While they were listening to this, he [Jesus] went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ “ ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ “ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’ “

This parable starts out in a peculiar way … it states that a noble is going to be made king. Furthermore, his subjects despise him. Can I relate to this? Definitely. I have run into people who are given much without earning it and seem to be hard to get along with.

When a person in power gives an order, they expect the order to be followed. This first part is talking about fulfilling our duty in this world. We are to work to the best of our ability, as unto the Lord. This parable makes it very clear that the likability of the master does not give excuse for those subject to him to not work hard. Obedience is key!

The Bible has commands and principles to live by. We must follow them to please God. We do not get to pick and choose which ones we want to obey. We must seek to obey them all.

And then we see the rewards of fulfilling our duty, even if it is hard or demanding … we gain more responsibility. The obedient servants were given rulership over cities! And those who did not obey and fulfill their duty were punished.

There is also a principle to follow here, of being faithful even when no one is watching. The master was away for a while, and no one knew when he would return.

In our spiritual life, God has given us resources to invest in the spiritual world. Jesus has rescued us (those who call him Lord) and set us up with spiritual gifts. And his expectation is that we use and spend these spiritual resources wisely. We must invest where they will yield returns. And what are the returns he seeks? Simply — Saved Souls! If we sit on the sidelines and hoard the gifts he has given us for ourselves, this does not please our Lord and Savior. He gave us these gifts to bless others!

Oh Lord, teach me to be a greater blessing to those around me. Help me to be a bold investor in people and to spread your love and win souls with you for eternity!