February 27, 2022

Parable of the Minas

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Luke 19:11-27
Service Type:

Introduction

  • Historical introduction about Caesar and Archelaus
    • Some people think Jesus used this historical event as the background to this parable
      • Explanation
    • Perhaps Jesus used this reference to get people thinking
    • People were already talking about the kingdom - v11
    • Jesus wanted them to think about what would happen in the intervening time
      • Examples
      • We are to invest in Jesus and look for opportunities to advance His kingdom
  • Three characters
    • Citizens who hate Him
    • True servant who love Him
    • The false servant who despises Him
    • We either love Him or hate Him
  • Overview:
    • Correction - correcting wrong perceptions of the kingdom
    • Encouragement - encouraging faithful service
    • Warning - against ignorance and rebellion

Correction

  • There was a misunderstanding about Jesus
    • People were expecting Him to be a physical King on Earth
      • John 6:15
    • The Jews were expecting Jesus to be King
    • They thought the kingdom would appear immediately - v11
      • Will He now establish His kingdom?
      • Luke 17:20
  • Jesus has to correct their misunderstanding
    • The King will have to leave you
    • Before the reigning of a King comes a cross
    • Before glory comes suffering
      • Luke 18:31-34a
    • Yes, there would be Palm Sunday and the people would welcome Him into Jerusalem
    • Soon after would be Good Friday
  • You need to invest in Me and not just wait for me to return
    • Christianity is not a care-free life as taught by some - there will be suffering and hardship
      • There are blessings of peace and joy upon this hard path
    • Do not have a misconception of the kingdom of God
    • We are called to serve Jesus - use the talents for His kingdom
  • Saved by grace through faith and no more is needed
    • We are created by God for good works
    • We are to be zealous for good works
      • Titus 3:8, 14
    • Faith without works is dead
  • Different words used in Scripture to describe Christians
    • Steward
    • Servant/slave
    • Soldier
    • Never a spectator
  • "Do business till I come" - v13
  • Jesus corrects wrong thinking
    • Do not jump to incorrect thinking

Encouragement

  • The Bible is full of encouragement
    • God rewards those who diligently seek Him
  • Each servant was given a mina - representing 3 months pay
    • One made 10 - and was rewarded with 10 cities
    • One made 5 - and was rewarded with 5 cities
    • Faithful service is rewarded in disproportionate ways
      • What must it be to be in charge of 10 cities?
  • Jesus is encouraging us to serve Him faithfully
    • We don't do it to get a reward
    • We do it to please our Master
  • Examples of biblical encouragements
  • What is this multiplication?
    • Is it talking about spiritual growth?
    • Is it talking about conversion of souls?
    • Is is talking about talents, gifts and graces?
  • Surely it is any faithful service to God
    • We are to continually invest in His kingdom
    • To give of our money and time
    • To be sacrificial
  • v26-27
    • More blessings for those who serve God faithfully
    • Not brownie points or that good works get you to heaven
    • Jesus rewards His children who serve Him gladly

Warning

  • A warning to the two other categories
    • The false servant
    • The outright unbeliever
  • A warning to the false servant
  • Does the third servant love, honour and respect the Master?
    • Did he do any business at all?
    • He has no concern, respect or love
    • He is not bothered about advancing the estate of the master
  • v21 - it sounds that he did not really fear his master
    • If we really feared someone, we would do what they say
  • v23 - there is a severe side to God - He will hold us to account
    • He is also loving and generous (as we have seen)
  • What about people today?
    • They either see that He is love
    • They only see that He is strict and a judge
    • They do not see the perfect harmony of God - explanation
  • Jesus often spoke about false 'professors'
    • He says 'depart from Me, I never knew you'
    • They are workers of iniquity
    • Matt 25
    • 'Make your calling and election sure'
    • If you are leading a double life - repent and turn to God
  • A warning to the openly rebellious - v14
  • There are those who are openly rebellious
    • For them there is a severe end - v27
      • Paul and Jesus wept over those who refuse Christ
    • Yet people reject Christ
    • We must receive Jesus for ourselves

Closing Remarks

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