What is the meaning of Luke 19:13? Beforehand Luke 19:13 begins, “Beforehand…” The word underscores deliberate preparation. Jesus tells this parable while people “thought the kingdom of God was going to appear at once” (Luke 19:11). He corrects their timeline by showing that there will be an interval between His departure and return. • Cross references: John 14:2-3 speaks of Jesus going to prepare a place; Mark 13:34 pictures a man traveling abroad who leaves work to his servants; Acts 1:11 promises He will come back in the same way He left. He called ten of his servants A “servant” (Greek doulos) is someone under authority but also trusted with responsibility. The nobleman calls ten, suggesting that all believers are summoned without distinction. • Cross references: Matthew 25:14 shows a master entrusting servants with talents; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 calls believers “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God”; John 15:15 reminds us that Jesus both commands and confides in His disciples. And gave them ten minas A mina was about three months’ wages. Each servant receives the same amount—no favoritism, only equal opportunity for faithfulness. The gift is unearned; stewardship begins with grace. • Cross references: 1 Peter 4:10 urges believers to use whatever gift they have received to serve others; Luke 16:10-12 declares that faithfulness in little leads to trust with much; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 shows that the ministry of reconciliation is entrusted to every believer. ‘Conduct business with this “Conduct business” (pragmateuomai) means “put this to work, trade, produce.” The nobleman expects growth, not mere preservation. Faith is active. • Cross references: Matthew 28:19-20 (“Go therefore and make disciples”); James 2:17 (“faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”); Colossians 3:23-24 (“whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord”). Practical implications: - Invest your time, abilities, and resources in kingdom work. - Look for spiritual and tangible ways to multiply what God has placed in your hands. - Remember that kingdom “business” includes evangelism, discipleship, acts of mercy, and everyday vocational faithfulness. until I return’ The charge is time-bound: it lasts until the master comes back. That promise infuses work with urgency and hope. The return will involve assessment and reward (Luke 19:15-19). • Cross references: Acts 1:11 (“This same Jesus… will come back”); Revelation 22:12 (“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me”); 1 Thessalonians 4:16 speaks of the Lord descending; 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. summary Luke 19:13 teaches that Jesus, having ascended, has entrusted every believer with resources—time, truth, abilities, and material goods—to advance His kingdom during His physical absence. We are to engage energetically, expecting growth and accountability, until He visibly returns to evaluate our stewardship and reward faithfulness. |
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