Luke 19:23 – “Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the nobleman rebukes the third servant for failing to take even the smallest action with the mina he was given. The nobleman points out that the servant could have placed the mina in a bank, where it would have earned interest. While this wouldn’t have yielded a large return like the other servants’ investments, it would have shown some effort. By hiding the mina instead, the servant demonstrated complete inaction and negligence.
The nobleman’s question exposes the flaw in the servant’s excuse. If the servant had truly feared the master and believed he was a “hard man,” he should have at least taken a minimal step to ensure the mina produced something. Instead, his failure to act shows that his excuse was just a cover for laziness or lack of commitment. The nobleman’s rebuke highlights the importance of taking action, even when the task seems small.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, banking systems were relatively simple compared to today, but money could still be deposited with moneylenders or bankers to earn interest. Jesus’ audience would have understood that placing money on deposit was a basic and low-risk option. It didn’t require much effort, but it ensured that the money would grow over time.
The fact that the nobleman mentions this option suggests that the servant’s failure was inexcusable. Even if the servant wasn’t skilled in business or trade, he could have done something simple to fulfill his responsibility. This reflects the broader cultural expectation of stewardship—servants were expected to manage their master’s resources wisely, and doing nothing was seen as unacceptable.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God values faithfulness and effort, even in small things. The servant wasn’t expected to achieve the same results as the others, but he was expected to do something with what he was given. Similarly, God doesn’t expect all believers to produce the same results, but He does expect us to be faithful with the gifts and opportunities we have. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
The servant’s failure to put the mina on deposit symbolizes spiritual laziness or neglect. God calls believers to be active in their faith, using their time, talents, and resources to serve Him and others. Even small acts of obedience, like sharing the Gospel with one person or helping someone in need, can have a lasting impact. This verse challenges believers to avoid spiritual stagnation and to take even small steps toward living out their faith.
It also reminds us that doing nothing is not a neutral action—it is disobedience. The servant’s inaction led to rebuke and judgment, showing that God holds us accountable for what we fail to do, not just for what we do wrong. 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
This verse serves as the climax of the nobleman’s confrontation with the unfaithful servant. The nobleman’s question—“Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit?”—is rhetorical, meant to expose the servant’s lack of effort and responsibility. The nobleman’s logic is simple: if the servant truly feared him, he would have done something to show it.
Luke’s use of the word “interest” symbolizes spiritual growth and productivity. Just as money grows when invested, spiritual growth occurs when believers actively engage in serving God. The parable contrasts the productive efforts of the first two servants with the failure of the third, highlighting the importance of taking action.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 25:27 – In the Parable of the Talents, the master similarly rebukes the unfaithful servant for failing to put the money on deposit and earn interest.
- 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 reinforces the idea that inaction can be a form of disobedience.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” God calls believers to be diligent and faithful in their work.
- Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder that God values action, even if the results seem small. Some people hesitate to serve God because they feel their efforts won’t make a difference, but this verse challenges that mindset. Even small, faithful actions matter to God and contribute to His kingdom.
This verse also warns against the temptation to “play it safe” in the Christian life. The servant thought that hiding the mina would protect him from failure, but his inaction led to judgment. Similarly, Christians are called to take risks for God’s kingdom, trusting that He will bless their efforts. Whether it’s sharing the Gospel, volunteering at church, or helping a neighbor in need, God honors faithfulness, even in small tasks.
The verse also challenges believers to reflect on whether they are fully using their gifts and opportunities. Are there areas where you’ve been hesitant to act because of fear or doubt? This verse encourages you to step out in faith, trusting that God can use even your smallest efforts for His glory.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His desire to see His people grow and succeed. The nobleman’s rebuke isn’t meant to condemn the servant but to highlight what could have been achieved if he had taken action. Similarly, God disciplines His people not out of harshness but out of love, encouraging them to grow in faith and obedience. Hebrews 12:6 says, “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.”
God’s love is also evident in the fact that He doesn’t expect perfection—He expects faithfulness. Just as the nobleman would have accepted even a small return with interest, God values every effort we make in serving Him. His love motivates us to act, knowing that He is pleased with even the smallest steps of obedience.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the nobleman in the parable, and His return represents His second coming, when He will evaluate how believers have lived their lives. 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.” Jesus’ role as Judge is central to the parable, but His judgment is based on love and justice.
The servant’s failure to act contrasts with Jesus’ example of obedience 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 fulfilled His mission, and He calls His followers to be faithful in completing the tasks they’ve been given. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus empowers believers to live productive and meaningful lives for God’s kingdom.
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?
- Are there areas of your life where fear or doubt is holding you back from taking action for God’s kingdom?
- How can you take small steps of obedience, even when the task feels insignificant or overwhelming?
- What excuses have you made for spiritual inaction, and how can you overcome them?
- How can you encourage others in your church or community to be faithful and active in using their gifts for God’s purposes?
This verse challenges us to reject excuses, trust God’s love, and take even small steps of faith, knowing that He values and rewards our efforts. By living with purpose and action, we can honor God and contribute to His kingdom.