Kingdom Principle: What will the world be like in the interim between Jesus’ ascension and his return? Who will make up that world? Jesus very clearly teaches us that there will be three kinds of people. Those who love him and serve him faithfully. Those who hate him and rebel against his rightful rule. And those who find themselves somewhere in the middle. May we be among those who serve the Lord faithfully.
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Luke 19:13 (ESV) — 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
The servants are being tested to see whether they are fit for larger tasks. The Matthean parable reminds us that we all have different gifts, the Lucan that we all have one basic task, that of living out our faith.
17 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.’
The parable of the mina shows that we ought to be faithful in the little things, and also the outrageous generosity of the nobleman.
1 Corinthians 4:1–2 (ESV) — 1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
What responsibility has the Lord given “you” in the management of his kingdom, while he is absent?
The point of this parable is not to constrain service because of the Lord’s judgment, it is to encourage service in light of the Lord’s generosity.
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Luke 19:14 (ESV) — 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’
If the first group is characterized by responsibility in the current iteration of the kingdom, the second group is characterized by rebellion. If the first group is characterized by willingness, the second group is characterized by wrangling.
Citizens will be citizens, there is no reform, they must be transformed.
Luke 19:27 (ESV) — 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.’ ”
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___________________ to be servants, but are __________________ citizens
Luke 19:20–23 (ESV) — 20 Then another came (with the servants mind you), saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 21 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.’ 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant!
You can see the mixed nature of this third group of people. They share something from the first and second group. From the first group they have been given responsibilities in Christ’s kingdom, but from the second group they are given to the same excuses as to why the king does not have a rightful claim over them, he is a harsh king. They are responsible and they rebel. How does Jesus then respond to this third and final group? With condemnation. Even though they share some things with the first group, they inevitably share the fate of second group.
Luke 19:22, 27 (ESV) — 22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant!… 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.’ ”
Question to Consider
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With which group do you identify? Do you love the Lord and serve him faithfully? Do you hate him and rebel against him? Or do you find yourself in the middle? How is the Lord calling you to repent and embrace his gracious and generous rule?
