READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Salvation joy leads us to steward spiritual treasures that build God’s Kingdom.
As Jesus made His final journey from Jericho, the Jews were hopeful that He was coming to Jerusalem as the promised Messiah King to overthrow the Romans. To manage their expectations, Jesus told them figuratively through this parable of the 10 minas, that God’s Kingdom would come about this way instead… A master gave one mina, worth three months’ wages, to each of his 10 servants – to invest with returns while he was away. They were to account to him when he returned as king – to show if they had made his money work and grow profitably. In the accounting that ensued, rewards were given out. To everyone who had, more was given. To those who had nothing, even what they had was taken away. (v26)
Jesus was referring to His return after a period of time. On this Stewardship Weekend we are posed with this pertinent question, “What are we doing with what we’ve got?”
THREE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS PARABLE:
1. Trust of the king – The servants were left to invest independently; however they thought best, without interference from the master.
2. Test of the king – He would return to test if they were faithful and reliable to grow what He had entrusted to them.
3. Timing of the king – His return was unknown so as to reveal the readiness of his servants. Were they anticipating his return in order to present the outcome of their work?
How relevant are these three implications for us in our Christian stewardship today?
Unlike Matthew 25:14–30, the parable in Luke is not about our spiritual gifts, talents or material possessions. It is about our willingness to multiply the treasures entrusted to every believer – so that we deepen our relationship with God, increase our knowledge of Jesus, and make disciples of nations, having ourselves received the gospel of salvation.
THREE OUTCOMES TO BE EXPECTED WHEN CHRIST RETURNS
- Judgment awaits those who blatantly reject and rebel against Christ as their King. When Jesus returns to rule forever with redemption and justice, His wicked enemies who do not want Him to rule over them, will be inevitably separated from the righteous (Matthew 13:49) and punished with death. (v27) It behoves us not to harden our hearts but to come humbly to Jesus as Redeemer King and be transformed by His rule in our lives.
- Loss will be suffered by those who neglect to build upon their salvation. Having received God’s saving grace we shall all have to account for what we have or have not done to further His kingdom. The servant who wrapped his share of treasure in a worthless manner, revealed a nonchalant attitude towards his master. In God’s economy, believers are rewarded when they build upon the foundation of faith Christ has already laid in us, by remaining faithful to relate with Him and obey His command to share the Good News with others. How we build will determine the quality of our faith and reliability, so that we do not just “escape through the flames” but will “receive a reward” from our Master. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
- Reward awaits the faithful who humbly say to their returning King and Master, “Here’s Your mina, LORD.” Those who risk being ostracised by sharing the gospel with others will receive blessings of eternal rest that is glorious, active and productive in the Master’s presence. They shall reign joyfully with the Son of Man when He sits on His glorious throne having renewed Heaven and Earth. (Matthew 19:28) Faithful stewardship today determines the kind of reward and fulfilling responsibility believers will receive when Christ returns.
Let us seek gratefully to steward the treasures God has already given us by intentionally growing as His faithful servants – not withholding our ‘minas’ to deny someone God’s blessings, but loving them to know His love and grace in Christ. Even when we do not see earthly rewards, we can rest knowing that God is our great reward. (Genesis 15: 1)
(Sermon notes by Marjorie Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What was Jesus saying about the Kingdom of God through the Parable? How was he managing the expectations of the people with regard to the Kingdom of God?
- What does the “mina” in the parable represent?
- What are the three “t”s concerning stewardship shared in the sermon?
- What are the different responses of the servants concerning the mina given to them?
- The ones who rejected the King faced judgement. How is eventual judgement for evil doers who reject God comforting for you?
- The servant who failed in his duty to do business with the mina had it taken away from him. How is the idea of losing what you have because of neglect a sobering reminder?
- The servants who made a profit with their minas were rewarded. How does that encourage you in role as a God’s steward of the gospel of Christ?
- What are some current opportunities that God has given you to be a faithful steward? What risks do you face?
- How has God been a reward for you as seek and serve him faithfully?
- Pray for each other to be willing to take God-led risks and seize God-given opportunities to be His faithful steward.
