The King’s Gifts Bear Fruit

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 19:11-27.

Jesus’ impending entrance into Jerusalem and His recent encounters with a blind man and Zacchaeus have left the crowds with incorrect expectations about the coming of God’s kingdom. Jesus tells a parable in order to instruct them in the truth. Jesus is the nobleman who goes off to receive a kingdom by His death, resurrection, and ascension. He leaves His disciples with His gifts to put to use, even as His kingdom faces opposition. Jesus does return as the victorious and reigning King. He first calls His servants to Him. Two servants tell of how the Lord’s money brought a return; they were simply unworthy servants who did their duty. Yet in a surprise of grace, the Lord rewards them generously. One servant, however, knew his Lord wrongly. Though the Lord points out this servant’s inconsistency of belief and action, He gives the servant what he wanted and treats him harshly. The enemies of the Lord are killed in judgment. This parable warns us to avoid slothful and nominal Christianity and encourages us that our Lord Jesus has received the kingdom, He is generous with His disciples, and His gifts do bear fruit.

“The Beloved Physician’s Orderly Account” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Luke. The Evangelist wrote his well-researched account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection so that Theophilus would have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. As we still read the Word of God recorded by St. Luke, our gracious Lord gives us that same certainty that Jesus is our Savior.