Luke 19:18 – “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the second servant comes to the nobleman and reports that his one mina has earned five more. Although his return is less than the first servant’s ten minas, he still shows that he has been faithful in using what he was given. His diligence resulted in a significant gain, and just like the first servant, he presents his success humbly by acknowledging that the original mina belonged to the master. This shows that the servant’s work wasn’t about personal gain but about fulfilling his responsibility to the nobleman.
The response of this second servant highlights an important truth: not all believers are given the same opportunities, abilities, or resources, but what matters to God is faithfulness. The servant wasn’t compared to the first servant, and his reward (which is mentioned in the next verse) reflects that God is pleased with any level of faithfulness and fruitfulness.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, noblemen often entrusted their servants with responsibilities such as managing estates, trading goods, or investing money on their behalf. It was expected that the servants would work diligently to produce a return on what they were given. The idea of accountability was central to these relationships, as failure to produce results could result in punishment or loss of status, while success often led to rewards and promotions.
In this parable, a mina represented a significant but manageable amount of money—about three months’ wages. Earning five minas from one would have been considered a good return, showing that this servant made wise decisions with the resources he was given. The parable reflects the real-world understanding of stewardship and accountability, but Jesus uses it to teach a much deeper spiritual lesson.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the biblical principle that God measures success based on faithfulness, not comparison. The second servant didn’t produce as much as the first, but he still demonstrated diligence and stewardship. God understands that not everyone has the same resources or opportunities, but He expects each of us to make the most of what we have.
In the kingdom of God, small efforts matter. Jesus taught that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). The second servant shows that even those who may not have the same opportunities as others can still please God by being faithful. The verse reminds us that God rewards according to what we’ve done with what we’ve been given, not by how much we’ve accomplished compared to others.
Theologically, this verse also shows the importance of working for God’s glory. The servant acknowledges that the mina belongs to the master. In the same way, everything we have comes from God, and our work should be directed toward honoring Him. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Literary Analysis
The structure of the parable builds on the pattern of accountability, with each servant presenting the results of their work. The second servant’s report introduces a contrast: although he didn’t produce as much as the first servant, he is still recognized for his faithfulness. This literary structure reinforces the idea that success in God’s kingdom isn’t about outperforming others but about being faithful with what you’ve been given.
Luke’s Gospel often highlights themes of stewardship and accountability, emphasizing that believers are responsible for using their resources wisely. The humble tone of the servant—“your mina has earned”—also reflects the broader theme of humility in Luke’s writings, where those who acknowledge their dependence on God are lifted up.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 25:23 – “His master replied, ‘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 parallels the reward for faithfulness in both the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Minas.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Faithfulness is the key measure of success in God’s kingdom.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12 – “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” This verse emphasizes that God judges us based on what we do with what we’ve been given, not by comparing us to others.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God values faithfulness over results. Some believers may have significant influence, resources, or talents, while others may have more limited opportunities. But God’s expectation is the same for everyone: be faithful with what you have. The second servant wasn’t criticized for producing less than the first servant because he had done his best with what he was given.
This verse challenges us to reject the temptation to compare ourselves to others. It’s easy to feel inadequate when we see others achieving more, but God isn’t asking us to match someone else’s success. Instead, He’s asking us to be faithful and productive in the areas where He has placed us.
It also encourages believers to trust that even small efforts matter in God’s kingdom. A simple act of kindness, sharing the Gospel with a friend, or faithfully serving in a local church can have eternal impact, even if we don’t see the results right away.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is reflected in the way He values each person’s unique contribution to His kingdom. The second servant wasn’t expected to produce the same results as the first, and he wasn’t judged by comparison. God’s love is patient and understanding, recognizing that everyone has different abilities and circumstances. He doesn’t measure success by worldly standards but by the heart and effort behind the work.
God’s love is also seen in His desire to reward His people. The parable shows that God is not a harsh master but a loving and generous King who delights in rewarding faithfulness. Even when our efforts seem small, God notices and values them. Hebrews 6:10 assures us, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people.”
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the nobleman in the parable, and the servants represent believers who are entrusted with responsibilities while Jesus is “away” in heaven. The second servant’s faithfulness demonstrates the kind of life Jesus calls His followers to live—one of diligence, humility, and trust in God’s provision.
Jesus’ death and resurrection made it possible for believers to be part of His kingdom and to serve Him faithfully. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Just as the servant recognized that the mina belonged to the nobleman, believers should recognize that everything we have belongs to Jesus and should be used for His purposes.
The parable also points to Jesus’ return, when He will evaluate how His followers lived their lives. The reward given to the second servant in the next verse highlights the eternal blessings that await those who are faithful.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What resources, talents, or opportunities has God given you, and how are you using them to serve Him?
- How can you avoid the trap of comparing your efforts or achievements to those of others?
- Are there areas of your life where you feel discouraged because you don’t see immediate results? How does this verse encourage you to keep going?
- What practical steps can you take to be more faithful in the responsibilities God has entrusted to you?
- How does the promise of eternal rewards motivate you to stay faithful, even when the work is difficult or unnoticed by others?
This verse encourages us to focus on faithfulness rather than comparison, trusting that God values even the smallest acts of obedience and will reward those who are diligent in serving Him.