May 18, 2021
Text: Luke 19:11-28
In the name of + Jesus. Amen.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Jesus is headed to Jerusalem to be enthroned as king. But Jesus is a different kind of king – the King of the Universe, not a mere petty politician. And thus His kingdom involves giving us the gift of redemption by His blood, not placing us under His dominion in a worldly nation. And so, when people misunderstand the nature of this kingdom, supposing “that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately,” He tells a parable to set the record straight.
In the story, a nobleman goes off to a “far country” and then will return. And when he returns “having received the kingdom,” the king checks on how his servants have conducted themselves as stewards of the king’s property. Three servants were each entrusted with a mina – a large sum of money. The first invested his mina and earned ten more. He is commended by the king. The second invested his mina and earned five more. He is also commended by the king. The third was afraid, as the king was a “severe man,” and held onto the mina. The king was angry, for the servant could have at least earned interest on the mina. The king removed the mina from him and entrusted it to one who was a good steward.
Thus the coming of the kingdom is not an immediate political revolution, but rather a long-term re-creation of the universe by the mercy of Christ in His blood. He has gone to the Father. Meanwhile, until He returns, we are to work in the kingdom. We are to invest the skills and talents and material wealth with which we have been entrusted, and we are to serve the kingdom and our King.
Jesus also speaks of certain rebels against His rule. And at the end of the parable, the king says, “As for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.” There will be severe punishment for those who reject the rule of Jesus in His kingdom.
This parable is a warning, dear friends, for us to not only submit to His reign over us, but to be good stewards. While He is away, we are to work for the kingdom, manage what He has given us, and serve faithfully. For our King is returning – the same King who was enthroned on the cross and crowned with thorns. Jesus is coming again in glory, ruling with mercy for those who repent, but slaughtering those who oppose Him.
Let us lovingly manage the minas that He so graciously entrusts to us, and let us rejoice in His rule, for He is not a “severe man,” but rather a merciful King who is God.
Amen.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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