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 recorded in Luke 19:11-27 and is a profound illustration of stewardship, responsibility, and accountability in the Kingdom of God.

Context and Setting

The parable is delivered by Jesus as He approaches Jerusalem, shortly after His encounter with Zacchaeus in Jericho. The anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God was palpable among His followers, who expected an imminent establishment of a political kingdom. Jesus uses this parable to correct their misconceptions and to teach about the nature of His Kingdom and the responsibilities of His followers.

Narrative of 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 to express their opposition to his rule.

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 for his lack of initiative and takes the mina from him, giving it to the servant 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).

Finally, the nobleman orders that his enemies, who rejected his rule, be brought and executed in his presence.

Theological Themes and Interpretations

1. Stewardship and Responsibility: The parable emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship. Each servant is entrusted with resources and is expected to use them wisely and productively. This reflects the Christian duty to utilize God-given gifts and opportunities for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom.

2. Accountability: The return of the nobleman symbolizes the return of Christ, at which time all believers will be held accountable for their actions and stewardship. The rewards given to the faithful servants illustrate the principle of eternal rewards based on earthly faithfulness.

3. Judgment and Consequences: The parable also addresses the reality of judgment. The unfaithful servant faces loss, and the rebellious citizens face destruction. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting Christ’s lordship and failing to live according to His commands.

4. Kingdom Expectations: Jesus uses this parable to correct the misunderstanding of His immediate establishment of a political kingdom. Instead, He teaches that His Kingdom involves spiritual growth and responsibility, with a future consummation at His return.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Pounds is a powerful teaching that challenges believers to live as faithful stewards of the resources and opportunities God has entrusted to them. It underscores the importance of diligence, accountability, and readiness for Christ’s return, while also warning of the consequences of neglect and rebellion.Luke 19:12-27
He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of virgins and ...
... and proceeds to enforce it by two parables] shall the ... parable is much like that of
the pounds, but differs ... on the throne of his glory [Christ's judgment throne ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxv conclusion of our lords.htm

Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ]
... confession that he is the Christ: the transfiguration ... and Galilee; healing of ten
lepers; parables of the ... Jericho; Zaccheus; parable of the pounds; departure to ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/chronological table of the life.htm

Parable of the Pounds. (Luke, xix. , 11, Seq. )
... Christ made use of several parables during this last ... Among these is the parable of
the Pounds, which was given, according to Luke, just as they left Jericho ...
/.../section 239 parable of the.htm

The Servants and the Pounds.
... of an astute agent is employed to print one of the parables; neither have ... who, at
least in profession, are the disciples of Christ, and the pounds are the ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxx the servants and the.htm

The Four-Fold Gospel
... Zacch??us. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem. ... The Second Coming of Christ.
CXV. Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of Virgins and Talents. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/

Parable of the Talents (Matt. , xxv. , 14-30) Compared with that ...
The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion. ... evidently allied to that of
the pounds [690] (Luke ... points of difference in the two parables presuppose that ...
/.../section 257 parable of the.htm

The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... Parables of the Mustard Seed and of the Leaven. ... xxv., 14-30) compared with that of
the Pounds (Luke, xix ... Christ teaches that Faith must prove itself by Works. ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... Parables to {78} illustrate Christ's care for the lost (xv ... children, the rich young
man, Christ's third prediction ... Zacchaeus, the parable of the pounds (xix.1-28 ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

The Time of the Reckoning.
... And this is confirmed by two parables, one at the close of ... and give it unto him that
hath the ten pounds. ... himself a kingdom and to return, is Christ, going, as ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/12 the time of the.htm

Index.
... P. Parable, idea of, 107; use of by Christ, 102, 104. Parables, of the kingdom of
God, 85; order of in ... seed, 314; Dives and Lazarus, 321; pounds, 348; labourers ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/index 2.htm

What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org

How many parables are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus teach in parables? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus