Josh Weidmann



Study Notes For Luke 19:11-27 By Joshua M. Weidmann TIME \@ "d MMMM yyyy" 13 March 2013NOTE: These notes are not intended to read as an article or well-rounded written work. Rather this is a collage of different research and resources that will assist in the preparation of a sermon.Working Title: Radical FaithfulnessSummary of the Passage: In light of the people speculation that the Kingdom of God was coming soon, Jesus tells a parable to illustrate how his disciples are to live life in the interim between Jesus resurrection and his return.is this story or truth mentioned exist anywhere else in the Bible? No, technically this is the only place with this story. Many people think that Matthew 25 is the same passage, but it is not. The major difference is that Jesus describes the ruler as giving different amounts of talents in that parable versus this one where everyone was given the same amount. Other difference to mention about this parable and that of the parable of the talents: The features of Matthew 25 relate to the final judgment. The master returns only after a “longtime” (Matthew 25:19) Upon his return he finds the wicked and lazy servants not stewarding what they were entrusted The Matthew 25 parable is given inside the walls of Jerusalem, where as this is still on the way (perhaps even still in Jericho).Luke’s is different as to whom the king/nobleman was and what he was going away to do.The audience for the two parables is different: because the remarks in front of the crowd after speaking to Alexius or Matthew has him only sharing it with a few disciplesLuke has more details you need to his parable then we are given in Matthews. The difference between the value of a talent in a minute yields a large sum in Matthew and a small sum in Luke (it took sixty minas to make 1 talent)"Interpretation associated with the more familiar Matthean allegory of the talents and related to Stewardship should not be allowed to override Luke’s text.”There are some connotations to Marks 13:34 is that the servants are told to keep charge while a ‘man is gone on his journey’ but this is a very loose tie.Outline of the passage:Nearing Jerusalem, speculations of the people grew that the Kingdom of God was at hand, so Jesus told them a parable (v.11)The parable of the Nobleman and the Minas (vv.12-27)The Nobleman departs to receive a kingdom (v.12) Commissioning of his men to do good business while he is gone (v.13) The citizens grumble against his lordship (v.14)He returns and calls his men on account (v.15)The first servant reports 10 fold profits and is rewarded the rule of 10 cities (v.16—17)The second servant reports 5 fold profits and is rewarded the rule of 5 cities (v.18-19)The third servants reports no gain and states the reason for his lack of investment (fear) (v.20-21a)Judgment is spoken over the negligent servant (v.21b-25)The king speaks the truth of the parable in first person (v.26) Those who did not desire his reign are killed (v.27)The Main Point of the Passage: Exegetical Idea: the parable explains the responsibility that all people have before the king in light of Christ’s coming rain.Theological Idea: Jesus has authority even in the time before His return, which makes all people responsible to him for their actions. His reign will come with judgment and reward.Applicational Idea: Christ is the King and He is coming again; we must steward our life’s resources wisely so we may give a good account for what we have been entrusted.Possible Preaching Outline: God’s timing is perfect, but waiting is hard (v.11)Christ is King regardless of preference (v. 14-15, 27) He entrust his servants with responsibility while He is away (12, 15)Great Faithfulness (vv. 16-19)Utter Failure (vv. 20-21) He revokes responsibility from the lazy and rewards the efficient (22-26) Things to include in the sermon: How does the truth, “To whom much is given much is required” apply here? I thought that we were saved by faith, not works, how does this passage not preach a works mentality? My dad’s line, “if I can trust you with a little I can trust you with a lot.” Serve – A calling to give more of yourself to the kingdom purposes here at MHC and beyond. We are all given the same amount of time in a day (i.e. the same amount of Mina), some people maximize this better than others; we must be people who work hard, not in competition to others but according to what God has given us. Some people will get 10, while others only get 5, but there is no comparing or judgment for those – it is only the ones who get nothing that displease our King. My grandpa’s old plaque – A … will soon be passed but is done for Christ will last.” Exegesis and Commentary: Introduction and context of the passage: This is often referred to as the “Parable of the Pounds” but a more precise title may be “parable of stewardship and judgment upon return.”This parable assumes that there is a period between the two phases of Jews Jesus is earthly rain. It is our responsibility as Christians, and directly as he spoke to the disciples, faithfully serve the absenting by making use of the gas responsibilities he is given. The disciples would’ve had a deep conviction of the reign of God was calling – perhaps even within days upon arrival to Jerusalem. However Jesus was trying to make point kingdom may not come immediately and they needed to be wise stewards of what the Lord has invested in them until the kingdom is actually established on earth.Not only are we to be faithful, but we will be held upon account when Christ returns. As we wait for his arrival somewhat rejected King, while others will steward their lives so God’s purposes are fulfilled and that they may glorify him in their actions.There is a final note in this parable that seems to convey the truth that those who reject the king will be separated from him.[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. As they heard these things is without a doubt referring to the crowd around Jesus, which would’ve included his disciples. The crowd was falling into Jericho and would’ve seen them healed the blind man in the chapter 18 and now speak salvation unto Zacchaeus here at the beginning of chapter 19.The things the Jesus would be referring to is the fact that salvation was coming, the promises of Abraham spoken to Zaccheus, and how immediately those things were given to him.They would’ve suppose the kingdom of God was to appear immediately upon arrival in Jerusalem. There was certain that if Jesus was the Messiah, the pronouncement of his kingdom would come as soon as they got gruesome. It would’ve been appear to the two cycles and all those around him that he was making his journey up to the holy city. They never would’ve anticipated that the city would be a place of death, rather that it would be a place of celebration as the messiah entered. You can anticipate the confusion – especially after the Crucifixion. They were certain that all things were going according to plan, but they will soon find out that the city turns on the Messiah and crucifies him according to God’s plan rather than man’s expectations.The people knew that the coming kingdom was close – or at least they thought. In Luke 9:51 it states, "when the days drew near for him to be taking up, he said his face to go to Jerusalem." Luke understood that the days of the coming reign were close and that is why he wrote this verse. But Jesus knew he was on his final journey now to Jerusalem for his death; his disciples may have anticipated that it was for his pronouncement and reign as messiah.The people desired for the Kingdom to be close. They wanted the roman rule to be overthrown by the messianic reign. They were so hopeful that his steady movement toward Jerusalem, coupled with his messianic statements and illusions, that he was going to establish the Kingdom of God upon His arrival. They would have hoped for him to call down angel armies and overthrow Rome and that the son of David would once more occupy the throne of David.In the current context of Luke, this parable would've served as a sudden statement (somewhat unwelcoming) of a more extended process in Christ’s reign as Messiah. When He used words like “Departure” and “To go away”, it was dropping hints the fact that he would be taken away from them before his final rain on earth would come. Jesus was making it clear that they needed to be faithful with their lives in light of the delayed (in their minds) coming reign. APP: We live in this time period between Christ’s earthly reign. It doesn’t really matter how you think the end times will come, we can all settle on the fact that we are in between the two reigns right now. Therefore this parable does directly impact us as well. Christians are God’s chosen resource to establishing his Kingdom on earth. He could does this in other ways, but has chosen to establish it through us. Therefore we have a high calling to be wise with our lives in order to accomplish his greater purposes.CHRISTIANS MUST BE ABOUT CHRIST’S WORK.It is worth noting that this kind of correction even had to be made in light of all the allusions Christ had made to his going and his suffering. They were listening to him, but they were not hearing him. They were hearing what they wanted to hear – “Messiah, here! Now!” This is not the message Christ was sending, but they didn’t want o hear it. Christ was saying - ‘Messiah, Here! Suffering Soon, Reign forever later.” APP: do we also only hear what we want to hear from God? [12]?He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Went to a far country to receive himself a kingdom was a typical response for any king being appointed. In those days a kind would have god to Rome to get his appointment and then he would return to the land to rule over it. This was true for all of Herod’s son in that time, so Jesus is building off of this common understanding. A knew king them would have been gone for months before returning to rule. This parable would've served as both a prophetic warning and the comfort for the followers of Jesus. It would've assured them the kingdom of God is indeed coming but they are called to faithful service in the meantime. They should not presume and easy judgment. Opposition will soon emerge (even upon their arrival to Jerusalem) but they must remain faithful. In the end it is God who will judge and exalt Jesus as Messiah.The Nobleman is not a direct picture of God or Jesus as the Messiah, but is a wise businessman who puts his servants to their task and expects performance. The servants know that he expects of them and can never apologizes for it.[13]?Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ A Mina was not a large sum of money. Sometimes these are referred to as “pounds” and probably would’ve been less than $20 each. The point is simply that the master entrusted them each with a small investment. In Luke, each person received the same amount, whereas this is not true in the Matthew parable. A mina was worth two hundred denarii; a denarius was about a day’s worth of wages.He would have given each servant the same amount – 10 servants each given one mina. Until I come was a clear instruction to be wise stewards during the time that he was away. There would be a time when Jesus would be gone from his kingdom, so if there is a direct parallel it would be that there will be time between the two earthly ministries of Christ. The elements about kingship are alluded to in verse 12, 14, and 15a. There would have been some anticipation built in v. 13 as the listeners wanted to see what the servants would do with what they were given. The servants were not slaves but would have had abilities and responsibilities that allowed them to take and investment and make good business with it. [14]?But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ There would have been a recent story recounted for the first original audience of this parable. They would have know about one of Herod’s great sons, Archelaus. He was an even man who had murdered three thousand Jews at the first Passover after becoming their ruler. When he traveled to rome, a delegate would have gone with or before him to please for him not to be made king. The emperor gave to their request and did not give him the title until he proved himself worthy, which he never did. This would have been familiar to the listeners, especially in Jericho for Archelaus had built a beautiful home in this city. The contrast is that this nobleman was proven worthy of the title and did return to rule as king – regardless of how the people felt. The parable concludes with there being rebels in the kingdom, which in Archelaus’ case would have been justified – but not in the case of Christ. Certainly behind this imagery were that of the Pharisees and the other religious rulers of Israel. God was sent to be their king, but they rejected him. John 1:11, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”The religious rulers of that time ‘went to Rome’ and worked with the government officials to prevent him from gaining kingship. The didn’t realize that Jesus wasn’t trying to establish an earthly kingdom, but was working hard to redeem the world of their sins so that he could someday rule over all. Ephesians 1:21, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”[15]?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 opposition failed. He became King (was proven worthy). Just as the king went to a far off land, so the son of man returned to Heaven. He sits at the right hand of the thrown of God. Those who oppose Christ are not happy with this, but the reality is that He will rule and reign forever. Upon his return he summons his servants to himself to see how they have done while he was away. [16]?The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ [17]?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.’ The first servant proved to be most faithful for he had returned the money ten fold. For this he was rewarded with greater responsibility. He was not told, Great job! Go on vacation… rather, he was given a huge responsibility of overseeing 10 cities. APP: There is a truth in here that should not be missed: God rewards faithfulness by given even more to be faithful with. This is very true in my experience. I saw that most in this last transition from Creekside to Mission Hills. I was responsible for a lot at Creekside, but the level of responsibility at MHC has been ten fold. I am overwhelmed by this at times, but completely humbled and honored. This is the practical playing out of the parable today in this intermediate time between Christ’s earthly reign. Luke 16:10 ESV, [10]?“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”A time of accounting for all Christians will come. In fact, we fight against this often because we think God will just “Love us into heaven.” While we are saved by the love and grace of God, through Jesus Christ, there is still an expectation for us to work. Romans, 15:17, “In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.”1 Cor 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”Heb 6:10, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.”OUR WORKS ARE THE OUTWARD DISPLAY OF OUR INWARD FAITH. (James 2:14-25)[18]?And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ [19]?And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ This is not a salvation issue. We can know that we are saved, redeemed and forgiven with the promise of eternity, but we will be judged for how we spent our lives for Christ sake. God will reward the faithfulness of His servants. Though the second servant did not do as well as the first, he is not compared to the first. He is rewarded equally, using the same method that nobleman used for the first man. He is rewarded in proportion to His ability. [20]?Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; [21]?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.’ We don’t know what happened to the other seven servants – they are not mentioned. However, this third example is given as clearly the worst way to proceed with what we’ve been entrusted. The man tries to justify himself by saying: I kept it safe I was afraid of you You are a severe manThere are seeming two groups that the servants are lumped into: those who did something with what they were given and those who didn’t. Is seems inconsequential as to how much the first group gained back, but the second group is judge severely for not getting anything back. Notice that he brought back the original amount. He did not steal it or spend it recklessly, he simply didn’t invest it and gain more fruit. This is very important to note: too often people get saved and sit on their salvation without any giving back to the kingdom. Pew potatoes or cushy seat Christians: those who get fat on the knowledge of God and selfishly keep their “good news” a “great secret” and do nothing with it for the glory of God or the good of others. The servant was afraid of the master and literally let his fear paralyze him to do nothing. Maybe he was afraid that is master expected too much and he would fail him anyway, so he did nothing at all. This is why some people don’t volunteer in the children’s ministry – they are scared enough o mess up their own kids, why would they risk messing up someone else’s kid? Wrong view: Invest yourself and trust that God will not be disappointed with the results. This severe king doesn’t seem to be a very positive description of God or the messiah, if indeed it is to picture him. But read carefully – this is the way that the servant perceived the king. Yes, the king says, well, if you saw me that way, why didn’t it drive you to action, but he was not necessarily agreeing with this view. God is “Severe” and has wrath as an attribute, but the view of God that is small and only full of fear is not a full view of God. We must not isolate his attributes and perceive him only as a wrathful God with high expectations, of which we can never meet. He is also a gracious God. If we view him only through a legalistic lens we will never move our faith into action. The Jews of that day and even today are a great picture of being inward focused o preserving themselves with the law rather than outwardly focused on giving of themselves for God’s Kingdom.It could be – total speculation – but that he was not willing to let the king get the “profits” from his investment, so he just did nothing. Those who are trying to steal God’s glory will do a similar thing – why invest in God’s kingdom when it is all for his glory anyway? Some others will invest in God’s kingdom just to get the glory (false humility). Harvesting the crops that he didn’t plant is a clear allusion to the fact that this servant just wanted what profited him, but didn’t care about the king or the people.[22]?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? [23]?Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ He took the servants words at face value, but that is not to say that he agreed with such a description. The very perceived anger that they servant feared was now going to be held against him. He said, “I knew you were severe” to which the noble man says, “then if you knew I was severe, why didn’t you response with action by doing something that would truly please me? Now I will judge you with anger, just as you feared” (this is not a pleasant picture). There are several reasons for the nobleman’s anger: He didn’t share the master’s interest to make a profit for his kingdomHe didn’t trust his master’s intentions His only concern was for himself He did nothingSimilar to the king in this story, God has give gifts to be used for His kingdom. We have been given salvation and with it is a reasonability to serve our King. We have to ask ourselves: Do we want the Kingdom to flourish? Do we trust the intentions of our King? Are we concerned about others more than ourselves? Are we willing to work or are we going to stand still?The result of our work is ultimately in the hands of God. But it is our responsibility to work wisely for God’s glory. While we can’t directly correlate the King’s anger to that of Christ, we can understand the truth behind it: God will judge us for even the smallest things we have been entrusted. Let’s call this guy “Mr. One Mina” – his problem is that he gave lip service to the initial command that the master gave him, “go and engage in business until I return.” He heard the command, and must have agreed, but he kept the mina in a handkerchief and did not do as he was instructed. His cover up for laziness and fear when asked the reason for no return was something like, I played it safe. Christ does not reprimand his servants for risk or failure, but for unfaithfulness. Is your service to Christ “Playing it safe” or are you taking risks for the Lord. Zaccheus even took a risk by saying he would give half of what he owned to the poor. There are many other example of this throughout Scripture. God calls us to take righteous risks and not squander opportunities. God gives grace to the faithful and trusting, but judgment for those who trusted themselves rather than leaning on God’s grace. [24]?And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ [25]?And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ [26]?‘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. The nobleman took it away from the irresponsible and gave it to the responsible. – WOW that is humiliating, but I’ve seen it happen! Some may have wondered why God would give more to the one who already had the most, but the truth is that he was acting responsible by giving it to his most efficient servant. He gives his reasoning in verse 26 by saying, “everyone who has, more will be given.”Those who have been given much will be given more so that they can produce even larger amounts (of impact) for the Kingdom. Those who have nothing and show up empty handed will not be given anymore opportunity and will even loose what they have been given. We need to understand the kingdom truth here of investing in God’s purposes. Any unused resources or opportunities will disappear. Remember when Hanity called and wanted and interview and I was “Too busy” but really I was lazy and wanted to play it safe? That was wrong. Byron got on my case that this was not being a wise steward to share the gospel – if I didn’t it would be taken away and I would be left with nothing. Faith is not passive. We can’t wait to let other’s get to it – but we must be active and invest ourselves each day. Faith maximizes the use of our talents and resources, operating freely without worry or self-centeredness. Faith pursues God’s mission for the world. Are you a faithful servant of Christ? Luke 8:16-18, “[16]?“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. [17]?For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. [18]?Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”[27]?But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”Jesus is not necessarily a passage about Jesus slaying all people or those that he judges did not doe enough for Him, but rather a statement to say that he reserves the right to slay his enemy if he so chooses. God would be in the right to be severe. He can do whatever He pleases, even if that means that he slays his enemies. This is a statement of final judgment that will come for the enemies of God. They will be cut off from him for all of eternity. Certain applications it can made:First it tells us of the king's trust. He gave the servants His money and he went away left him to use it in the way that they thought best. He did not anyway infer with them or stand over them but left them entirely to their own devices this is the way in which I trust someone and said "the nice thing about God is that he trusts us to do so much by ourselves.”We also see the test of the King on his servants. He wanted to see whether not man was faithful reliable with the little things he was adjusted. The minas would’ve been very small. God doesn’t pay attention to the details and keeps in mind how we handle the small things. It is often the routine duties of our lives that God is testing us. God trusts that we will steward our lives wisely and understand that each day matters. This would've been true fresh saviors well. He spent 30 days in Nazareth as a carpenter, caring for his family. Three years were then used in his public ministry. Certainly God kept in mind how he was using those previous 30 years in preparation for how he would be used later. There's also a reward will be given at the end of our lives to those who are faithful servants. We're not to just simply folder hands and do nothing in anticipation for his return. In this instance the reward is greater responsibility. You must not take it lightly to God requires us to be faithful with a little an then rewards us with even greater responsibility. “There’s no such thing as standing still in the Christian life.” (Barclay)Take some time to evaluate – What resources are you wasting in light of God’s call to stewardship? ................
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