11 While he had their attention, and because they were getting close to Jerusalem by this time and expectation was building that God’s kingdom would appear any minute, he told this story:
12-13 “There was once a man descended from a royal house who needed to make a long trip back to headquarters to get authorization for his rule and then return. But first he called ten servants together, gave them each a sum of money, and instructed them, ‘Operate with this until I return.’
14 “But the citizens there hated him. So they sent a commission with a signed petition to oppose his rule: ‘We don’t want this man to rule us.’
15 “When he came back bringing the authorization of his rule, he called those ten servants to whom he had given the money to find out how they had done.
16 “The first said, ‘Master, I doubled your money.’
17 “He said, ‘Good servant! Great work! Because you’ve been trustworthy in this small job, I’m making you governor of ten towns.’
18 “The second said, ‘Master, I made a fifty percent profit on your money.’
19 “He said, ‘I’m putting you in charge of five towns.’
20-21 “The next servant said, ‘Master, here’s your money safe and sound. I kept it hidden in the cellar. To tell you the truth, I was a little afraid. I know you have high standards and hate sloppiness, and don’t suffer fools gladly.’
22-23 “He said, ‘You’re right that I don’t suffer fools gladly—and you’ve acted the fool! Why didn’t you at least invest the money in securities so I would have gotten a little interest on it?’
24 “Then he said to those standing there, ‘Take the money from him and give it to the servant who doubled my stake.’
25 “They said, ‘But Master, he already has double . . .’
26 “He said, ‘That’s what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.
27 “‘As for these enemies of mine who petitioned against my rule, clear them out of here. I don’t want to see their faces around here again.’”
Jesus used this parable to warn the Israelites who opposed Jesus being the Messiah. Israelites received the revelation and promise of God but they had failed to be the light to the Gentiles and now even rejected Jesus to be the Messiah. Nevertheless, this parable also speaks to each disciple of Jesus as we also need to be accountable to Jesus who will return and judge His people. We disciples are called to be the steward of God, similar to Israel who were called to be the steward of God's revelation, having the responsibility to be the light to the Gentiles. We are expected by Jesus to be faithful and good servants, utilizing our gifts and resources in a faithful way and with a heart of gratitude, for advancing God's kingdom.
My dear friend Jesus, thanks for giving me grace, gifts and opportunities for serving You. In the meantime, you also give me the freedom to utilize my gifts. You do want me to advance Your kingdom in the response of your love, not out of the fear for judgment and other self-ambitions. The one who is fearful in serving will never comprehend God and His kingdom. Grant me faith and with a grateful heart in responding to You as I wait before your leading in the church and my future days of my life. Show me your way and your presence with me as I start a new morning to experience your love and kindness in my life.
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