The events in Luke 19:11-27 took place just before Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where His earthly ministry would find its painful fulfillment. Jesus once again had to correct misconceptions about His kingdom. In this story of the nobleman, his citizens and his servants, Jesus presents three very distinctive lifestyles.

First, there are the people who say, “I want it my way. I’m going to get all I can.” This is the attitude of the citizens who are to be the subjects of the future king. They don’t want him. They have their own plans. They represent people who insist on life on their own terms. They often succeed because of their determination to get what they want. Having it all on our own terms is a mixed blessing. We can have it all, and yet somehow the hunger for power and wealth is not satisfied. That’s how we’re made.

As Christians, we believe that Jesus is the king and that in the last days He will return to His kingdom. Being an atheist, a skeptic, or one who practices any kind of non-Christian religion doesn’t change that reality. Jesus tells us through this parable that right now we are free to argue and debate, but when the final curtain is closed, he is Lord. Taking the part of the atheist or the Christian who decides not to act out his Christianity does not cancel out God, but it gets His attention in a most severe way. If we think God is strict, then we must submit to Him instead of ignoring Him.

The story of the servant who kept his money safe in a handkerchief presents us with a second way to live-cautiously and conservatively. These are people who want to go through life hurting no one, breaking no rules, and making no enemies. Their aim is to get through life being good old boys, or good old girls. They are determined not to consume, but to leave everything the way they found it. They see life as a picnic area. Their aim is to pick up all the garbage and leave the place just as it was. This is commendable until we consider that someone planted the trees, provided the tables, the fireplaces, the restrooms, and the trash cans. Simply picking up after ourselves is not enough. We are parasites on those who plant, build, go, and do. We can’t live without breaking rules, making some enemies, creating a few waves. To think we can live in the world using nothing and hurting no one is contrary to what we read in the Scriptures. The truth is we only have what we use.

The third lifestyle we are presented with is that of the faithful steward. In this story, Jesus is actually describing His kingdom, of which He is, of course, the King. Jesus seems to be saying that there are only two classes of people-the fruitful and the unfruitful. The fruitful people are alive and reproducing. It is a powerful injunction that we are to leave more behind than we found. If we don’t, we’ve missed the message.

As stewards of our own lives, are we increasing? We may be fearful, like the spies Moses sent from Israel who came back saying, “We can’t conquer that land. There are giants there.” Because of their fear, the Israelites wandered for forty more years.

Jesus’ parable taught two primary lessons. First, while the kingdom of God would certainly come in all its power and glory, it would not come right away. A long period of time would elapse between Jesus’ first coming and His final coming. Second, in that intermediate time, Jesus’ followers are expected to use whatever gifts they have for the advancement of the kingdom.

The number of gifts is not nearly as critical as their faithful use. God rewards His faithful servants with more responsibility. Those who are faithful with what God has given them will be given more, and those who are wasteful will have what God has given them taken away and given to another. Are we faithful servants? What are we doing with the abilities and things that God has given to us? Will God reward us?

Jesus wants us to step out of our comfort zone, and it’s okay to take baby steps. We can start by doing the very things that He has already gifted us to do and do them for His glory. We will be surprised by what happens next. The way we live our lives on earth today has a direct bearing on our capacity for joy, worship, and service in heaven. This is what makes our present life so exciting.

(An audio version of this post can be found at https://www.spreaker.com/episode/luke-19-verses-11-27-leading-a-christian-lifestyle–63046711)

Bibliography

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