Do Business Til I Come: A Reflection on Luke 19:11-25

 

Do Business Til I Come: A Reflection on Luke 19:11-25

In Luke 19:11-25, Jesus shares the Parable of the Minas, a powerful story that calls us to action and faithful stewardship. This parable, set against Jesus' approach to Jerusalem, offers timeless lessons about responsibility, diligence, and living with purpose.

The Parable Explained

The parable begins with a nobleman who travels to a distant country to receive a kingdom. Before leaving, he entrusts ten of his servants with one mina each—a significant sum of money in biblical times. His instructions are clear: “Do business until I come.”

The nobleman represents Jesus, who, after His resurrection, ascended to heaven to receive His kingdom. The servants symbolize believers who are entrusted with resources, opportunities, and abilities to advance God’s work while awaiting His return.

Upon his return, the nobleman calls his servants to account. The first servant reports that his mina has earned ten more, and the second has earned five more. Both are commended and rewarded with authority over cities. However, a third servant admits to hiding the mina out of fear, producing nothing in return. This servant is rebuked, and his mina is taken away.

Lessons for Today

This parable challenges us to reflect on how we are using the gifts and opportunities God has entrusted to us. Here are three key takeaways:

1. Faithful Stewardship
   The nobleman’s instruction to “do business” reminds us that God calls us to be active and diligent. Whether it’s our time, skills, or resources, we are stewards of what He has given us. The question is, are we using them wisely?

2. The Reward of Faithfulness
   Those who faithfully multiply their minas are rewarded generously. This teaches us that our efforts, no matter how small they may seem, have eternal significance.

3. The Danger of Fear and Inaction
   The third servant’s fear and inaction led to his downfall. This warns us against letting fear, laziness, or excuses prevent us from fulfilling our responsibilities.

Applying the Parable Through Jesus’ Command to Love Your Neighbor

Jesus’ command to “Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself” (Matthew 22:39) gives the Parable of the Minas an even deeper application. Using our skills and abilities to serve others is a powerful way to fulfill this command and multiply the resources God has given us.

• Let Your Work Be Your Ministry: Whether you’re an entrepreneur, teacher, caregiver, or artist, your work can be an act of love and service. View your skills as a means to uplift and care for others, reflecting God’s love in everything you do.

• Invest in Others: Just as the servants in the parable were tasked with multiplying their minas, we are called to invest in the lives of others. This could mean mentoring, volunteering, or simply offering your expertise to someone in need.

• Build Relationships Through Service: Loving your neighbor means meeting them where they are and serving their needs. Use your talents to create opportunities for connection, encouragement, and support in your community.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Minas is a call to live purposefully and faithfully, knowing that we will one day give an account of how we used what God entrusted to us. By linking this parable to Jesus’ command to love our neighbors, we are reminded that our stewardship isn’t just about productivity but also about compassion and ministry.

Let’s embrace this challenge with diligence and courage, committing to “Do Business Til He Comes” by loving and serving others through our skills and resources. In doing so, we honor God and participate in His Kingdom work.

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