Gospel
11 While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately. 12 So he said, “A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. 13 He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ 14 His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.’ 15 But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. 16 The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’ 17 He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’ 18 Then the second came and reported, ‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’ 19 And to this servant too he said, ‘You, take charge of five cities.’ 20 Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, 21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’ 22 He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding man, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; 23 why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’ 24 And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’ 25 But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’ 26 He replied, ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 27 Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.’” 28 After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.
Historical Background
The Parable of the Minas was told by Jesus as he traveled toward Jerusalem, shortly before his triumphal entry.
The specific historical context for his audience was the recent experience of Archelaus, a son of Herod the Great, who had traveled to Rome to have his kingship confirmed by the Roman Emperor. A delegation of his subjects, who hated him, followed him to Rome to argue against his rule. Upon his return with the kingship, Archelaus took vengeance on his enemies.
Jesus's audience would have been familiar with this event, and the parable's narrative of a nobleman going away to receive a kingdom and returning to execute his enemies would have resonated strongly with this real-life scenario.
Theological Context
The primary theological purpose of the parable was to correct the misconception among Jesus's followers that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately upon his arrival in Jerusalem. Jesus used the parable to indicate that there would be a period of time (represented by the nobleman's journey to a "distant country" and return) between his departure (ascension to heaven) and his return (the Second Coming) to establish his full, physical kingdom.
During this intervening time, his "servants" (believers/disciples) are expected to be faithful stewards of the "minas" (representing the gifts and opportunities for service, such as the Gospel message itself) entrusted to them, actively "doing business" and being productive for the kingdom.
The parable also serves as a warning that there will be a day of reckoning and judgment for how individuals have used their entrusted gifts. Faithfulness will be rewarded with greater responsibility and authority in the coming kingdom. Those who reject Jesus's kingship (the citizens who "hated him") and those who are unfaithful or unproductive with their gifts will face severe consequences.
Learning Lessons
This statement is often interpreted as a lesson about responsibility, stewardship, and the use of resources. Those who use their resources wisely and productively will receive even more. Conversely, those who neglect or misuse their resources will lose what they have. The parable encourages thoughtful consideration of how we manage our abilities, possessions, and opportunities. It serves as a reminder to be good stewards of what we have, whether it’s material wealth, talents, or time.
Beyond the literal context, the parable has spiritual implications. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and spiritual growth. The one who seeks to grow spiritually and uses their gifts for God’s purposes will experience spiritual abundance. Understanding the context in which Jesus spoke this parable is crucial. It appears in different forms in the Gospels (Matthew 25:29, Mark 4:25, Luke 8:18). Considering the audience, Jesus may have addressed issues specific to their time and culture.
Just as Jesus adapted the parables to his audiences, we can adapt their meaning and significance to our world today. The challenge lies in applying the principles of stewardship, faithfulness, and justice in our contemporary context. In summary, the parable invites reflection on how we handle what we’ve been given—whether it’s wealth, abilities, or opportunities—and how our choices impact our lives and the lives of others.
Reflection for the Day
Today's passage challenges us to examine how we are using the gifts, talents, and resources God has entrusted to us. Jesus told this parable to correct the idea that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately, emphasizing a period of waiting and responsible action. This "waiting time" is not for passive idleness but for active, faithful stewardship.
Each of us has received a "mina"—not necessarily a large sum of money, but life itself, the Gospel message, our unique abilities, and opportunities to serve God and others. The Master's expectation is that we "put this money to work" (Luke 19:13), making a difference for the growth of the kingdom. This often involves taking risks for the sake of the Gospel and acting with love as the main motive, rather than playing it safe out of fear or self-preservation.
The servant who buried the coin was condemned not for losing it, but for doing nothing with it. His fear led to unfaithfulness. We are called to be productive and fruitful, using what we have been given to make the world a better, more loving place.
As you go through your day, consider, what are the "minas" that God has entrusted to me? Am I using these gifts with love and hope for God's kingdom, or am I keeping them "safely wrapped in a handkerchief" out of fear or self-interest?
We will all one day give an account of our stewardship. Let us strive to hear the words, "Well done, good servant!"
The Wait and the Weight
A nobleman, to a far land did he go,
To claim a crown, his sovereign right to show.
To ten in trust, a single coin was shared,
"Engage in trade until I have returned," he cared.
The subjects chafed, their hatred clear and strong,
"We want him not, his rule to us is wrong".
But crowned he was, and in his power's height,
He summoned those who served him in the night.
The first came forth, with ten coins now in hand,
"Well done, good servant, rule in all the land".
The next with five, rewarded all the same,
A good and faithful servant of great name.
Then one drew near, with pale and fearful face,
The coin wrapped safe, a failure and disgrace.
"I knew you, Lord, a man both harsh and stern,
So hid your coin, no profit did I learn."
"From your own mouth!" the King in anger cried,
"You wicked servant, where did wisdom hide?
At least the bank could interest acquire!"
And all he had was taken in his ire.
So wait we must, but not in idleness,
Our gifts and time, to use them and to bless.
For He who went, the King, will come again,
And ask account of stewardship till then.
Lord Jesus,
In the quiet chambers of my soul, I ponder the weight of justice. Its scales, precise and unyielding, measure deeds against truth. And there, in the balance, I seek your face—the embodiment of all that is just and merciful. Your countenance, veiled in mystery, awaits my gaze. Will I find favor or retribution? The dawn approaches, and with it, the promise of revelation. As slumber releases its grip, I stir, eager to behold the ineffable.
Contentment whispers through the morning mist. It is not in riches or accolades, but in the presence of the Divine. For there, in the sacred stillness, I find solace. The burdens of existence fade, replaced by a quiet knowing—a communion beyond words. So let me wake, eyes lifted toward eternity and behold your face. Let justice and mercy intertwine, and may my soul find rest in your presence.
Amen
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE PARABLE OF THE TEN GOLD COINS
Luke 19:11-27
Gospel Acclamation
I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot, Google AI
Published:
November 22, 2023
