The Kingdom of God
* On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled through Jericho (19:1). A wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was, so he climbed up in a tree. Jesus saw Zaccheus and initiated a meeting with him, which led to Zacchaeus' repentance and salvation (19:2-9).

¶Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 11:9-10).

* While Jesus' followers listened to this, they thought about the kingdom of God. Upon Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, they expected the establishment of the kingdom. They believed that Jesus was the Messiah (the long awaited king), and Jerusalem was the capital of the kingdom. But they did not understand the two-stage view of the kingdom.

While We Wait
* The people would learn that the kingdom of God was not "going to appear at once" (19:11). The full establishment of the kingdom must await Jesus' second coming; in the future. In the meantime, what should Jesus' followers do? Jesus told them a parable. Read Luke 19:11-27.
1. The characters include the nobleman (to be king), "his servants," and "his subjects (citizens) [who] hated him." Whom do you think is represented by these different characters?

Responsibility & Faithfulness
* Before going away, the nobleman gave his servants a responsibility. He gave them ten minas, and said, "Put this money to work until I come back" (Luke 19:13).

* In a general sense, the nobleman gave his servants resources, and he expected them to be faithful in the use of those resources until he returned. In like manner, God has given believers resources, and he expects them to be faithful in the use of those resources until Christ returns.

2. What kinds of "resources" has God given to believers? In what ways are believers to use these resources in a responsible and faithful manner? What are specific examples?

* When the king returned, he called his servants to account. Had the servants been responsible and faithful? The first servant did well. The king replied, "Well done, my good servant!"(19:17a) The second servant also did well. However, the third servant was called "wicked" (19:22).

3. What did the first and second servants receive because of their faithfulness?

4. In what ways did the third servant fail? Why do you think he failed? What does this indicate about his relationship with the king?

Blessings & Judgment
* The faithful servants were blessed, while the third servant was judged (19:22, 24). Verse 27 seems very harsh, but it emphasizes the reality of judgment on those who reject the King.

Reflection & Application
† Which one of the three categories - faithful servant, unfaithful servant, or subject who rejects the King - best describes you? Are you happy with that category? Why or why not?
As a believer, are you a good steward of the resources that God has given you? When Christ returns, do you think he will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"? Make a list of these resources, and determine how you can use each one in a more faithful way for God's glory.