The Parable of the Minas

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1. Title of the Parable

The Parable of the Minas
(also called The Ten Servants or The Pounds)

2. Scripture Reference(s)

  • Luke 19:11–27 (L)

3. Thematic Category

Stewardship; Accountability; Leadership; Reward and Judgment; Kingdom Delay

4. Parable Summary

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He tells a parable to correct the mistaken belief that the Kingdom of God was about to appear immediately. A nobleman goes to a distant country to receive a kingdom, leaving ten servants with one mina each and instructing them, “Engage in business until I return.”

When he returns, he finds that:

  • One servant has earned ten minas and is given authority over ten cities.
  • Another has earned five minas, and is given five cities.
  • A third has kept the mina hidden in a cloth, fearing the master’s harshness, and is rebuked and loses the mina.
  • The master also deals with rebellious citizens who rejected his authority, ordering that they be brought and slain.

5. Cultural and Historical Context

This parable reflects real political practices in the Roman world, where rulers (like Herod’s sons) would travel to Rome to receive official appointment. Jesus’ audience would have understood this structure and the implied political tensions and rejection.

A mina was a unit of currency worth about three months’ wages — a significant but manageable investment.

Jesus tells this parable after the conversion of Zacchaeus, highlighting a transition from grace received to responsibility given. The audience’s expectation of an immediate kingdom (v. 11) is addressed through the theme of delayed return and interim stewardship.

6. Literary Form and Structure

  • Type: Allegorical Kingdom parable
  • Structure: Nobleman departs → entrusts minas → varying returns → final judgment
  • Techniques: Contrast (faithful vs. fearful), symbolism (money = responsibility), escalation (reward and punishment), narrative framing

7. Theological Meaning and Kingdom Implications

This parable teaches that:

  • Jesus, as the nobleman, will depart (ascension), be given full kingship (heavenly enthronement), and return (parousia).
  • Believers are stewards during the time of delay, entrusted with responsibility to invest what they’ve received.
  • Faithfulness results in greater responsibility and reward in the coming Kingdom.
  • Fear-based inaction is condemned—God expects growth, not excuses.
  • There will be judgment for both unfaithful servants and active opponents of the King.

8. Moral and Ethical Lessons

  • Use what God has entrusted to you—time, resources, gifts—for Kingdom purposes.
  • Fear, laziness, and misjudgment of God’s character lead to loss.
  • Kingdom service is not optional; all believers are called to faithful action.
  • Leadership and responsibility in the future Kingdom is shaped by present obedience.

9. Jesus’ Interpretation or Explanation

Jesus prefaces the parable by stating its purpose:

“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)

This sets the eschatological context—the parable explains what to do while waiting for the Kingdom to be fully realised.

Jesus doesn’t give a post-parable explanation, but the structure clearly teaches delayed fulfilment, accountability, and reward.

10. Application for Contemporary Readers

  • Urges believers to take Kingdom responsibility seriously, even in times of delay or uncertainty.
  • Warns against passivity or spiritual stagnation rooted in fear or misunderstanding of God.
  • Inspires a life of active stewardship—whether in ministry, generosity, vocation, or influence.
  • Reminds the Church that Jesus’ return will involve both reward and judgment.

11. Comparative Insights and Scholarly Commentary

  • Augustine saw the mina as representing spiritual gifts that must be exercised faithfully.
  • Calvin emphasised the parable’s call to diligent service and productive faith, regardless of the apparent delay.
  • Craig Blomberg highlights the political analogy: this parable underscores Christ’s return and sovereign authority.
  • N.T. Wright interprets it in terms of Israel’s failure and the new calling of Jesus’ followers during the delay.
  • R.T. France notes that the parable affirms a highly accountable discipleship, where the King rewards proportionately and punishes appropriately.

12. Cross-References

  • Matthew 25:14–30 – Parable of the Talents (similar structure but distinct details)
  • 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
  • Romans 14:12 – “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”
  • Revelation 22:12 – “Behold, I am coming soon… to repay each one for what he has done.”

13. Key Quotes and Phrases

  • “Engage in business until I come.” (Luke 19:13)
  • “Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little…” (v. 17)
  • “I was afraid of you… so I kept your mina laid away…” (v. 21)
  • “To everyone who has, more will be given…” (v. 26)
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