The concept of a trustee in biblical terms can be explored through the Parable of the Pounds, found in the Gospel of Luke 19:11-27. This parable, spoken by Jesus, illustrates the responsibilities and expectations placed upon those entrusted with resources or responsibilities by a higher authority.

Context and Setting

The Parable of the Pounds is set against the backdrop of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. As the crowd anticipated the immediate establishment of the Kingdom of God, Jesus used this parable to teach about stewardship, accountability, and the nature of His kingdom. The parable is often seen as a lesson on the interim period between Jesus' first and second coming, emphasizing the importance of faithful service during this time.

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 each with a mina (a unit of currency), instructing them to "engage in business until I return" (Luke 19:13). The nobleman represents Christ, and the servants symbolize His followers, who are entrusted with various gifts, talents, and responsibilities.

Upon the nobleman's return, he calls the 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, whose mina earned five more, is similarly rewarded with authority over five cities.

However, another servant approaches with a different report. He has hidden his mina, fearing the nobleman's sternness, and returns it without any gain. The nobleman rebukes this servant, calling him wicked and taking the mina away to give to the one who earned ten. The nobleman declares, "I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away" (Luke 19:26).

Interpretation and Themes

The Parable of the Pounds highlights several key themes relevant to the role of a trustee:

1. Stewardship and Responsibility: The servants are entrusted with the nobleman's resources, symbolizing the gifts and responsibilities given to believers. The expectation is that these resources will be used wisely and productively for the advancement of God's kingdom.

2. Accountability: The nobleman's return and subsequent evaluation of the servants' actions underscore the principle of accountability. Believers are accountable to God for how they utilize the resources and opportunities He provides.

3. Reward and Consequence: The parable illustrates that faithful stewardship leads to greater responsibility and reward, while negligence results in loss. This reflects the biblical principle that God rewards those who diligently serve Him.

4. Faith and Fear: The contrasting attitudes of the servants—faithful diligence versus fearful inaction—highlight the importance of trusting in God's character and promises. The parable encourages believers to act in faith rather than succumb to fear.

Application

The Parable of the Pounds serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities inherent in being a trustee of God's resources. It calls believers to actively engage in the work of the kingdom, using their God-given talents and opportunities to produce spiritual fruit. The parable challenges Christians to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that their faithfulness in this life has implications for the life to come.Matthew 25:14-28
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 19:12-27
He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
Nave's Topical Index

The Christian Business World
... The business man is expected, by his Lord, to buy and sell, not for himself alone,
but as a trustee. ... In the parable of the pounds (Luke 19:12-26) He ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xi the christian business.htm

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