How does Luke 19:23 relate to stewardship and responsibility? Text of Luke 19:23 “Why then did you not deposit my money in the bank, and upon my return I could have collected it with interest?” Immediate Literary Context Luke 19:11-27 records the Parable of the Minas, spoken by Jesus “because He was near Jerusalem and they thought the kingdom of God would appear at once” (Luke 19:11). A nobleman distributes ten minas to ten servants, commanding them to “Engage in business until I return” (v. 13). On his return he evaluates their management. Two servants show profit and are rewarded with authority over cities; one hides the money in a cloth, pleading fear (vv. 20-21). Verse 23 is the nobleman’s rebuke of that servant’s negligence. The parable as a whole foreshadows Christ’s ascension, ongoing reign, and eventual return to judge human stewardship. Historical and Cultural Background A mina equaled roughly 100 drachmas—about three months’ wages. First-century bankers (τραπεζίται) commonly accepted deposits and paid modest interest (cf. m. B. Mets. 4:10). Therefore, the nobleman’s option was realistic and minimal. The servant’s failure reflects willful inertia, not lack of opportunity. Biblical Theology of Stewardship 1. Divine Ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Humanity manages what God owns (Genesis 1:28; 2:15). 2. Entrustment and Accountability: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Luke 19:23 highlights that even passive neglect violates this standard. 3. Proportional Reward: Faithful servants gain “authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:17). This mirrors other passages where rewards correlate with faithfulness (Matthew 25:29; 2 Timothy 2:12). 4. Judgment of Sloth: Scripture condemns idleness (Proverbs 18:9; 24:30-34). The parable’s “wicked servant” (Luke 19:22) aligns with Proverbs’ “sluggard.” Responsibility Emphasized in Luke 19:23 • Minimal Expected Action: Depositing in a bank required little effort, illustrating that God expects at least baseline productivity with His gifts. • Recognition of Time: “Upon my return” underscores a finite window between Christ’s ascension and second coming (Acts 1:11; Hebrews 9:28). • Opportunity Cost: Unused resources lose potential kingdom impact; interest symbolizes growth possible even under constraints. Parallel Scriptural Witness • Matthew 25:27 parallels Luke 19:23 almost verbatim, reinforcing cross-gospel consistency. • Romans 14:12—“each of us will give an account of himself to God.”—expands the stewardship principle to every believer. • 1 Peter 4:10 applies it to spiritual gifts: “Use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” Dimensions of Stewardship 1. Financial: Generous, strategic giving (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11). 2. Vocational: Excellence in work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). 3. Evangelistic: Investing gospel opportunities (1 Thessalonians 2:4). 4. Environmental: Caring for creation (Genesis 2:15). 5. Relational: Nurturing families and churches (Ephesians 5:25-33; Acts 20:28). Eschatological Motivation The nobleman’s return pictures Christ’s parousia when “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Luke 19:23 warns that excuses rooted in fear or cynicism will not stand; only faithful engagement will be commended. Practical Applications • Inventory: Identify resources—time, skills, finances, influence. • Plan: Set kingdom-oriented goals; even conservative actions (the “bank”) matter. • Act: Begin small but intentional; stewardship grows capacity (Luke 16:10). • Review: Regularly assess fruitfulness in light of Christ’s imminent return. Pastoral Exhortation Luke 19:23 dismantles the myth that inaction is spiritually neutral. Each believer’s life is God’s capital. To “deposit” it is to obey, serve, give, testify, disciple, and create—confident that the risen Christ will “collect His interest,” rewarding faithfulness and magnifying His glory. |
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