Trust and patience
by Neil Bergmann
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While they were listening to this, he 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 (Luke 19:11).
Read Luke 19:11–27
There are a couple of interesting points in the parable in today’s reading.
In real estate, it is said that the three most important characteristics of a property are location, location, location. For biblical passages, one might similarly say that the three most important aspects are context, context, context. This parable happens just before the disciples go off to find a donkey for the entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Additionally, the focus verse above reminds us that people thought Jesus was about to enter Jerusalem as a conqueror.
Also, the parable doesn’t have a detailed explanation. Some parables, like the one about the persistent widow earlier in the week or, most famously, the parable of the sower, have detailed explanations. Some, like the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son, have clear meanings. Then, there are ones like this parable, which are confusing and don’t fit our neat theological ideas like salvation by faith alone and love your enemies. Here servants are rewarded based on their works and enemies are brought to be killed in front of the king.
Parables speak in different ways to different people. For me (and it may be different for you), this parable is about the king going away and us waiting. After his death and resurrection, King Jesus has returned to heaven, awaiting his bodily return to earth at the End Times.
Now, we know our salvation at that time is secure. We know our eternal destiny doesn’t depend on our works. However, this parable tells us we can live in the kingdom of heaven here and now, working for our king and using our talents, time and treasure to invite others to join in that kingdom.
King Jesus, we often find it too easy to bury our talents and wait confidently for your return. Give us the strength, courage and wisdom to use our time on earth well. Amen.
Neil Bergmann worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Rochedale, Queensland. In addition to professional qualifications in engineering, he has coursework and research master’s degrees in theology.
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