Faithfulness to the King
Jeremy Bell
Luke 19:11-27
January 31, 2021
Sermon Video/Audio
Luke 19:11–27
[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. [12] He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. [13] Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ [14] But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ [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. [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.’ [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.’ [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.’ [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?’ [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. [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.’” (ESV)
Main Theme: Jesus is looking for faithfulness in that kingdom labor and faithfulness will be rewarded. But faithlessness will be held to account, and outright rejection of Him will result in disaster.
This sermon included a verse by verse exposition of the text followed by two points of application.
Application:
1. Do you know and love King Jesus?
2. The King is returning and one day you will give an account. How are you actively using the gifts and resources He’s given to you to advance the cause of His kingdom?
Questions For Discussion/Application:
- Re-read the text, Luke 19:11-27. What initial observations and insights do you have from reading this text?
- In this parable, who does the nobleman represent? Who do the servants represent?
- Just before going away, what did the nobleman request of his servants?
- Verse 15, says “When he returned….” What does that represent?
- Upon his return, what was the nobleman looking for? What does this demonstrate that Christ is looking for from us, when He returns?
- What did the nobleman find so wrong with the servant who hid his mina (verses 20-23)? Who does this servant represent? What encouragement do verses 20-23 provide in the area of evangelism?
- What was the nobleman’s reaction to the first two servants? How does the awareness the Lord is looking for us to invest our gifts, our talents, our abilities into the kingdom of God inspire you, encourage you or perhaps even sober you?
- Consider taking time to pray (1) For the lost who don’t know Christ and (2) that God would help us to invest our lives and all that we are into His kingdom.