a neutral ground, yet those who are not faithful servants of Christ are instead faithful to Satan. Those who are not for Christ serve the little ‘g’ god of this world - the enemy of our souls - namely the devil.
As we seek to be faithful servants to Jesus, we will face opposition. This opposition will come blatantly from those outside the church. Jesus reminded us that the world will hate us and will persecute us (John 15:18-20, Matthew 10:22).
However, the hardest shots to take are from within the church. We see in our parable here that some will be unfaithful false servants of Christ. Some will pretend to be one of us and play the game. They will be in our churches. They will play the part of the Christian. Yet, despite their theatrics, their heart will be far from Christ.
It is these false servants who likely create the greatest threat to seeing the kingdom of God grow. Brennan Manning once articulated this very well:
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”
― Brennan Manning
I would argue that many of these mentioned by Manning are unfortunately not truly Christians. Regrettably, Christians do sin and cause much heartache and pain in our world and even in our churches. However, true believers repent and do not live a habitually duplicitous life.
As we go through our parable today, may we reflect on our own lives. May we consider what type of steward we are in regards to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His coming Kingdom. May we be faithful servants of Christ.
Let’s start by reading our Scripture for today…
Read Full Scripture:
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’
When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.
The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’
And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’
And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’
Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief;
for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’
He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?
Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’
And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’
And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’
‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’ ”
Prayer
Before getting into the parable for today, it is important for us to understand that this is the only place in which this parable is found in the Scripture. There is a separate parable that Jesus tells in Matthew 25:14-30 called the Parable of the Talents. Although there is some overlap in these parables, they should be understood distinctly. The location in which the parables are told is different, the time period in which they are told is different, the lesson taught in each parable is different, and there are many other details of each that are unique to each particular parable. We should avoid trying to use either one of these parables to describe the other and maintain them as separate stories that the Lord Jesus used to illustrate the lesson He was teaching.
With that said…
Today we will see four requirements for those who wish to be faithful followers of Christ. The first is…
I. Faithfulness to Christ Requires Selfless Stewardship (11-14)
I. Faithfulness to Christ Requires Selfless Stewardship (11-14)
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
Luke starts off this section letting us know the minds of the Disciples and the others who were currently following Christ. They were supposing that Jesus was about to bring the kingdom of God in its full consummation immediately. Being in Jericho at the time, they were only around 17 miles from Jerusalem. After seeing all of the amazing miracles that Jesus had been doing, they thought the next step was for Christ to exert His rule and reign in Jerusalem immanently.
Understanding their blindness to God’s plan and despite telling them at least three times that He is going to the cross - He tells this parable to give them some further insight into what is to come. Unfortunately, they still didn’t seem to grasp the timeline that He gave.
Starting his parable in verse 12…
He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
His parable begins with a nobleman.
In this parable, the nobleman represents Jesus.
The nobleman goes to a far country - symbolizing the length of time that Christ will be gone before He returns after His ascension. Yet, we are told that He will return.
Christ’s return is sure my friends! May we praise the Lord for that.
Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
We are told that before he goes, the nobleman calls ten of his servants to himself. He gives them ten minas - namely one mina each. He tells them to engage in business until he returns.
A mina was a relatively small amount of money for this future king to leave to his servants. It was about three month’s worth of wages. Yet, we know that with God, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and can multiple what is given (Psalm 50:10). We will actually see this clearly in a few moments!
The mina represents the resources each servant was given to invest in kingdom work as they awaited the consummation of kingdom of God. These resources are likely evangelism and discipleship. We are given the Gospel and told to invest in evangelism and discipleship as we await the return of Christ. We are to be engaged in the Lord’s business until He returns.
Brothers and sisters - are you faithfully investing your mina? Are you being a faithful steward of what the Lord has given you to invest?
Faithful stewards are engaged in the Lord’s business. They invest for heavenly rewards (Matthew 6:20). They invest in eternity.
His servants weren’t the only people that he was going to continue ruling over. He also had citizens that he would rule over when he came back as king. However, verse 14 shows us that his future citizens were not a fan of him ruling them…
But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’
Jesus was a brilliant story-teller. Most of us today would not understand how great Jesus was at using recent historical events to illustrate His points. However, His contemporaries would have known exactly what He was referring to with this statement in verse 14.
You see, Herod the Great died around 4 B.C. and left his kingdom to three of his sons. One of his sons, namely Archelaus, was set up as ruler over Judea - namely the region where they currently were. This account was even more pressing to the crowd because they were in Jericho which was where Archelaus had built his palace in the not so distant past.
Archelaus was a harsh man, however. Upon taking power, he slaughtered some 3,000 Jews in an effort to intimidate his subjects. The Jews actually sent a delegation to Rome to plead that Archelaus not be granted the title king or rule over them. The delegation failed to remove Archelaus at that time - although his title of king was held off until he would earn the respect of his people - a thing that did not ever actually happen. Gracefully for the Jews, Archelaus would be deposed from his rule after around 10 years and be replaced by governors - one of which was Pilate during the time Jesus is ministering in currently.
Jesus, using this imagery argues from a lesser to greater. He will come to rule in complete justice and righteousness. Yet, there are a great number of citizens who continue to say that they do not want Jesus to reign over them.
We see that even to this day. As we await the return of Christ, there are many today who refuse to submit to Him. They blaspheme His name and ignore His precepts.
These people represent the adversaries of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We will see their outcome at the end of this parable. But in the meantime, we must consider how we are stewarding the work of the kingdom on earth as we await the return of the King. As we walk among a world full of lostness and evil, are we investing well for eternity? I pray that we we all will be found good stewards who serve well. Which brings us to our next point…
Scripture References: Luke 9:41, John 15:18-20, Matthew 10:22, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 50:10, Matthew 6:20
II. Faithfulness to Christ Requires Selfless Service (15-19)
II. Faithfulness to Christ Requires Selfless Service (15-19)
When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’
We are now introduced to the return of the nobleman - now set up as King. He asks for an account to be given from his servants that were given a mina each. We are told about three of these servants here which represent the whole group.
The first servant gives a good account. The initial mina had made 10 more minas! He now had 11 minas to present to the nobleman - namely the returning king. This servant is promised a blessing to be over 10 cities. The 10 cities symbolize authority and responsibility in heaven. Some commentators think that this refers to work in the Millennial Kingdom as well. Either way, we see that the reward is proportionate to the labor done on earth as a faithful servant.
Likewise, the second servant gives a good account. He had made 5 minas from the 1 mina and now had 6 minas. The nobleman promises this servant to have authority over 5 cities.
What are we to do with these verses? What is Jesus teaching here?
The Bible clearly teaches that our reward and responsibility in heaven will be proportional to our faithful service while on earth. Listen to a few of these verses:
For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
However, it is really important for us to note something that was seen subtly in the parable with these first two faithful servants. Both of them said the following:
“Lord, your mina has made…(Luke 19:16, 18)” - Note the humility here.
They know that the work they have done has been done by the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through them. And the work that they have done has not been for their own glory. Instead it has been done for the glory of God.
Faithful servants work for the glory of their Master.
Listen to Paul teach on how our work will be judged in the end…
Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Paul makes it clear that only what is done for the glory of God will be rewarded. The things done for the pride of self, for earthly recognition and glory, and even for other people on earth without being for the Lord first and foremost - will be burned up. Fire will test the work that is done.
Only the work that we do in the power of the Holy Spirit, according to God’s will, and for the glory of God will be rewarded in heaven.
Sadly, there are many believers today that do plenty of work but will find themselves with few rewards in heaven. Because of the tendency for man to work for his own glory, much work that is done in churches is done for the glory of man instead of the glory of God.
May we be faithful servants who seek to only bring glory to God alone.
Next we see that…
Scripture References: Matthew 16:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 25:21, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
III. Faithfulness to Christ Requires Selfless Sacrifice (20-23)
III. Faithfulness to Christ Requires Selfless Sacrifice (20-23)
Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’
Then another came. The Greek word used here is heteros which refers to something or someone altogether different. This servant is unlike the first two servants we have seen. This servant is of another kind.
Whereas the first two servants invested the mina well, this servant hides the mina in a handkerchief. This was likely a scarf that was worn around one’s face or neck to protect one from the sun. Not only was this not a safe way to care for a coin, but we see that he does not use the mina at all. He tucks it away and lives his life the way he wants to live it.
This man refused to sacrifice any time or effort while he lived his life with the king away. He was an unfaithful servant.
However, once in front of the newly crowned king, he comes up with a story. Listen to the brazen accusations that this third servant makes about the king:
The unfaithful servant claims that the king is:
Fearful
A Severe Man
A Thief (taking what he did not deposit and reaping what he did not sow)
Wow. These are quite some strong accusations.
There are many today who accuse God of these things. They blaspheme His name and speak of Him in untrue ways.
How does the king respond to these accusations?
He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’
The unfaithful servant has condemned himself with his own words. The king calls him a wicked servant and then spells out the lies behind his excuses.
If the servant really did fear the king who was coming, then wouldn’t he have had even more reason to be faithful? Fear can be quite the motivator for people! And if he was afraid of losing the mina, then wouldn’t he have at least put the mina in the bank to make interest over time? That would have certainly been a safer place for the mina instead of in a handkerchief!
But because the unfaithful servant despised the king, he lived his life for himself. He did not make the king’s business any part of his life. He lived his life for himself alone.
Although he knew what the king’s business was, he refused to participate in it.
Brothers and sisters, how many people today are wasting their lives? How many people have taken their mina and done nothing with it. They have heard the knowledge of the Gospel, and even maybe come to church semi-regularly, and yet have refused to live for God’s glory. They spend their money on their own pleasures and wants. They spent their time on the things of this world that will decay. Their hours are spent on sports, entertainment, hobbies, and whatever else they want to do. They have no room in their lives to do the King of King’s business.
One day we will each be forced to give an account.
So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Are you ready for that day? How have you done with your mina? How have invested your mina? Have you been faithful in kingdom work?
Faithful servants are willing to selflessly sacrifice their wants and desires to serve their King. Which brings us to our final point…
Scripture References: Romans 14:12
IV. Faithfulness to Christ Requires Selfless Servanthood (24-27)
IV. Faithfulness to Christ Requires Selfless Servanthood (24-27)
And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
The unfaithful servant refused to serve the king. He only wanted to serve himself. And so the king judges him accordingly.
This wicked servant has his mina taken and given to the one who already had made 10 minas.
Those around complain that this does not seem fair. But the nobleman reminds them that those who are not a part of the kingdom of God will have nothing. There is no reward given apart from those who are in Christ. Those who refuse to submit to the Savior will find themselves not only without any reward - they will find themselves suffering eternal judgement in hell apart from Christ.
Some commentators have assumed that this unfaithful servant was saved. These commentators are sadly mistaken. This unfaithful servant has been called wicked by the king in verse 22. He has called the king a thief and a severe man. He has refused to submit to the king’s rule. He is a false servant. He is a goat among the sheep (Matthew 25:31-46) and a wheat among the tares (Matthew 13:24-30).
And right after the king pronounces his judgement on the wicked servant, we see him mention his enemies in verse 27…
But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’ ”
This last verse is incredibly harsh. Those enemies of Christ who refuse to bow their knee to Him and continue to oppose Him will face a tragic end. They will be slaughtered before Him.
Who are Christ’s enemies? We saw them mentioned in verse 14. Those citizens who refused to recognize their King. And now we have also seen the false servant as well. Those who give Christ a head nod but refuse to serve Him or submit to Him.
There appears to be a foreshadowing of Armageddon here as well (Revelation 16:13-21, Revelation 19:11-21).
At the Second Coming of Christ, there will be a great battle where all of those who set themselves up against the Lord Jesus Christ will be destroyed in a flash. It is a warning of what will happen to all who refuse to submit to Jesus. A real place called hell awaits those who refuse to submit to the King of Kings. Jesus will trample all of His enemies. His victory and reign is sure.
I pray that no one here finds themselves as an enemy of Christ. I pray that all of us have submitted to the rule and reign of Christ in our lives now and our life to come in eternity.
We do not come to Christ for salvation out of fear - although we should have a healthy fear of judgement. But we should come to Christ because of His great kindness.
We have been going through Luke for quite some time. We are now coming to the final stretch. The rest of Luke will actually cover the final week of Christ’s life. Jesus is about to enter Jerusalem and be crucified for the sins of the world. He came and lived the sinless life that we could not live. He offered Himself up as a sacrifice so that we would not have to take the punishment for our sins. He then rose from the dead three days later and offers us eternal life!
Although there is certainly a real judgement for those who refuse to submit to King Jesus, how could we not submit to a loving King like Him?
He is a sacrificial King who offers forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love. Unlike the harsh and tyrant ruler Archelaus, whom we mentioned earlier, who was only about himself, King Jesus is a loving and compassionate King. He promises reward and blessing to those who submit to His rule and reign. He promises eternal life in paradise.
Scripture References: Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 13:24-30, Revelation 16:13-16, Revelation 19:11-21, Ephesians 2:8-10
Conclusion:
As we come to a close, we have heard a very difficult parable. Jesus has shown us three kinds of people. Faithful servants, unfaithful servants, and adversaries. We have seen the outcome very clearly of what is to occur to Christ’s enemies including those who are unfaithful servants. But we have also seen the beautiful reward for those who faithfully serve Christ.
May we be faithful servants to Christ in the midst of a faithless generation. May we selflessly steward this life that has been given to us for God’s glory alone. May we selflessly and sacrificially serve Christ and be about His business.
As you consider the three groups of people that Jesus brings into this parable, seriously ask yourself - which one am I? Friends, your eternal life depends on it.
If you are not a faithful servant, make today the day that changes. Place your faith and trust in Christ alone for salvation and repent of your sins. There is no more important decision for you to make than that.
