JESUS SPEAKING
Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Therefore, He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So, he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’ “And so, it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. The first one came and said, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ He said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, you are given authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ Likewise, he said to him, ‘You also will rule over five cities.’ “Then another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief; for I feared you, because you are a stern man. You collect what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ In turn he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was a stern man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that 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 him who has ten minas.’ But they said to him, ‘Master, he already has ten minas.’” He replied, ‘I say to you, that to everyone who has, more will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me’” (Luke 19: 11-27.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus uses a parable to express His impending departure and eventual return. Parables are short stories used to express some deeper spiritual truth. Every character in a parable correlates to a real-life counterpart. In this parable, the nobleman who ventured into a far country and became a King is Jesus Christ, who ascended into heaven and now reigns with divine authority; He also will return one day. The rebellious citizens exemplify those who rejected Jesus as their messiah. The crowd He gathers together before his departure represents His disciples. Jesus gives every follower a different sum of money; which corresponds to a differing measure of faith. When the Lord returns one day, every believer will be asked to give an account of their stewardship. The servants who report an increase represent those who have put their faith to work; they have accomplished good deeds, served others, and attempted to spread the gospel message. The unwise servants who did nothing with what he had been given will be stripped of their possessions and numbered with the transgressors. Those who have been faithful will receive eternal life; but those who have squandered their allotment will inherit destruction.
Out of all of the trees that cover the Earth, only the mighty Redwood tirelessly inspires awe and wonder. These behemoths can tower to a height of over 300 feet; while their trunks can reach widths of nearly 26 feet. Currently the tallest living redwood is approximately 379 feet tall; over ‘70 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty.’ The oldest living redwood is believed to be about 3,500 years old; it began growing around the time Moses was leading the Jews out of Egypt. However, despite their size, these monsters actually have quite a humble beginning. A redwood seed is nearly 1 mm wide (or 0.0393700787 of an inch.) A tiny speck. Every living plant on earth originates from some small seed. No matter the differences in their eventual size and structure, one thing remains certain, every seed is designed to grow. Faith is a seed planted by God in the hearts of men and women. If that seed doesn’t grow, it has failed to accomplish its purpose.
All genuine believers have received a measure of faith; a small seed that must grow; and as it grows, the lives of the faithful blossom with it. Increased faith corresponds to increased kindness, increased obedience, and increased service to God and others. When our King returns, He won’t just be looking for the seed He planted; He will expect to find a mighty tree; a towering example of His divine love. May we be wise servants who allow the faith of God to grow within us. May we push onward and upward; growing with God. As we urge others to put their faith in Jesus Christ, may we observe a great increase and receive the gift of eternal life.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we ask that You would increase our faith. May we continue to grow in Your likeness, that we might accomplish many splendid works in Your name. Give us the strength, the direction, and the encouragement necessary to obey Your will. Without You we can do nothing. May we remain fully committed to bringing you a splendid increase. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 