LUKE 19:11

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

You’ll have to read the parable Jesus tells in vs. 12-27, but essentially it is about three servants and how they use their masters money. I’ve been pondering what this has to do with the timely coming of the kingdom, as it says in vs. 11.

I have a few thoughts and I think vs. 26, 27 is key,

I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but form 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 being over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.

Seems like there are three people 1) those who have (servants who wisely invest their master’s money) 2) those who have not (servants who don’t wisely invest) and 3) enemies of the nobleman who receives his kingdom.

Jesus tells this because some think the kingdom of God is about to appear. What does this have to do with that?

Well, the kingdom of God has already appeared but in unobserved ways (Lk 17:21). It won’t come in the way they are thinking (Daniel 7:13, 14) for a long time; in fact we are still waiting for him to come again.

Because of this I think he is encouraging them to remain kingdom minded. Use their talents wisely. That just because it takes longer than expected doesn’t mean it isn’t coming. It is coming and they need to not forget about it. They need too be patient but still focused.

He’s also encouraging them to not get disheartened at resistance to this king’s reign by his enemies. They will eventually be punished as the enemies of the parable are slaughtered.

What do you think about this parable? What does it have to do with why Jesus says he tells it?

I love meditating on passages of scripture like this. Jesus, make your word abide in me. Let it find a home in my heart to cause change that springs forth new behaviors and acts of love.