Luke 19:16 – “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, one of the nobleman’s servants presents the results of his stewardship. He reports that the one mina he was given has earned ten more. This is an impressive return on investment and shows that the servant took his responsibility seriously. The servant acknowledges that the mina was never truly his—it belonged to the nobleman. His success wasn’t about personal gain but about faithfully using what had been entrusted to him to bring profit for his master.
The servant’s words reflect humility. He doesn’t boast about his abilities but simply presents what he has achieved through hard work and diligence. This is an example of faithful stewardship: using what God has given us to produce fruit for His kingdom. The nobleman’s response in the next verse (not included here) confirms that this servant’s faithfulness is rewarded.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, noblemen, landowners, and wealthy individuals often entrusted servants with the responsibility of managing money or property in their absence. The expectation was that the servants would invest or trade the resources to generate a return. This was a common practice in both Jewish and Roman societies, making Jesus’ parable relatable to His audience.
A mina was a significant amount of money, worth about three months’ wages. The nobleman’s expectation for the servants to earn a profit would have been understood by the people listening to the parable. However, Jesus isn’t just talking about financial stewardship. The parable has a deeper meaning, emphasizing the responsibility believers have to be productive with the spiritual gifts, talents, and opportunities God has given them.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship in the Christian life. God entrusts His followers with gifts, time, talents, and resources, and He expects us to use them to further His kingdom. The servant’s success wasn’t about achieving something for himself but about being faithful to the task given to him by his master. Similarly, Christians are called to live not for their own glory but for God’s purposes.
The servant’s acknowledgment that the mina belongs to the nobleman reflects an important theological truth: everything we have comes from God. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Recognizing that we are merely stewards of God’s resources should shape how we use them. Faithful stewardship involves using what God has given us to make an impact for His kingdom, knowing that one day we will give an account.
This verse also teaches that God rewards faithfulness. While salvation is a gift of grace, rewards in heaven are based on how we live out our faith on earth. The servant who multiplies his mina demonstrates that faith should lead to action and fruitfulness.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “your mina has earned ten more” highlights the servant’s humble attitude. He doesn’t claim credit for the success but instead acknowledges that the resources given to him by the nobleman were the foundation of his success. This humility contrasts with the unfaithful servant later in the parable, who does nothing with his mina and tries to blame the nobleman for his failure.
The structure of the parable builds tension as each servant presents their results, leading to either reward or judgment. Luke often uses parables to emphasize the importance of individual responsibility and accountability, and this verse sets the tone for that message.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Like the servant in the parable, Christians are called to be good stewards of what God has given them.
- Matthew 25:21 – “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” This verse from the Parable of the Talents parallels the reward given to faithful servants.
- John 15:8 – “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Faithfulness is demonstrated through bearing fruit for God’s kingdom.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges Christians to consider how they are using the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has given them. The servant’s success didn’t come from passivity—it required effort, discipline, and faithfulness. Similarly, believers are called to be active in their faith, using what God has entrusted to them to make a difference in the world.
It’s important to remember that God isn’t looking for perfection but faithfulness. Just as the servant worked diligently with what he had, we are called to do the same, trusting that God will bless our efforts. This verse also encourages humility. The servant didn’t claim the results as his own but recognized that his success was due to the resources provided by his master. In the same way, Christians should give God the credit for any successes or accomplishments in their lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the fact that He entrusts His people with meaningful responsibilities. He doesn’t view His followers as passive spectators but as active participants in His mission. By giving each servant a mina, the nobleman demonstrated trust in their ability to be productive. God does the same with us—He trusts us with gifts and opportunities, knowing that we can make an impact for His kingdom when we rely on Him.
God’s love is also seen in His desire to reward faithfulness. The servant’s success leads to a reward (as revealed in the next verses), showing that God takes delight in those who faithfully serve Him. His rewards are not just about earthly recognition but eternal blessings that reflect His generous heart.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The nobleman in the parable represents Jesus, who has ascended to heaven but will one day return to evaluate His followers. The servant’s faithfulness mirrors the life of a disciple who recognizes Jesus as Lord and lives according to His purposes. John 15:5 says, “Apart from me you can do nothing,” highlighting that any spiritual success or fruitfulness comes from abiding in Christ.
Jesus’ role as both Savior and Judge is central to the parable. The servant’s success foreshadows the rewards that believers will receive when Jesus returns. 2 Timothy 4:8 speaks of the “crown of righteousness” that will be given to those who have lived faithfully. Just as the servant acknowledges that the mina belongs to the nobleman, believers are called to live in constant awareness that everything they have and accomplish is for Jesus’ glory.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What gifts, talents, or resources has God given you, and how are you using them to serve Him and others?
- Are there areas in your life where you feel you could be more faithful or productive with what God has entrusted to you?
- How can you cultivate a humble attitude, recognizing that any success you achieve is ultimately because of God’s grace?
- What motivates you to remain faithful in your work for God’s kingdom, even when progress seems slow or difficult?
- How does the promise of future rewards encourage you to persevere in living out your faith?
This verse reminds us that God has given each of us something valuable to steward. Our task is to be faithful, trusting that when Jesus returns, He will reward those who have used their lives for His glory.