Topical Encyclopedia The parable of the Steward of the Pounds, also known as the Parable of the Ten Minas, is a teaching of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke 19:11-27. This parable is a profound lesson on responsibility, accountability, and the use of God-given resources. It is set within the context of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and is delivered to correct misconceptions about the immediate establishment of the Kingdom of God.Context and Setting The parable is told as Jesus approaches Jerusalem, and the people around Him expect the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of God. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the nature of the Kingdom and the responsibilities of its citizens during the period of waiting for its full realization. The Parable In the parable, a nobleman is about to leave for a distant country to be appointed king. Before departing, he entrusts ten of his servants with one mina each, instructing them to "Conduct business with this until I return" (Luke 19:13). A mina was a unit of currency, representing a significant amount of money, though less than a talent. Upon his return, having received his kingship, the nobleman calls his servants to account for their stewardship. The first servant reports that his mina has earned ten more, to which the nobleman responds, "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 given charge over five cities. However, another servant comes forward, having hidden his mina out of fear, and returns it without any gain. The nobleman rebukes him, saying, "You wicked servant! ... Why then did you not deposit my money in the bank, and upon my return, I could have collected it with interest?" (Luke 19:22-23). The mina is taken from him and given to the servant who has ten. Interpretation and Themes The parable emphasizes several key themes: 1. Faithfulness and Responsibility: The nobleman's servants are entrusted with resources and are expected to use them wisely. The parable underscores the importance of being faithful stewards of what God has given, whether it be time, talents, or treasures. 2. Accountability: The return of the nobleman symbolizes the return of Christ, at which time all believers will be called to account for their stewardship. The parable serves as a reminder that there will be a day of reckoning. 3. Reward and Consequence: The faithful servants are rewarded with greater responsibilities, illustrating the principle that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater opportunities in God's Kingdom. Conversely, the unfaithful servant faces loss and rebuke, highlighting the consequences of neglect and fear-driven inaction. 4. The Kingdom of God: The parable corrects the misconception of an immediate earthly kingdom, teaching that there is a period of waiting and working before the full establishment of God's Kingdom. 5. Judgment and Justice: The nobleman's actions reflect divine justice, rewarding those who are diligent and faithful while punishing negligence and fearfulness. Application The Parable of the Steward of the Pounds calls believers to examine their own lives and consider how they are using the resources and opportunities God has entrusted to them. It challenges Christians to live with an eternal perspective, investing in the Kingdom of God and being prepared for the return of Christ. The parable encourages a life of active faith, characterized by diligence, courage, and a commitment to God's purposes. Nave's Topical Index Luke 19:12-27He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. Nave's Topical Index Library The Servants and the Pounds. The Unrighteous Mammon Private Property and the Common Good Traders for the Master On the Danger of Increasing Riches Causes of the Inefficacy of Christianity The vineyard Labourers. The Rewards of the Trading Servants Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] His Life Resources Who was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat kind of divination did Joseph do in Genesis 44:5, 15? | GotQuestions.org What is biblical stewardship? | GotQuestions.org Steward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |