
(Bible references from ESV unless otherwise noted)
Warning: We are called not only to be faithful, but accountable.
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. —Luke 19:11
Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. —John 6:15
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the LORD” —Luke 19:38
Clarity // We make it easy for people to understand and participate.
Jesus is going to tell them that there’s a two-stage view of the kingdom.
This parable teaches what we are to be about in the space between.
The Nobleman’s Kingdom
Once Upon a Time…
A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, “Engage in business until I come.” But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to reign over us.” 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. —Luke 19:12-15
The Nobleman’s Assignment
Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, “Engage in business until I come.” —Luke 19:13
Literally, “Make a profit.” Make money!
Intentionality // We purposefully seek growth and development.
The Nobleman is Rejected
But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to reign over us.” —Luke 19:14
Courage // We boldly and authentically step out as we pursue others.
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. —Luke 19:15
The faithful serve the absent nobleman by making use of the gifts and responsibilities he has given.
The first servant is commended.
The first came before him, saying, “Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.” 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.” —Luke 19:16-17
Celebration // We share stories of who God is and what He is doing.
The second servant is commended.
And the second came, saying, “Lord, your mina has made five minas.” And he said to him, “And you are to be over five cities.” —Luke 19:18-19
The third servant is rebuked.
Then another came, saying, “Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; 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.” —Luke 19:20-21
The third servant is unfaithful and careless.
The other servants lived for the Master, not themselves.
There’s neither excellence nor generosity.
“…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.” —Luke 19:21
The Master’s Reply
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? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?” And he said to those who stood by, “Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.” And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten minas.” 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. “But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.” —Luke 19:22-23, 26-27
The faithful serve the absent king by making use of the resources he has given.
Big Idea
The faithful serve the absent king by making use of the resources he has given.
Sudy Guide
Throughout this series, we are going to invite you to reflect on your finances in light of our cultural values. This may be a new, different, and possibly uncomfortable experience. We are praying you will lean into this experience and God will use it for incredible individual and group growth.
Your financial picture encompasses many aspects. Often times we think of giving and spending. It could also include communication about and gratitude for. Spend time discussing all the parts that make a holistic financial picture.
Imagine for a minute you wake up tomorrow and your finances embody New Covenant’s cultural values [Intentionality, clarity, celebration, excellence, courage, and generosity]. Share with your group what is different and how you know it is different. Be as specific and detailed as you can.
You are a servant to the King dwelling in the space between, the gap between the first and second coming. What are you to be about during this time?
As you think about your current financial situation and your role in the space between, which cultural value is God asking you to focus on? If you’re married, are you unified in the area God is asking you to focus on?