Your “Pound” of Gospel

8 August 2021 AM – Luke 19:11-27 – Parables21 – Scott Childs
Introduction: Jesus was in Jericho. He had just dined with Zacchaeus the tax collector and led him to salvation. Excitement was building among Jesus’ followers. His disciples and followers anticipated that He was heading to Jerusalem to establish His earthly Kingdom, set them free from Rome, and reign as their King. Jesus told the parable of the pounds to correct that misconception (Read Luke 19:11).
This parable tells us three things about Christ’s Earthly Kingdom. (1) He was going away to prepare for it. (2) His servants are to be busy until He returns. (3) When He returns, He will first reward and judge.
Transition: This parable has a special challenge for us today.
  1. The Parable of the Pounds
a.         A nobleman was going away to receive a kingdom
1)         J. W. Shephard gives us this historical background. “There is probably a hidden allusion in these words to Archelaus, the son of Herod, who went from Jericho to Rome to get a kingdom in Palestine from the Roman emperor Augustus and come back to it. This happened back in the days when Jesus was yet a boy in Nazareth. Archelaus was followed by an embassy from Judea, appointed by the citizens who were tired of the adventurous Herod-dynasty, to ask that their country might be converted into a Roman province.” The Christ of the Gospels, p. 473
2)         Perhaps based on that event, Jesus said that a certain nobleman went into a far country (v.12). He went to receive a kingdom for himself and to return. The historical events enabled Jesus’ audience to relate to this parable.
b.         He gave his servants money to use in his absence
1)         The nobleman called his ten servants (v.13). He gave each of them a pound of money that equalled about three months’ wages.
2)         With their pound, each was to occupy (i.e., carry on business) until he returned.
c.          Many of his citizens worked against him
1)         The citizens were the people over which he governed (v.14). They hated him and made plans to stop the nobleman from getting his kingdom.
2)         They sent a message (i.e., embassy) after him to complain against him.
d.         When he returned, he rewarded and judged.
1)         The first thing the nobleman did when he returned was to call in each of his servants to evaluate how well they carried on business with the pound they received (v.15).
2)         Jesus only mentions three servants for illustration’ sake.
a)         The first reported that his pound had gained ten pounds (v.16). To reward him for his faithfulness, he gave him authority over ten cities in his kingdom (v.17). That faithful slave was greatly honoured!
b)         The second reported that his pound had gained five pounds (v.18). He generously gave that faithful servant authority over five cities in his kingdom.
c)         Then another servant reported. The word “another” is a word that means another of a different kind (v.20). He had kept his pound protected, but had not carried on any business with it. It had gained nothing. He viewed his master as austere (i.e., harsh) because he always looked for increase (v.21). His master called him a wicked servant (v.22). He rebuked him for doing NOTHING with his pound, not even putting it in the bank for interest (v.23). He took the pound he had and gave him no reward. He then gave his pound to the faithful servant who had ten.
3)         When the nobleman gave the returned pound to the faithful servant with ten, others wondered why (v.25). To this, the nobleman explained his feelings (v.26). Those who serve faithfully will receive rewards. Those who do not serve will lose all that they have.
4)         The nobleman then turned to the citizens who rejected him and had them all destroyed (v.27).
2.        The Parable’s Application for Us
a.         The nobleman represents Christ
1)         Because the Jews rejected Him, Christ delayed His earthly Kingdom.
2)         Instead, He went away (back to heaven) to await the Father’s time for the earthly Kingdom.
b.         The servants represent Christians
1)         Before Christ left, He gave a pound to each of His servants the Christians. Every Christian has received the exact same “pound” representing the Gospel and the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power. The Gospel is the fact that Jesus shed His blood, died, was buried, and rose again to pay for every sinner’s eternity in hell, (1Co 15:3-4).
2)         As Christians, God expects us to share the Gospel with people until He returns. Oh, how often we forget why we are here! Life is not about having fun, making money, and being successful. Life is not about avoiding burdens and hardships and being happy. Life is not about pleasing ourselves. Life is about living for God’s glory and sharing the Gospel with others.
3)         At work, at home, at school, at shops, at play, living and sharing the Gospel is to be our main focus. God has placed us each in different situations so that we can live out and share the Gospel with a variety of people.
4)         Jesus told His disciples in John 4:35, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” In Matthew 5:16 Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” He then left us with the commission to “… Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15).
c.          The hateful citizens represent unbelievers
1)         Our world is full of such anti-God people.
2)         Even many nice people and religious people are unbelievers in their hearts. They need the Gospel.
d.         Christ will reward and judge before He reigns
1)         Christ will return in the air for all true Christians before the Tribulation period. When we see Christ in heaven, we will stand before His Judgment Seat to be judged.
2)         Christ will reward those who have faithfully used their “pound” of Gospel for God’s glory. God does not expect the same results from each of us. He will reward us according to our abilities, but He does expect us to share the Gospel He has given to us to the best of our abilities. “How we serve the Lord today will help determine our reward and ministry when He comes to establish His kingdom on earth.” Wiersbe
a)         Very few Christians are as faithful about sharing the Gospel as they ought to be. I know I am not. Our passion and priority in life ought to be to share the Gospel, seeking to lead others to salvation in Christ.
b)         Our duty begins with living clean lives and good testimonies that shine for the Lord. However, that is only the beginning. We must SPEAK out for Christ.
c)         Perhaps you have never shared the Gospel with anyone in your life. If not, you are like the servant who hid his pound. Take heart, you still have time. Ask God to help you and to give you courage. Ask Him also to give you opportunities to speak.
d)         If you do not know how, take one of our Gospel tracts and read it over scores of times until you master its contents. Then, use it to share the Gospel.
3)         Sadly, all who reject Jesus Christ as their King and Saviour are like the enemies in the parable. They will miss heaven and suffer for all eternity.
Conclusion: It has been 2,000 years since Jesus said He would be away for a while before beginning His Kingdom. His return is nearer today than it ever has been. Are you sharing your pound of Gospel? Don’t let the devil make you to be fearful or ashamed to share the Gospel. The Gospel is good news! Only the Gospel can save a sinner from hell. If you share the Gospel and bring others to Christ, they will thank you for all eternity.          If you have not yet trusted Christ to save you, do so today!
Song: Give Me a Passion for Souls – 306