Topical Encyclopedia The Parable of the Pounds, also known as the Parable of the Ten Minas, is a significant teaching of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Luke. This parable is a profound illustration of stewardship, responsibility, and the expectation of fruitful works in the life of a believer. It is recorded in Luke 19:11-27.Context and Setting The parable is set within the context of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. As He approached the city, many believed that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately. To address this misconception and to teach about the nature of His Kingdom, Jesus shared this parable. 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 gives each one a mina (or pound), instructing them to "engage in business until I return" (Luke 19:13). The nobleman’s citizens, however, despise him and send a delegation after him, declaring, "We do not want this man to rule over us" (Luke 19:14). Upon his return, having received the kingdom, the nobleman calls his servants to account for their business dealings. 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 reports a gain of five minas and is likewise rewarded with authority over five cities. However, another servant comes forward, having hidden his mina out of fear, and returns it without any gain. The nobleman rebukes this servant, 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 earned ten. Theological Implications The Parable of the Pounds emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship and the expectation of productive works in the life of a believer. Each servant is entrusted with resources and is expected to use them wisely and diligently for the master's benefit. The rewards given to the faithful servants highlight the principle that God honors and rewards those who are diligent and faithful in their service to Him. The parable also serves as a warning against complacency and fear-driven inaction. The servant who failed to invest his mina represents those who neglect their God-given responsibilities and opportunities. His punishment underscores the seriousness of failing to engage in good works and the consequences of unfaithfulness. Application for Believers For believers, the Parable of the Pounds is a call to active and fruitful service in the Kingdom of God. It encourages Christians to utilize their gifts, talents, and resources for the advancement of God's purposes. The parable teaches that every believer is accountable to God for how they manage what has been entrusted to them. Furthermore, the parable reflects the reality of Christ's return and the establishment of His Kingdom. Believers are reminded to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that their works will be evaluated and rewarded by the Lord. The expectation of Christ's return should motivate believers to engage in good works, demonstrating their faith and commitment to His Kingdom. Conclusion The Parable of the Pounds is a powerful teaching on stewardship, responsibility, and the expectation of fruitful works. It challenges believers to be faithful and diligent in their service to God, using their resources wisely for His glory. Through this parable, Jesus communicates the importance of living with an eternal perspective, anticipating His return and the establishment of His Kingdom. 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 Good Works The Sower Cont. Whether the Degree of Goodness or Malice in the Will Depends on ... Of Holy Prayer Organizes a Church at Deland. Health Improves. Relapses. Starts ... The More Excellent Way Epistle xxvi. To Theoctista, Patrician Nevertheless one who Regards Only the Dissolution of the Body is ... Mahometans. Growth Resources What are meritorious works in Catholicism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the relationship of faith, works, and security in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that good works are the result of salvation? | GotQuestions.org Works: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good Works are by Jesus Christ to the Glory and Praise of God Good Works in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Good Works: Called: Fruits Meet for Repentance Good Works: Called: Fruits of Righteousness Good Works: Called: Good Fruits Good Works: Called: Works and Labours of Love Good Works: Christ, an Example of Good Works: Heavenly Wisdom is Full of Good Works: Holy Women should Manifest Good Works: Justification Unattainable By Good Works: Ministers should a Blessing Attends Good Works: Ministers should be Patterns of Good Works: Ministers should Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Good Works: Ministers should Exhort To Good Works: Ministers should God is Glorified By Good Works: Ministers should Illustrated Good Works: Ministers should The Wicked Reprobate To Good Works: Saints are Full of Good Works: Saints are Zealous of Good Works: Saints: Bring to the Light Their Good Works: Saints: Created in Christ To Good Works: Saints: Exhorted to Put On Good Works: Saints: Followed Into Rest by Their Good Works: Saints: should Abound to All Good Works: Saints: should Avoid Ostentation In Good Works: Saints: should be Careful to Maintain Good Works: Saints: should be Established In Good Works: Saints: should be Fruitful In Good Works: Saints: should be Furnished to All Good Works: Saints: should be Perfect In Good Works: Saints: should be Prepared to All Good Works: Saints: should be Ready to All Good Works: Saints: should be Rich In Good Works: Saints: should Manifest, With Meekness Good Works: Saints: should Provoke Each Other Good Works: Salvation Unattainable By Good Works: Shall be Brought Into the Judgment Good Works: The Scripture Designed to Lead Us To Good Works: They Alone, Who Abide in Christ Can Perform Good Works: To be Performed in Christ's Name Good Works: Wrought by God in Us Works: Good in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Works: Good of the Righteous, are Manifest Works: Good: A Blessing Attends Works: Good: Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Works: Good: God is Glorified By Works: Good: Holy Women should Manifest Works: Good: Jesus an Example of Works: Good: Servants should be Patterns of Works: Good: Servants should Exhort To Works: Good: The Barren Fig Tree Works: Good: The Laborer's in the Vineyard Works: Good: Will be Brought Into Judgment Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation Works: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
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