Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Pounds, also known as the Parable of the Ten Minas, is a significant teaching of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Luke. This parable is recorded in Luke 19:11-27 and is delivered by Jesus as He approaches Jerusalem. The context of the parable is crucial, as it is given in response to the expectations of the people who believed that the kingdom of God would appear immediately.Context and Setting The parable is set against the backdrop of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where many anticipated the imminent establishment of God's kingdom. The people around Jesus were expecting a political and earthly kingdom, but Jesus used this parable to correct their misconceptions and to teach about the nature of His kingdom and the responsibilities of His followers. The Parable In the parable, a nobleman goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then return. Before leaving, he calls ten of his servants and gives each one a mina (a unit of currency), instructing them to "engage in business until I return" (Luke 19:13). The nobleman represents Jesus, who would soon depart from the earth and later return in glory. Upon his return, the nobleman calls his servants to account for how they have managed the resources entrusted to them. The first servant reports that his mina has earned ten more, and the nobleman commends him, saying, "Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities" (Luke 19:17). The second servant has earned five more minas, and he is likewise rewarded with authority over five cities. However, another servant comes forward, having hidden his mina out of fear. He returns it without any gain, and the nobleman rebukes him for his lack of initiative and faithfulness. The nobleman orders that the mina be taken from this servant and given to the one who has ten minas, illustrating the principle that "to everyone who has, more will be given; but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away" (Luke 19:26). Interpretation and Themes The Parable of the Pounds emphasizes several key themes central to Jesus' teachings: 1. Stewardship and Responsibility: The parable underscores the importance of faithful stewardship. Believers are entrusted with resources, talents, and opportunities, and they are called to use them wisely for the advancement of God's kingdom. 2. Accountability: The return of the nobleman symbolizes the return of Christ, at which time all believers will be held accountable for how they have managed what was entrusted to them. This accountability is not only for the results but also for the effort and faithfulness demonstrated. 3. Reward and Judgment: The parable illustrates the principle of reward for faithfulness and diligence. Those who are faithful in small matters will be entrusted with greater responsibilities. Conversely, those who fail to act faithfully will face loss and judgment. 4. The Nature of the Kingdom: Jesus uses this parable to clarify that His kingdom is not an immediate political entity but a spiritual reign that requires faithful service and anticipation of His return. 5. Rejection and Consequences: The parable also alludes to the rejection of Jesus by some, as seen in the citizens who did not want the nobleman to reign over them. This rejection leads to severe consequences, highlighting the seriousness of accepting or rejecting Christ's lordship. The Parable of the Pounds serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities of believers as they await the return of Christ. It calls for active engagement in the work of the kingdom, faithful stewardship of God's gifts, and readiness for the day of accountability. Nave's Topical Index Luke 19:11-27And as they heard these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. Nave's Topical Index Library Parable of the Pounds. (Luke, xix. , 11, Seq. ) The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Christ and Zacch??us the Salvation of the Body as Denied by ... Parable of the Talents (Matt. , xxv. , 14-30) Compared with that ... Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] Ciii. Zacch??us. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem. Parable of the Labourers in the vineyard. (Matt. , xx. , 1-16. ) The Rewards of the Trading Servants The Four-Fold Gospel The Servants and the Pounds. Resources What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org Why did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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