Luke 19:11–28
Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near
Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear
immediately. So he said, 'A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal
power for himself and then return. He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them
ten pounds, and said to them, "Do business with these until I come
back." But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after
him, saying, "We do not want this man to rule over us." When he
returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had
given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained
by trading. The first came forward and said, "Lord, your pound has made
ten more pounds." He said to him, "Well done, good slave! Because you
have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities."
Then the second came, saying, "Lord, your pound has made five
pounds." He said to him, "And you, rule over five cities." Then
the other came, saying, "Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a
piece of cloth, for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take
what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow." He said to him,
"I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you,
that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did
not sow? Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned,
I could have collected it with interest." He said to the bystanders,
"Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds."
(And they said to him, "Lord, he has ten pounds!") "I tell you,
to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing,
even what they have will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine who
did not want me to be king over them-bring them here and slaughter them in my
presence." 'After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to
Jerusalem.
Reflection
God takes risks for us, so let us take risks for God. By
taking risks we gain confidence, experience and productivity.
How could I grow in relationship with God?