He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And 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. Luke 19:12-15

 Today we look at a parable Jesus taught about the “Ten Minas” or Ten pounds of silver. Basically this is a parable about Christ, ruling his Kingdom, and giving his servants (Church) talents to see what they do with their gifts. Now notice some of his “citizens” or Christians, hated the King, why? Because the King actually required something of the people. We see this alot in today’s Christianity, everyone loves to talk about grace and love, but when you start talking about God’s commandments or obedience, then everyone wants to call you a legalist or heretic.

But the reality is, God requires things from us. Remember the Apostle James said “Faith without works is dead” (James 2) God has given everyone of us gifts of the Holy Spirit, what are you doing with these gifts? How are you serving God and the community with these gifts? Are you building God’s Kingdom or are you just letting your gifts go to waste? But as the people said in this parable “ We will not have this man reign over us” Is Jesus truly your Lord? Does Christ rule your heart?

Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And 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: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? Luke 19:16-23

Eventually the King returned, guess what Christ is coming back soon, and he’s going to check on what you have actually been doing. Are you just sitting on the couch because you have grace or are you actually doing The Lord’s will and fulfilling the great commission (Matthew 28) When the King came back , he gave his servants rewards based on what they did, this will be the same for us when Christ returns. The words we all should long to hear are “Well done, good and faithful servant” as Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For 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. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Luke 19:24-27

Some of the servants were upset about what Christ has given to the faithful servants, but Jesus said “The servant who has will be given more” , see Jesus isn’t concerned about playing politics or pleasing people, he’s rewarding people justly. Those who actually work for the Kingdom of God will receive rewards in the Kingdom of God.

But notice Christ gave a warning, “But my enemies , who won’t let me rule over them, slay them in front of me” If you reject Jesus Christ, you reject eternal salvation. The only way to be saved is through Christ alone. Amen!