HOST: Ron House
SPONSOR: Start2Finish
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’ ”
This parable is often equated or confused with the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), but it is a separate parable told at a different place and time. It seems this parable was probably told while Jesus was still at the home of Zacchaeus and was likely prompted by Zacchaeus’ vow of repentance. The very similar parable of the talents will be discussed later, so with this text, let’s think about the element of the story that is different. There are enemies of the master in this story who do not want him to rule over them, and who try to undermine his authority and leadership. The enemies obviously represent the Jewish leaders who had refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah and would eventually kill Him in an attempt to prevent Him from ruling. There have always been, and always will be, enemies of God and Christ who will refuse to submit to their rule and will try to thwart their plans. But just as with the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day, those efforts will be unsuccessful. Jesus reigns, and the day is coming when He will appear in the clouds and when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is, indeed, Lord (Philippians 2:9-10).
What are some reasons people refuse to submit to God?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
