Luke 19:11-2711And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. (Luke 19:11‑27)
The people with Jesus on His last journey to Jerusalem knew the words of the Old Testament about God’s holy rule over the earth. They believed Jesus the promised King, so they expected when the city was reacd He would take the place of King.
They did not understand the writings of David and others that the Holy One must suffer and be rejected as King (Psa. 2:2; 22:7; 69:42The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, (Psalm 2:2)
7All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, (Psalm 22:7)
4They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away. (Psalm 69:4); Is. 53:33). Jesus also told them He must die, yet they were hoping for His rule to begin. So, when near the city, He told this pable to teach that He would be gone for a time, and they must wait for His rule:
“A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds (money), and said unto them, “Occupy till I come.” But his citizens hated him and sent this message after him, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’”
It is plain to us now that the “nobleman” was the Lord Jesus; the “far country,” Heaven; the “citizens” who hated him and sent the wicked message, were the leaders of the nation, who said plainly as a written message, “Away with Him, crucify Him” ( John 19:55Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! (John 19:5)); “the servants” were those who knew His words, and should do for Him.
The parable told what will happen when “the nobleman” returns as King: he will call the servants to give account of the money he gave them, each had the same: the first used his pound so well, it earned ten times as much; and the King said because he had been faithful with a little, he should rule ten cities: the next earned five times the pound, and he was given rule over five cities. All are not told of, but one came with the pound wrapped in a napkin, never used at all, because he feared the King was not just. But the King was very just, and gave that pound to the servant who had been most faithful to do for him.
That “nobleman,” the Lord Jesus, has been gone very many years: the parable told no time only those certain words, “he returned.” The people who heard Jesus’ words were His first sernts; many since have heard His words in the Bible, and each has the same Word to use for Him.
Some love the Lord, and think of His words and tell them to others, so much is gained for His honor: others hear His Word, but do not love Him, so do not use His words, are not true sernts.
Do you suppose we who have heard His words and love Him, do not often also, keep that Word “tied in a nain?” We do not read it, or think of it, or tell it to others, and must lose His reward. The pound in their money was not a large amount, so it is in small ways the Lord looks for faithfulness, as, to try to follow His words, to be patient, and humble. Christ will be the just judge.
ML 11/04/1945