Luke 19:20 – “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the third servant reports to the nobleman that he didn’t invest or do anything with the mina he was given. Instead, he wrapped it in a piece of cloth and hid it away. Unlike the first two servants, who diligently worked to produce a return, this servant played it safe and took no action. His decision reflects fear, laziness, or a lack of understanding about his master’s expectations.
The fact that he presents the mina as if returning it intact is acceptable reveals that he didn’t fully grasp his responsibility. The master had given each servant the mina with the expectation that they would invest and multiply it. By hiding the mina, this servant wasted an opportunity to please his master and demonstrate faithfulness.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, people often protected valuable items by wrapping them in cloth or burying them in the ground, especially if they were afraid of losing them or being robbed. However, this method was generally used for personal treasures—not for money entrusted to a servant for business purposes. A faithful servant would have been expected to put the mina to work through trade, investments, or some form of productive activity.
Jesus’ audience would have understood that the servant’s actions were unacceptable. Hiding the mina instead of investing it would have been seen as negligence or disobedience. The parable reflects common practices of the time, where masters expected their servants to act with initiative and responsibility.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the seriousness of neglecting the gifts and opportunities God entrusts to His people. The mina in the parable symbolizes the resources, talents, and responsibilities that God gives to each believer. Just as the master expected the servants to be productive, God expects believers to use their gifts to advance His kingdom. The servant’s failure to do anything with the mina is a warning against spiritual passivity and neglect.
Faithfulness in God’s kingdom involves more than just avoiding wrongdoing—it requires active obedience. The servant didn’t lose the mina or misuse it for personal gain, but he also didn’t do anything productive with it. His mistake shows that failing to act for God’s purposes is itself a form of disobedience. James 4:17 says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
Literary Analysis
Luke uses contrast in this part of the parable to emphasize the difference between the faithful servants and the unfaithful servant. The first two servants presented their gains with humility and confidence, knowing they had fulfilled their duties. In contrast, the third servant returns the original mina without any increase, showing a lack of effort or responsibility. The phrase “laid away in a piece of cloth” highlights the servant’s attempt to protect the mina without taking any risks or making any effort.
The parable’s structure builds tension as the nobleman evaluates each servant. The reader is meant to feel the contrast between the nobleman’s praise for the faithful servants and the impending judgment on the unfaithful servant.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 25:24-25 – In the Parable of the Talents, a similar servant hides his talent and blames his fear of the master for his inaction.
- James 4:17 – “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” This verse emphasizes that failing to act can be just as sinful as doing wrong.
- 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.” Believers are called to actively use their gifts for God’s purposes.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a warning against complacency and passivity in the Christian life. God has entrusted each believer with unique gifts, abilities, and opportunities, and He expects us to use them to serve others and advance His kingdom. Hiding our gifts or failing to act out of fear, laziness, or indifference is a form of unfaithfulness.
This verse challenges believers to evaluate whether they are using what God has given them effectively. Are we investing our time, talents, and resources for God’s glory, or are we “hiding” them, hoping that avoiding risks will be enough? Faithful living requires action, even when it involves stepping out of our comfort zones.
It’s also a reminder that faith involves trust. The servant may have been motivated by fear—fear of failure, of losing the mina, or of the master’s judgment. But faith requires us to trust that God will bless our efforts when we act in obedience, even if we don’t see immediate results.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His trust. The nobleman entrusted each servant with a mina, just as God entrusts His people with gifts and responsibilities. His love is seen in the fact that He gives us meaningful work to do and invites us to participate in His kingdom. However, God’s love also includes discipline. Just as the nobleman holds the unfaithful servant accountable, God disciplines those He loves to help them grow in faithfulness.
God’s love doesn’t mean He overlooks disobedience or passivity. Instead, His love is expressed through His desire to see us live productive, meaningful lives that bring glory to Him and benefit others. Hebrews 12:6 says, “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.”
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the nobleman in the parable, and His journey to a “distant country” represents His ascension to heaven after His resurrection. The servants symbolize believers who have been given responsibilities while Jesus is away. When He returns, He will hold each of us accountable for how we lived our lives and used the resources He entrusted to us.
2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “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 verse connects directly to the parable’s message: Jesus will return, and when He does, He will reward those who have been faithful and address those who have been unfaithful.
The servant’s failure to act contrasts with Jesus’ life, which was marked by obedience, action, and faithfulness. John 17:4 records Jesus saying, “I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do.” Jesus is the perfect example of a faithful servant, and He calls His followers to imitate His example by living lives of active obedience.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What “minas” (gifts, talents, or opportunities) has God entrusted to you, and how are you using them to serve Him and others?
- Are there areas in your life where fear or doubt is holding you back from taking action for God’s kingdom?
- How can you overcome the temptation to “hide” your gifts or play it safe in your faith journey?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting God with the results of your efforts?
- How can you encourage others in your community or church to be faithful and active in using their gifts for God’s purposes?
This verse challenges us to live faithfully and purposefully, trusting that God rewards those who act in obedience. By avoiding spiritual passivity, we can live lives that honor God and make a lasting impact for His kingdom.