The Return of the Nobleman is a parable told by Jesus Christ, recorded in the Gospel of Luke 19:11-27. This parable is often referred to as the Parable of the Ten Minas. It is a narrative that Jesus shares with His disciples and followers to illustrate the principles of stewardship, accountability, and the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Context and Setting

The parable is set within the broader context of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. As He approaches the city, there is a growing anticipation among His followers that the Kingdom of God is about to be established immediately. In response to this expectation, Jesus tells the parable to clarify the nature of His Kingdom and the responsibilities of His followers during His absence.

The Parable

In the parable, a nobleman is preparing to travel to a distant country to receive a kingdom and then return. Before leaving, he calls ten of his servants and entrusts them with ten minas, instructing them to "Conduct business with this until I return" (Luke 19:13). The nobleman's departure signifies Jesus' ascension to heaven, where He will receive His Kingdom and eventually return.

During the nobleman's absence, the servants are expected to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to them. Upon his return, the nobleman calls his servants to account for their stewardship. 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's mina has earned five more, and he is likewise rewarded with authority over five cities.

However, another servant, out of fear, hides his mina in a cloth and returns it without any gain. The nobleman rebukes this servant for his lack of initiative and faithfulness, taking the mina from him and giving it to the servant who earned ten minas. The nobleman declares, "I tell you that everyone who has will be given more, but the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away" (Luke 19:26).

Interpretation and Themes

The Return of the Nobleman emphasizes several key themes:

1. Stewardship and Responsibility: The parable underscores the importance of being faithful stewards of the resources and opportunities God has entrusted to His people. Believers are called to actively engage in the work of the Kingdom, using their gifts and talents to further God's purposes.

2. Accountability: The nobleman's return represents the future return of Christ, at which time all individuals will be held accountable for their actions and stewardship. The parable serves as a reminder that there will be a day of reckoning, and each person will be judged according to their faithfulness.

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 Kingdom of God: The nobleman's journey to receive a kingdom reflects the reality of Christ's ascension and His eventual return to establish His Kingdom in fullness. The parable corrects the misconception that the Kingdom would be established immediately, emphasizing the need for patient and faithful service in the interim.

Conclusion

The Return of the Nobleman is a powerful teaching of Jesus that calls His followers to live with a sense of purpose and responsibility, anticipating His return. It challenges believers to be diligent and faithful stewards, using their God-given resources for the advancement of His Kingdom, while awaiting the day when Christ will return to reward His faithful servants and establish His eternal reign.