As Jesus was near Jerusalem, people expected the earthly messianic kingdom to appear. But Jesus would suffer, die for the sins of the world, and rise again from the dead. Then he went to heaven but will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. In his parable, a noble man went away to be crowned king. He gave each of his servants a mina with his word, "Put this money to work until I come back." The parable teaches us how his people should live until the Lord Jesus comes again.

On his return the master discovers that his servants have managed his money with various degrees of success. The first one earned ten minas, 1,000%; another five minas, 500%. He rewarded each of them for their trustworthiness in small matters out of loyalty to him. But the third servant returned the mina. He did not put the mina to work but made many excuses. The master rebuked this wicked servant and took away what he had. He was no better than the enemies who defied his master's kingship. Jesus wants us to put our life to work by being trustworthy in small matters, overcoming fear or human calculations while expecting our Lord's recognition when he comes again.


Application: Lord, thank you for the life and talent you entrusted to me. Help me to work hard for you and be trustworthy in small things as I eagerly wait for your return in glory.
One Word: Be trustworthy in small things.