In this study of the Parables of Jesus, we are reading many of the stories Jesus used to teach hearers about how to live as His followers. Each day we’ll read parables in their immediate context, focusing on a different category of parables each week. Then we will work through a series of questions to understand the meaning of the text and take to heart the “secrets of the kingdom.”
Editor’s Note: In this Parables study, Jesus Himself is telling us stories—stories He wants us to reflect on and process. Rather than asking our writers to write their own stories about Jesus’ stories, we thought it would serve you and the text better to provide questions to help you dig into the meaning of each day’s parable. If you find a parable or passage particularly confusing, stop and pray. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you in His Word, and thank Him that we can know Him without knowing all the answers to our questions.
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Week 1: Parables about God’s Kingdom
Parables are stories with a point. They are designed to make us think about what is being said, why, where, to whom, and in what context. To get to the heart of Jesus’ parables, we need to pull them apart and take a careful look at the details He gives us. One detail that runs through this week’s selection of parables is that Jesus says they all describe the kingdom of God in some way. As you read through these passages, use the following questions to unpack the stories Jesus tells.
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Day 3 Reading: Luke 19:1-27
Questions:
1. This parable is similar to another called “The Ten Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30). What are some gifts, abilities, or opportunities you’ve been given to invest?
2. What is the problem this particular parable addresses, and what is the outcome of the story?
3. What is the central point of this parable, and what connection does it have to Jesus’ visit with Zacchaeus?
4. What is your response this parable?
I am reading deeper into this, and I will frankly say that I don’t think the nobleman was a good person and is not supposed to represent God. I think he is supposed to represent the exact opposite of a merciful God. First, let’s look at Zach, the guy who climbed into a tree (bc his name is long, I’ll call him Zach). Had he been a slave of the nobleman, he would have rocked the Minas assignment. But we see that he humbled himself and has seen the evil of his greedy ways and wants to give back. Jesus totally supports Zach’s repentance, showing that Jesus supports humility and honesty. Then Jesus goes on the talk about the parable of the 10 Minas. The nobleman seems entitled and cruel. Even in verse 14, citizens send a delegation saying they don’t want to be ruled by this man. And the slave who didn’t invest the Minas was afraid of the nobleman based on past experiences. The way the nobleman punishes him and the others really didn’t sit with me well, so I kept reading the passage a little further.
So when Jesus enters Jerusalem, he enters on a donkey, a sign of humility. He’s not flashy, because Jesus is an example of power of spiritual strength, not earthly possessions. Later, Jesus chastises those who are making a profit in the temple like it is a marketplace, not the house of the Lord. How would Jesus really looked at the nobleman, given Zach’s repentance and the treatment of the Temple?
I get that if God gave us talents and we squandered it, it would be a letdown. But I think this is more to highlight the injustice of wealth and inequality. I also think the nobleman is an example of what God WOULD’NT DO, and how he would not want us to treat others. The slave wasn’t being disobedient, he seemed rational and was acting on past experience. There was even the delegation of citizens who protested his rule, which indicates the slave wasn’t the only one.
I get where the devotional was getting at, but I really wanted to look at this from a different angle.
I don’t think you quite get the point of the parable. The parable is a parallel to the things God has given us, and what we do with those things/gifts is what is important. Also, God is just and our judge, not just good and loving and the giver of all good things (which He is those things as well). We are called to fear God, and that’s sometimes hard to accept. We just want to focus on the lovely and sweet adjectives of God’s character but thats doing Him a disservice. He is just and His wrath is real. Fear the Lord and love Him with all your heart.
I see it like this. Jesus traveled far from Heaven to receive his reign. The subjects, being the high priests and Pharisee’s didnt want Jesus for their king. The priests and Pharasees were looking for another King David. They loved the power they had over their own peple too. Jesus called His servants (disciples) and gave them the mina.. Gospel. Before Jesus acsended back to Heaven He told the disciples, Go make disciples. (matthew 28:19). The reference of Him being harsh I feel is the difference between the Old testament vs New. God has given each of us a gift/talent. We are to use it to glorify Him and turn people back to Him. He is a loving God.
As I dug deeper into the reading I started realizing a few parallels:
1. He went to have himself appointed as king – He is rightfully so, in here because of Noble Birth.
2. “put this money to work until I come back” – He gave clear instructions – the Bible and His words recorded for us to learn from
3. “We don’t want this man to be king… He was made king.” – It didn’t matter who wanted him king or not, he is the rightful king and he was made King
4. “He sent for them to find out what they had gained!” – He doesn’t need our gains, we are the ones who gain from him entrusting us
5. “Small matter, take charge of 10 cities.” – the new kingdom, the new heaven and earth will be for God’s people, we will be given charge over it as mentioned in other texts
6. “I was afraid, a hard man… I just kept it.” – Our thoughts of who God is can force us to act or not act at all.
7. “I will judge you by your own words” – Jesus never confirms the characteristics given to him as king.
8. “wicked servant.” – Still a servant, still in the king’s service. But won’t be entrusted with anything. won’t be given more, in fact what he was given will be taken for another to manage.
9. The enemies to be killed – The distinction between the servants and the enemies is important here. They will not be alive in the kingdom but the servants will.
I want to truth of Jesus to face up to the lies I believe about him, like the servant who didn’t see Jesus’ goodness in having him be part of his household, in trusting him with talents and money, in putting him responsible for putting it to work, for even as we fail to produce much, he keeps us in his house…
This really helped me understand, thank you!
This really helped me too. I was struggling with the last part but you brought such clarity.
Thank you so much.
Beautifully said! Thank you for thoughts!
My husband and I have had some tough years struggling with infertility in the past, but 2017 was an amazing year of healing and so many answered prayers (the adoption of our first baby!!). I’m feeling like the servant who received 10 minas… and reading this parable makes me think about how I can share the joy and healing that I have been given…
Congratulations!
I love that although zacchareus was a sinner, despised by his culture, he was not afraid to humble himself to climb a tree: he wanted Jesus more than his limitations, he acted despite people’s perceptions. Jesus saw this and rewards him.
Many of us do not grow up knowing Christ, we are sinful, fearful of what others think. It colours our actions, hiding our talents, we do not know the real Jesus fearful he will be angry and hard with us.
But if we take what we have ( our limitations eg. our height) and humble ourselves to keep reaching to see Jesus, or investing what we have despite our fear, we will reap what we sow- honour and acknowledgement, company with Jesus and fruitfulness in our labour.
Love this! So helpful and really helped me understand the parable so much clearer.
These parables to me are highlighting a lot of Godly characteristics and attributes that we should exercise but that I am clearly lacking. They are forcing me to do a lot of self examination and I don’t like what I see!
I do think that this passage ties back to using our talents to advance God’s kingdom, but also our monetary resources as well. I think Jesus thought about his primary audience, Zacchaeus, and his prior relationship to money, and used a parable about something he was familiar with. Zacchaeus had already made a fantastic start giving his money away, and I think Jesus was encouraging that and relating it back to having impact in His kingdom. Just coming out of college and entering the work force I like to think I don’t have a lot of money, but the truth is that I’ve been blessed with enough money that I don’t have to worry about food or shelter, and I even have extra left over for luxuries. Reading this parable encourages me to think about how I can better use my money to serve “the least of these” that God cares SO much about!
❤️
Well said Mika
I really struggle with this parable, because I don’t feel like I have gifts worth sharing. What I have is so small and so encumbered my weakness. Of course, I have the greatest gift of all, Christ, but social anxiety makes any interaction hard… talking about Jesus is even harder! I get discouraged and afraid that I am that third servant. Lord, have mercy.
Jess, sometimes our weaknesses are a gift too. First, there are many other people who suffer from social anxieties and you understand what that is like. There may be others who read this and can draw strength from your comment. Even mentioning your anxiety here could strengthen and encourage someone. Second, your struggle is drawing you to Christ and here you have pointed to Him, which will point others to Him as well. Keep reaching out, however you can manage to point to the cross. Others will be encouraged to do the same.
If you are a Christian, God has promised that you have gifts worth sharing (When you become a Christian the Holy Spirit gives you gifts to use in your Christianity). I get the social anxiety but pray about where God wants you to serve with the amazing gift he has given to just you! He will show you and give you opportunities to serve his kingdom. There are a lot of ways to serve Him without being out and about. Remember – He made you just the way He wants you to be!
There are assessments/ inventories you can take, even online, to help you discern what your gifts might be. Not all spiritual gifts require you to be good in social situations!
Jess, Just “seek first the kingdom of God” and the rest will flow out of you. Don’t try and work for Jesus. Just love him and He will flow out if you.
Great response right here Bubbemom!
Jess, through our weakness, God’s strength is made known. Think of the biblical heroes: Moses, he was “slow in speech and tongue” but used by God in a huge way. David, a lowly shepherd, and Rehab the prostitute, God used them all in mighty ways. The key is they gave what they had when they were called. They all had a willing heart. You don’t have to have the best gifts, or even know how to use them well, you just have to take what you have and be willing.
Jess — the book “Hinds Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard might be encouraging. The main character is named “Much Afraid” and throughout the story she is led out of her fear by the Good Shepherd. Really great read (or you can get the audiobook).
Ha. My mother in law gave me that book and the spirit of God spoke to me in it all the way through. Amazing
By being you and honest, is the gift you share to others. They feel drawn to you because you show love, humility and a lack of hostility/the world needs to see Christians as real people. I’m praying God breaks off the lie to fear people and negative responses and to revere God alone using your presence as a witness.
As Jesus walked through the crowd, he could have chosen to be the house guest of any one of his devoted followers who may have appeared more deserving. Instead he chose to honor someone who appeared undeserving. Thanks to God that is always his pattern. Thanks to Jesus he always calls us close to him even though we are undeserving and unfit. Among those of us who are unfit there are many talents and blessings that can be unlocked and shared with the world, simply by shining the light of Jesus upon them. He has taken a chance on me, I pray that he gives me the wisdom and discernment to show him thanks by serving others.