Holy Week | Friday

April 6th, 2023

Week 6 | What Can We Expect as Followers of Christ?

Parable of the Ten Minas: Jesus Will Return

by Janet Nygren

This is Jesus’ last recorded parable in Luke before he arrives in Jerusalem, so it is a fitting end to our Lenten devotionals. Once again, Jesus wants to correct wrong expectations, but also stir up his followers’ thinking. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts regarding how you should respond to Jesus, even as you remember his death today, and await his first return on Easter.

Read: Luke 19: 11-27

11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. [Note: about 3 months’ wages] ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’
15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’

17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’

19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’

20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’

22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’

25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’

26 “He replied, ‘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. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’”

Be Curious:

As readers today, we are likely to think Jesus is referring to his own kingdom being delayed in its full arrival. But in Jesus’ day, there was also some historical precedent that would likely be in the minds of those listening to him. There were two rulers (40 BC and 4 BC) who went to Rome for authority from the emperor (Darrell L. Bock, The NIV Application Commentary: Luke, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI, 1996, p. 185). The later one in particular was not popular, and there was public outcry against him. Notice that there is a distinction between servants and subjects in this parable. As you think about Jesus’ typical audience, who is likely to align with him as a servant, and who is likely to reject him as a potential king?
How do the opinions of the servants and subjects affect the outcome of events?
According to the parable, what can we expect regarding Jesus’ return, and his expectations of us?

Consider:

As you reflect on what you have learned about Jesus during this series, would you call him a hard man that you would fear on his return? Why or why not?
In the parable, the servants were given about three months’ wages to invest. What has Jesus invested in you to “put to work”?

Converse:

As we remember the events of this Good Friday, Jesus was declared “King of the Jews” regardless of what the leaders of Israel wanted. Take some time to prepare your heart to think about what it means to be his servant, and what to do as you await his return.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Well, were you there when the stone was rolled away?

Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Connect:

In this final opportunity to share with the group, what are ways you feel you are preparing, or have prepared, for Jesus’ return?

8 Comments

Add Your Comment

Nick Tebordo - April 7th, 2023 at 6:13am

Jesus has called His followers to go out recognizing that the fields are ready to be harvested and there are few workers. In His post resurrection appearances, He gave us the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. While He was on earth, He sent out the 12 and then the 72. We are called to invest our lives sharing His love and forgiveness with all people. Janet, thank you for this time of study each morning during our Lenten journey. Again today, I enjoyed what you shared in the study notes regarding the contemporary understanding of the parable. To all of the friends who have participated, thank you.

Melody - April 7th, 2023 at 6:25am

Thank you for that reminder--"we are called to share his love and forgets forgiveness with all people."

That's how I want to live!

Melody - April 7th, 2023 at 6:27am

Thank you, Janet, for the work you've done throughout Lent in bringing us these daily reflections. They have truly added to my quiet time day by day.

Tom Nygren - April 7th, 2023 at 6:28am

It's a thought-provoking question. What does Jesus expect us to do while we are waiting for him to come back? The answer is: He's given us gifts, and he wants us to use them for his kingdom. He wants us to be faithful in small things. He seems to expect big returns, although not the same for every person. For me, that has meant discovering what I am good at and then doing those things to the best of my ability in whatever situation God has put me. I don't know how to measure the returns, but I know that things are measured differently in the kingdom. I think it has mainly to do with how we invest in other people. That is what lasts for eternity -- treasures in heaven. I am also reminded of what Paul says in I Cor. 3 about building with materials that will last, not things that will get burned up. I pray that I will be wise and keep growing in learning how to be faithful in small things and build things that will last.

Janet Nygren - April 7th, 2023 at 7:49am

While I completely agree with what Nick is saying about reaching all nations, I want to add to that that a significant part of what God has invested in me is my own family. In this current season I find that to be the calling that is strongest on my heart, both to serve my parents in their time of need, as well as ensure that the future generations of my family carry on the stories that I have embraced. The song we closed with last night following the Maundy Thursday service reaffirms that, and reminds me that Jesus accompanies me each step of the way.

May His favor be upon you

And a thousand generations

And your family and your children

And their children, and their children

May His presence go before you

And behind you, and beside you

All around you, and within you

He is with you, He is with you

In the morning, in the evening

In your coming, and your going

In your weeping, and rejoicing

He is for you, He is for you

Linda C - April 7th, 2023 at 7:52am

Janet, this has been a great study over these 5 weeks. Very thought provoking with some tough questions to think on. Thank you for doing a great job. May His blessing be upon you always.

Nick Tebordo - April 7th, 2023 at 7:59am

Janet, I completely agree. I pray daily for my children and their children to a thousand generations. I pray for the spouses of my children and grandchildren.

Ruthie - April 7th, 2023 at 5:49pm

Most the time I just feel like I barely scratch the surface of what I am probably supposed to be and be doing! But I will say that for the first time in my life, I have found a few things that are totally my passion. And I am so thankful that I get to do those things. Thank you so much for letting me join in from way across the country. I learned so much from everyone's comments, and thank you for all your hard work Janet.