Luke 19:19 – “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the nobleman rewards the second servant, who had faithfully earned five additional minas from the one he was given. The reward—authority over five cities—demonstrates the master’s generosity and appreciation for the servant’s work. Although the second servant didn’t produce as much as the first servant (who was given ten cities), he is still rewarded in proportion to his faithfulness. The nobleman’s response shows that success in God’s eyes isn’t about competition or achieving the highest results but about being faithful with what we have.
The servant’s reward also highlights the principle of stewardship and responsibility. The reward isn’t about material gain or personal pleasure—it’s about being entrusted with even greater responsibilities in the master’s kingdom. This reflects the way God rewards His people, not by earthly standards of wealth but by entrusting them with greater opportunities to serve and make an impact.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, noblemen and rulers often rewarded loyal servants by giving them authority over regions, estates, or cities. This would have been a familiar concept to Jesus’ audience, who understood that those who proved themselves trustworthy were often promoted to higher positions of responsibility. The idea of “taking charge of cities” would have resonated with people living under Roman rule, where governors and regional officials were appointed to manage cities and provinces.
In the context of the parable, the mina was a relatively small amount of money (about three months’ wages), making the reward of ruling over five cities extraordinary. This reflects the nobleman’s generosity and, symbolically, God’s abundant grace in rewarding those who serve Him faithfully.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches the principle that faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities. Jesus often emphasized this idea, showing that those who are faithful with what they have been given will be trusted with more. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” The servant’s reward isn’t based on how much he started with but on his faithfulness in using what he was given.
This principle also applies to the eternal rewards believers will receive when Jesus returns. While salvation is a gift of grace, rewards in heaven are based on how we live out our faith on earth. The reward of ruling over cities symbolizes the future responsibility and authority believers will have in God’s eternal kingdom. 2 Timothy 2:12 says, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”
Theologically, this verse also reminds us that God is just and generous. He rewards according to our faithfulness, not by comparing us to others. The second servant wasn’t expected to match the first servant’s results, but his faithfulness was still recognized and rewarded.
Literary Analysis
Luke structures this parable in a way that highlights progression and contrast. The first servant is rewarded with ten cities, and the second servant with five cities, showing that the master rewards each servant according to their faithfulness. The simplicity of the nobleman’s response—“You take charge of five cities”—emphasizes the generosity and ease with which the reward is given. There is no hesitation or reluctance on the part of the master, reflecting God’s delight in rewarding His faithful servants.
The progression from one mina to ruling over cities also highlights the unexpected nature of God’s rewards. The servants started with something relatively small but were rewarded with something far greater than they could have anticipated. This reflects the biblical theme of God’s blessings exceeding human expectations.
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 parallels the reward of greater responsibility for faithfulness.
- Revelation 22:12 – “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the one who rewards faithfulness.
- Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” This verse reinforces the idea that faithfulness in small things leads to greater rewards.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God values faithfulness and will reward it, even when our efforts may seem small or unnoticed. The servant’s success wasn’t about the amount he achieved compared to others—it was about his diligence in doing his best with what he had. This teaches us that God doesn’t judge us based on results alone but on the heart and effort behind our work.
The reward of ruling over cities also encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective. The things we do on earth—how we use our time, talents, and resources—have eternal consequences. While the world often focuses on immediate rewards like wealth or recognition, God’s rewards are eternal and far greater than anything we could earn in this life.
This verse also challenges us to be content with the roles and responsibilities God has given us. Just as the second servant wasn’t expected to produce the same results as the first, we don’t need to compare ourselves to others. Instead, we should focus on being faithful in our specific calling and trust that God will reward us accordingly.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His generous rewards. The nobleman didn’t give the servant a small token of appreciation—he entrusted him with something far greater than the original responsibility. This reflects God’s desire to bless His people abundantly. Ephesians 3:20 says that God is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
God’s love is also seen in His fairness. The second servant didn’t produce as much as the first servant, but he was still rewarded generously because he had been faithful. This shows that God’s love is not based on comparison or performance but on His understanding of each person’s unique abilities and circumstances.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The nobleman in the parable represents Jesus, who has gone away (following His death, resurrection, and ascension) and will one day return to reward His followers. When Jesus returns, He will evaluate how believers have lived their lives and reward them accordingly. Revelation 3:21 says, “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on His throne.”
The reward of ruling over cities symbolizes the role believers will play in Jesus’ eternal kingdom. Just as the servant’s faithfulness led to greater responsibilities, believers who are faithful in their earthly lives will share in Christ’s reign when He returns. 2 Timothy 2:12 says, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” This reward is not about power or status but about being entrusted with meaningful work in God’s kingdom.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What responsibilities or opportunities has God entrusted to you, and how can you be faithful in using them?
- How does this verse challenge you to focus on faithfulness rather than comparison or competition with others?
- In what ways are you investing your time, talents, and resources for God’s kingdom, knowing that eternal rewards are coming?
- How does knowing that God’s rewards are generous and eternal encourage you to persevere in serving Him, even when it feels difficult or unnoticed?
- How can you help others in your community or church see the value of faithfulness in the “small things” of life?
This verse reminds us that God is generous and fair, rewarding faithfulness with responsibilities and blessings far greater than we can imagine. As believers, we are called to serve Him diligently, trusting that our efforts for His kingdom are never in vain.