Parable of the Minas, Part II: A Mina in a Handkerchief

Luke 19:11-27

1. Introduction
   1. We began looking at the parable Jesus told about servants who were given minas.
      1. The master gave tremendous reward and praise to the fruitful servants
   2. The balance of Jesus’ word compels us to look at the warning of this parable, as well.
   3. This parable of Jesus speaks a clear warning against disobedience in two different forms.
2. Some citizens disobeyed because they hated the King (19:14)
   1. There were those who openly rejected the kingship of Christ. (John 19:15; Luke 19:41-44)
   2. Their fate is frighteningly clear in this parable. (2 Thes. 1:7-9; Rev. 6:16-17; Rev. 7:17)
   3. Many in the world continue to reject Jesus as king,
3. One disobeyed because he neglected to carry out the King’s command
   1. He has the appearance of a servant.
   2. But he does nothing with the “currency of the kingdom”
      1. He receives the mina without objection
      2. Wraps it in a face towel, sweat cloth
      3. Keeps it laid away
   3. He has his stated reasons for doing so
      1. His words show his attempt at self-justification
      2. He describes the master as one who has unreasonable expectations
   4. His words only serve to judge himself
      1. Had he truly been afraid, he would have had motivation to do something
      2. He has been no servant, and instead of fruit he offers excuses and accusations
      3. Rather than be a master-obeyer, he was a master-critic.
4. Are there servants who keep their minas in handkerchiefs?
   1. Those who are thorny soil hearers (Matthew 13:22)
   2. Those who sees themselves as a servant, but isn’t really serving
      1. Not doing the kingdom business, serving the Master, because they are self-serving
      2. They don’t study to show themselves approved
      3. They habitually forsake the assembly
   3. Those who don’t let their light shine for others to see their good works (Matt 5:16; 7:21-23)
      1. They claim Him as Lord, but practices lawlessness. (Matt. 7:21-23)
      2. They have no time to spare for serving Christ by serving others in small ways (Matt. 25)
      3. Their faith is unsupported by works, and is therefore shown to be a dead faith (James 2:26)
   4. How do we keep our minas out of our handkerchief?
      1. Do what Paul outlined for God’s chosen ones in Col. 3:12-17.
      2. Put the mina in the bank – investing in those who use the word
5. Conclusion
   1. Through their actions, the disobedient citizens both show disdain for service to the master.
   2. We must be bearing fruit for our Lord.
   3. Which model from this parable will you choose?

November 1, 2009 Page 1 of 1