Luke 19:15-19 15And it happened when he returned after having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, so that he might know what they had gained by doing business. 16And the first arrived, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ 17And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.’ 18The second came, saying, ‘Your mina, Lord, has made five minas.’ 19And he said to him also, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’
The nobleman returns, now crowned as king of his kingdom. Verse 15 could be a reflection on the early Christian confession that Jesus ascended to the Father to be honored and exalted as Lord by sitting at the right hand of the majestic heavenly throne in fulfillment of Psalm 110 (Matthew 22:24; 26:63; Roman 8:34; Ephesians 1:20, and others). Two key themes emerge: faithfulness and accountability. As the king returns, he calls his servants to give an account of their investments and business activities. Did they grow their seed money into something greater? Had they been faithful with what they were given? Obviously, the king expected them to take what they were given and gain a return from it.
The first two servants did exactly as they should have done. The first one had a 100% return on the investment, which is outstanding in any economy. The newly crowned king had full authority to grant whatever he wants, so the first servant was given ten cities to govern. The excessive comparison between minas and cities is part of the message of the parable. Faithfulness in small things will lead to the blessing of greater privilege and responsibility. The second servant gets the same response from the king.
Those who prove faithful in the Lord’s service will be rewarded. The question this parable poses is when this reward will be given. There are many situations in our lifetime when our steady faithfulness in the small areas may lead to additional responsibilities. This is true in the business world, where a good worker will be rewarded with a raise or higher position. It is even more true in the work of the kingdom. Not all those in high positions in a church or denomination are faithful workers because some gain positions by political maneuvering. However, God will bless faithful workers in his kingdom who carry out their responsibilities well.
However, this parable is not only just for leaders but all believes. The parable has an eschatological sense to it. Therefore, it can apply to all believers. All Christians are called to serve faithfully with what we have been given, whether it is small or large. We will be held accountable for what little or big influence and opportunities we have.
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