Luke 19:13 – So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the nobleman, representing Jesus, gives his servants a task while he is away. He hands each of them a mina, a form of currency, and instructs them to “put this money to work” or, in other translations, “occupy” or “do business” until he returns. The nobleman expects his servants to be productive, using the resources he has given them to generate a return. This command highlights the idea of stewardship—being entrusted with something valuable and using it responsibly.
The phrase “until I come back” signals that the nobleman’s absence is temporary and that there will be an evaluation upon his return. The servants’ actions during the time of waiting will determine their reward or judgment. Spiritually, this speaks to Jesus’ current reign in heaven and His eventual return to hold His followers accountable for how they lived out their faith.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, a mina was a significant amount of money, roughly equivalent to three months’ wages. Giving ten servants ten minas symbolized a large investment. In Roman-occupied territories, wealth and business were common parts of life, and noblemen often expected their servants or stewards to manage resources while they were away.
This practice of entrusting servants with financial or property management would have been familiar to Jesus’ audience. The nobleman’s command to “put this money to work” wasn’t unusual—it was part of a master-servant relationship. What makes this parable unique is the spiritual lesson tied to it. The servants represent believers, and the nobleman’s instructions mirror Jesus’ instructions to His followers to be faithful, productive, and obedient until His return.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches the principle of stewardship in God’s kingdom. Everything we have—our time, talents, resources, and opportunities—has been given to us by God, and we are expected to use them for His glory. The nobleman didn’t give his servants the money to keep for themselves or hide away. Instead, they were expected to multiply what they were given. This parallels the Christian life, where faith isn’t meant to be passive but active and productive.
The command “until I come back” emphasizes the importance of living with an eternal perspective. Jesus will return, and when He does, He will evaluate how His followers used the gifts and responsibilities He entrusted to them. This echoes the teaching that salvation is a gift of grace, but rewards are based on faithfulness and obedience.
Literary Analysis
Luke uses this verse to set up the key tension in the parable: Will the servants be faithful with what they’ve been given, or will they be lazy or disobedient? The nobleman’s command is clear, creating anticipation for how each servant will respond.
The instruction to “put this money to work” introduces a theme of accountability, which will be resolved when the nobleman returns to evaluate their performance. This literary structure is common in Luke’s parables, where the characters’ responses reveal deeper spiritual truths. The division of ten minas among ten servants also symbolizes that each believer has been given responsibilities, though the exact gifts may vary.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Talents is similar in its emphasis on stewardship and accountability.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” This highlights the expectation of faithful stewardship.
- Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Believers are saved to live productive lives that bring glory to God.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” This reinforces the theme of accountability.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a call to action. We are not meant to sit idly by, waiting for Jesus’ return. Instead, we are called to be active in living out our faith, sharing the Gospel, serving others, and using our resources for God’s purposes. This verse challenges us to think about how we’re using the time and talents God has given us. Are we investing them wisely, or are we hiding them away, afraid to take risks for the kingdom?
It’s also a reminder that our work for the kingdom has eternal significance. Jesus will return, and when He does, He will reward those who have been faithful. This should encourage us to persevere, even when the work feels difficult or when results are not immediately visible.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His trust and generosity. He entrusts His followers with resources, responsibilities, and opportunities, allowing them to participate in His kingdom work. This trust shows that God values and cares for His people, seeing them as partners in His mission.
God’s love is also evident in the fact that He rewards faithfulness. His evaluation of our work is not to condemn us but to reward and encourage us. His love is patient, allowing time for growth and obedience. Even when we fail, His grace is available, giving us opportunities to repent and start again.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the nobleman in the parable, and His current position in heaven reflects the nobleman’s journey to a distant country. After His death and resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He reigns as King. But His return is certain, and when He comes back, He will judge and reward His servants based on their faithfulness.
Hebrews 9:28 says, “So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” This connects directly to the nobleman’s return in the parable, emphasizing that believers should live in anticipation of Christ’s return.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for believers to enter His kingdom and participate in His mission. The parable shows that our faith in Jesus should lead to action—living in a way that reflects His values and brings others to know Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What resources, talents, or opportunities has God given you, and how are you using them to serve His kingdom?
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve been passive or hesitant to act on what God has called you to do?
- How does knowing that Jesus will return motivate you to live faithfully and intentionally today?
- What are some practical ways you can “put to work” the gifts and responsibilities God has entrusted to you?
- How can you encourage others to be faithful stewards of their time, talents, and resources in anticipation of Jesus’ return?
This verse challenges us to take responsibility for the gifts God has given us and to live with purpose and urgency, knowing that Jesus will one day return to reward our faithfulness.