The crowd was listening to everything Jesus said. And
because he was nearing Jerusalem, he told them a story to correct the
impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away. He said, "A
nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then
return. Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided
among them ten pounds of silver, saying, 'Invest this for me while I am gone.'
But his people hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We do not
want him to be our king.' "After he was crowned king, he returned and
called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out
what their profits were. The first servant reported, 'Master, I invested your
money and made ten times the original amount!' "'Well done!' the king
exclaimed. 'You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I
entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.'
"The next servant reported, 'Master, I invested your money and made five
times the original amount.' "'Well done!' the king said. 'You will be
governor over five cities.' "But the third servant brought back only the
original amount of money and said, 'Master, I hid your money and kept it safe.
I was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with, taking what isn't yours
and harvesting crops you didn't plant.' "'You wicked servant!' the king roared.
‘Your own words condemn you. If you knew that I'm a hard man who takes what isn't
mine and harvests crops I didn't plant, why didn't you deposit my money in the
bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' "Then, turning to
the others standing nearby, the king ordered, 'Take the money from this
servant, and give it to the one who has ten pounds.' "'But, master,' they
said, 'he already has ten pounds!' "'Yes,' the king replied, 'and to those
who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who
do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. And as for these
enemies of mine who didn't want me to be their king—bring them in and execute
them right here in front of me.'" After telling this story, Jesus went on
toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. Luke
19:11-28
Plainly Jesus
was telling the people at Zaccheus’ home that talents are made to be used.
Everything we have is given to us—by God to be used for Him. If we read between
the lines we know that this parable is for us too…and it is not just about
money. The story was also meant to convey the concept that Jesus was not going
to be the political savior for whom the Israelites were hoping. Jesus’ Kingdom
is a spiritual one. Were His enemies the Pharisees or others in the group
gathered there around Zaccheus’ table? Do you think it harsh that the “king” in
the illustration executed his enemies?
Are you like
one of those servants in the story? Who is Jesus to you?
Prayer –Jesus, open our eyes and hearts
that we would understand the deeper meanings of Your parables for they are
applicable even today for us. Thank You that You were obedient and that You fulfilled
Your Father’s promise to be the sacrificial lamb for mankind. Plainly, it was
necessary—although it was not what I would have chosen for You…but it was God
the Father’s plan and You followed it—to Jerusalem and the cross. For us.
Daily
Bible Reading: March 28 – Joshua 19-21
© 2018 Text and
photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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