What can we learn about responsibility from the servant's actions in Luke 19:18? “The second servant came and said, ‘Master, your mina has made five minas.’” Setting the Scene • Jesus is nearing Jerusalem and uses the parable of the ten minas to teach about kingdom stewardship (Luke 19:11–27). • Each servant receives one mina—equal opportunity, differing outcomes. • Verse 18 captures the report of the second servant, whose single mina has multiplied into five. What the Servant Actually Does • Takes ownership of the master’s trust without delay. • Puts the mina to work, embracing risk and effort. • Returns to the master on schedule, ready to give account. • Credits the increase to the master: “your mina has made,” displaying humility. Lessons on Responsibility • Stewardship, not ownership – 1 Chronicles 29:14: “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” – The servant treats the mina as the master’s property, aligning his work with the master’s interests. • Initiative and diligence – Proverbs 10:4: “Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” – Responsibility means acting, not waiting for perfect conditions. • Faithful productivity – John 15:8: “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit…” – Even a five-fold return pleases the master; God values growth proportional to opportunity. • Accountability – Romans 14:12: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” – The servant expects examination and prepares for it. • Humble reporting – 1 Corinthians 4:7: “What do you have that you did not receive?” – He attributes success to the master’s mina, not his own ingenuity. Practical Applications for Today • Recognize every resource—time, talent, treasure—as entrusted by the Lord. • Act promptly; avoid burying opportunities in fear or procrastination. • Aim for increase that honors God, whether results appear large or modest. • Keep records and be ready to explain your stewardship honestly. • Celebrate outcomes as God’s work through you, guarding against self-glory. Encouragement from Other Servants • Joseph, who managed Potiphar’s estate faithfully (Genesis 39:2–6). • Daniel, distinguished by excellence in Babylonian administration (Daniel 6:3–4). • Phoebe, trusted with delivering Paul’s letter to Rome (Romans 16:1–2). Takeaway Snapshot Responsibility in God’s kingdom means treating His gifts as His, working them diligently for His profit, standing ready for review, and giving Him the credit for every gain. |
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