>1. Where was Jesus going as he passed through Jericho?
* Luke 19:1 "Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through."
* Luke is the only one to record this event, the salvation of Zacchaeus and his household. Matthew in chapter 21 and Mark in chapter 11 move from the encounter with the blind beggar (the end of Luke's previous chapter, 18:35-43) to The Triumphal Entry (the end of this chapter, Luke 19:28-44).
The apostle John's records between the Feast of Dedication at the temple (winter, December) and The Triumphal Entry (spring) that "Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing..." (John 10:40). He also records Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and the growing divide between the many who believed in him and those who did not, thus fulfilling Jesus' words that he has not come to bring peace, but division (John 11).
The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), especially Luke, records many events during these approximately four winter and early spring months, including Jesus' last journey to Jerusalem which started in Galilee and concludes with this chapter which contains Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus.
John skips Jesus' last trip to Jerusalem. Then, in 12:1-11, he records Jesus being anointed by Mary in Bethany where Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived. Mary anointing Jesus is at the end of this day, six days before the Passover placing it the Saturday before The Passion Week, which starts with The Triumphal Entry on Sunday and goes to Saturday (John 12:12). Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-11 record another time by another women during The Passion Week that Jesus was anointed. This is not the same event as John's record unless they do not follow chronological order. After Mary anointing Jesus, John records Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the Sunday before Passover. See the chart and notes in the next study by using the green forward button in the header.
* John records that on the previous trip to Jerusalem for the eight-day winter (Kislev, December) Feast of Dedication (John 10:22) aka Feast of Light and Hanukkah (not in the Mosaic Law), Jesus had raised his friend Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). News of the resurrection spread quickly (John 11:43). The religious leaders began looking for a way to kill Jesus (John 11:44-57).
Listen to the above comments on Luke 19:1
* "Jesus entered Jericho" -See study 32 , part III, question 6 for information about Jericho and Jesus entry. Use the green back bar in the header to go to this study.
* "was passing through" -Jesus did not plan to say the night.
* Jericho was a place where pilgrims going to Jerusalem would stop to eat.
* Many priests lived in Jericho because it was a short walked to Jerusalem. Jesus' parable "The Good Samaritan" included this fact (Luke 10:31-32). They would have been in this crowd and perhaps expected Jesus to eat in their house either to trap him so they can discredit him, or there is a slight reason to believe a few may have secretly believed in him (John 7:13, 19:38 20:19).
>Why was he going there?
* Jesus and his disciples were going to Jerusalem (11) for the Passover where he would be arrested, trial, crucified, die, be buried, and rise from the dead.
* Jesus had predicted what would happen during the coming Passover many times. The latest is recorded in Luke 18:31-34.
>2. Who was Zacchaeus?
* Luke 19:2 "A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy."
* "Zacchaeus" -"Zacchaeus" means "pure". It is the Greek noun "Zakchaios" here and of Hebrew origin, "Zakkay" indicating that he is an Israelite, though not considered a Jew. Jesus confirms this by saying, "This man too is a son of Abraham." The Jews would have considered him a step above a heathen or a Samaritan. The name Zacchaeus is only found in this encounter.
>What shows that he was successful at his job?
* "a chief tax collector" -The Romans had collectors in every city with larger cities having multiple collectors. A chief tax collector was located in the most prominent city of a region. He oversaw all the tax collectors in his region.
* "the region" -Where the exact boarders are is not known, but probably did not include Jerusalem because it was so large and the Roman's had a large garrison there. Jericho's region was probably east of Jerusalem to the Jordan River, and from north east Judea to the Dead Sea.
* "was wealthy" -The NIV study Bible and other commentaries says, "Chief tax collector is a position referred to only here in the Bible, probably designating one in charge of a district, with other tax collectors under him. The region was prosperous at this time, so it is no wonder that Zacchaeus had grown rich (3:12; Mark 2:14-15)".
* Jesus had taught after a rich man who loved money came to him, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God" a few days before this (18:18-30). Zacchaeus shows that it is not impossible.
>How did most Jews feel about tax collectors?
* They hated them.
>Why?
* Jews saw all tax collectors as traitors.
>In what respect was he one of the lost? (10)
* Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was are lost."
* Zacchaeus had not known God and probably had a bad impression of religion in general because of his experiences with his neighbors and especially the religious leaders who labeled tax collectors as evil people. In short, he was not a religious person. He made the life choice to substitute wealth and the privileges it provided over a relationship with God.
>Why did Zacchaeus have hope in Jesus?
* Luke 19:3 "He wanted to see who Jesus was but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd."
* Zacchaeus, a descendant of Abraham was not a Jew. Jews would see him as no better than the Samaritans whom they hated. He was also a hated tax collector and a short man (2). Zacchaeus would have been bullied and isolated from his early youth through his present adult life. His family was considered and outsider, "not one of us". Such circumstances makes life hard and poor in any society.
* Jesus was very popular because of his many miracles including the raising of Lazarus from the dead approximately four months before this. He had a reputation of accepting tax collectors, "sinners", and societies outcasts even though he was a Jewish rabbi. Such a man would have been of great interest by Zacchaeus and a source of hope of acceptance.
* "who Jesus was" -Rather what sort of person he was, or how he appeared. He had that curiosity which is natural to men to see one of whom they have heard much. It would seem, also, that in this case mere curiosity led to his conversion and that of his family. Comp. 1 Corinthians 14:23-25. God makes use of every principle-of curiosity, or sympathy, or affection, or hope, or fear-to lead men in the way of salvation, and to impress truth on the minds of sinners. (Barnes' Notes on the New Testament)
>3. What did Zacchaeus do in his determination to see Jesus?
* Luke 19:4 "So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way."
* "So he ran ahead" -Still in the city of Jericho, whether the old Jericho or Herod the Great's new extension of Jericho is not clear. The people at the time considered the old and new city simply as Jericho. Being a Roman official tax collector Zacchaeus probably lived in Herod's extension of old Jericho.
* "ran ahead and climbed" -"Ran" in the original Greek is the verb "protrecho" (a transliteration) meaning very fast and in front of. "Ahead" is the original Greek is the adjective "emprosthen" meaning before, but still in the sight of. "Climbed" in the original Greek is the verb "anabaino" used eighty-two times in the New Testament.
* "sycamore-fig tree" -Of Egyptian organ, mentioned seven times in the Old Testament and once (here) in the New Testament. This tree is not to be confused with a sycamore tree. Sycamore-fig trees grow naturally in the middle east as high as 65 feet (20m). The flower and fruit are present from April through winter. See picture.
>What obstacles did he have to overcome?
* His height.
* His dignity and pride.
* His clothes.
* Those who hated him.
* His reputation.
* The new fruit would have been on the tree.
* Wasps cultivate this tree and thus would have been present.
>What does this show about his character?
* When he wants something he will go at great peril to obtain it.
* The shortness of his stature was amply compensated by his agility and invention. Had he been as tall as the generality of the crowd, he might have been equally unnoticed with the rest. His getting into the tree made him conspicuous: had he not been so low of stature he would not have done so. Even the imperfections of our persons may become subservient to the grace of God in our eternal salvation. As the passover was at hand, the road was probably crowded with people going to Jerusalem. (Adam Clarke's Commentary)
* Zacchaeus -salvation came to my house. #1.
Daily life journal entry: Zacchaeus. #1.
My parents gave me the Israelite name Zacchaeus, meaning pure, a name I did not live up to until Jesus, the Messiah, invited me to a meal at my house. I grew up an outsider in a Jewish society. They called me "impure brood", "heathen blood", "traitor", and "short root". No one wanted to be my friend. I was an outcast in the poor neighborhood of my youth.
I determined that religion is full of bigots and hypocrites. I abandoned the pure life my parents wanted for me and pursued wealth so I could gain influence over the people who humiliated and alienated me in my youth. Through ruthless hard work, I rose through the tax collector ranks, became the chief tax collector in the second most prosperous territory in Palestine, and lived in Herod the Great's newly constructed palace garden oasis estates. However, no matter how hard and ruthlessly I worked for Rome, the satisfaction I sought always seemed a hand-grip away.
One winter after the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah in December), I began hearing reports (part of my job) of a Jewish rabbi who routinely performs miracles and draws large crowds to hear his teachings. Reports came to my attention that this rabbi caused a man named Lazarus, who was in the grave for four days, to rise from the dead. Normally, I would reject such reports as fantasy. However, I also heard that this rabbi has a former tax collector, a former zealot or two, and fishermen as important disciples. I wondered what kind of Jewish rabbi would have such ridiculous disciples. One of seventy-seven disciples this rabbi sent out before he arrived in my city, I interviewed and confirmed these reports and more (Luke 10:1).
When this unusual rabbi Jesus finally approached Jericho, I ran east down the Roman road the fastest my short legs could move me, to the old city gates to see him. Since I am slower and smaller than most, and a large crowd was traveling with him, I could not see him when I finally arrived at the gate (3). It was very noisy; some blind men were crying out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me," and were being rebuked (18:38-39). I needed to get higher to see him. So, I ran west down the Roman road to the sycamore-fig tree grove and climbed one. The spring fruit was ripening, and wasps were swarming. Climbing was not easy, and I was wearing one of my best suits. I did not care. I was so determined to see this unusual rabbi.
Listen to the above comments on Luke 19:1-10, #1
>4. When Jesus saw Zacchaeus sitting in the tree, what did he say to him?
* Luke 19:5 "When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.'"
* "When Jesus reached the spot" -Implying intention to travel a route that would allow him to pass the tree, one of many in the city.
* "he looked up and said to him" -Implying intention to address Zacchaeus.
* "come down immediately." -The original Greek verb for "come down" is "katabaino" used eighty-one times in the Bible. It can also be translated "descend", "fall down", "step down", and "come down". The Greek verb for "immediately" is "speudo" and can also be translated "make haste", "speed", and "urge".
* "I must stay at your house today." -Jesus invited himself and his disciples to Zacchaeus' house in royal style which waits not for an invitation of a subject. Most would consider this rude.
The original Greek verb for "stay" is "meno" used one hundred twenty times in the Bible. It can also be translated "abide", "remain", "dwell", and "endure".
* "your house" -Being very rich and important his house would have been large enough to hold all the people traveling with him that were willing to enter the house of a chief tax collector who wasn't a Jew.
* Jesus never said that collecting taxes was a sin. However, extortion, which Zacchaeus admitted he did, is.
>Why?
* Being the Son of God full of the Spirit, Jesus knew of his faith expressed in his action to do all he could do to see Jesus.
>What did it mean that he called him by name?
* "Zacchaeus" -Jesus showed respect by calling him by name. Jesus often addressed people by their name. Jesus respeced all people, even those others despised. Do verbally respect all?
>How did Zacchaeus respond?
* Luke 19:6 "So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly."
* "So he came down at once" -He obeyed Jesus willingly.
* "welcomed him gladly." -His joy was seen by all, even those who would criticize Jesus going to his house.
* How does Jesus move me?
* He had now seen Who he was, and he wished to hear What he was; and therefore he rejoiced in the honor that God had now conferred upon him. How often does Christ make the proposal of lodging, not only in our house, but in our heart, without its being accepted! We lose much because we do not attend to the visitations of Christ: he passes by-he blesses our neighbors and our friends; but, often, neither curiosity nor any other motive is sufficient to induce us to go even to the house of God, to hear of the miracles of mercy which he works in behalf of those who seek him. (Adam Clarke's Commentary)
>Why?
* He must have heard all about Jesus, indeed it was probably part of his job and because of his job that he would have heard about such a man. He was very curious and so hopeful to personally meet Jesus. All his life this chief tax collector was looked down upon and hated by not only the religious elite, but his neighbors too.
* Zacchaeus -salvation came to my house. #2.
Daily life journal entry: Zacchaeus.
Climbing a sycamore-fig tree is not as easy as it looks, especially when the tree flourishes with ripe fruit, a person has short legs, and is wearing a finely crafted suit that only great wealth can buy. I was unaware until this day that too much fragrance annoys the sinuses, and wasps are as territorial as a young man with an alluring lady. I endured because I was curious about this Jewish rabbi with a tax collector as a disciple, and yet able to attract and maintain such a large crowd over long distances (3-5).
I found a stable branch that offered a clear view of the approaching crowd. Finding the center of attention in a crowd is not hard unless the person is not what one expects. Jesus of Nazareth was such a man. He looked "like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53:2) Curious; what is it that draws us, drew me to him? The anticipation to satisfy a hope for that which one had not been able to grasp even with great lifelong effort? Perhaps. Yes, I believe that was my reason.
Jesus started heading directly to my tree. When he reached the spot, he looked up and said to me, "Zacchaeus..." he used my name. Most people, no, no one called me by the name my parents gave me. Yet, Jesus called me by name. How did he know my name? He continued, "...come down immediately. I must stay at your house today (5)". I was so shocked and excited that I practically fell out of the tree. I have never been elegant, and certainly was not so coming down that tree (6).
Listen to the above comments on Luke 19:1-10, #2
* The art to the right is by Luther, Martin, 1483-1546. Jesus Dines with Sinners. Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>How did the people in the crowd react?
* Luke 19:7 "All the people saw this and began to mutter, 'He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.''"
* "All the people saw this" -In the crowd who gathered from the city and who were traveling with him. Though the twelve and seventy-two had already experienced this with Levi which is also Matthew, the author of the gospel and one of the twelve apostles.
* "began to mutter" -False humility and false kindness, a very common act in all society.
>Why?
* "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'" -His previous decision and actions made him a public sinner.
* "sinner" -The original Greek adjective is "hamartolos" (a transliteration) is only translated as "sinner" in the most negative sense of missing the mark, faults, and trespasses.
* "sinner" -Zacchaeus was a known chief tax collector not only by reputation, but also by what he was wearing.
* Sometimes the Messiah, our Master does things that are hard to understand because of our poor and incorrect understanding.
* Zacchaeus would himself admit that he cheated people and was selfish with his wealth.
* We can expect that even though Jesus accepts us and calls us that many will not forget, forgive us, and accept it -and perhaps never will.
>6. When Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus into his home, what happened in his heart?
* Luke 19:8 "But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.'"
* "But Zacchaeus stood up" -Some believe their is a gap in time between verses 6 and 7 because of this. Zacchaeus was now eating with Jesus and his disciples at his house. This did not happen when he got down from the tree. Thus, the complaints must have continued right into his home. Of course, there is the slight possibility that when he came down the tree he landed on his behind and thus needed to stand up.
* "now I give half of my possessions to the poor" -Something the rich young ruler, who was probably a resident of Jericho, would not do and sad to do when Jesus commanded it (18:22-23, 35).
* Daily life journal entry continued: Zacchaeus. #3
Jesus and I led the way to my home. I had joy that I could not put into words. Jesus had chosen to stay at my house, though many Levite priests, important rabbis, and the synagogue ruler lived in my elite Jericho neighborhood. The synagogue ruler lived next door. Some were gathering on his home's roof.
When we arrived, my family warmly welcomed me and wanted to know who all the people were with me. I introduced Jesus and instructed them to prepare a meal for him, his disciples, and everyone willing to enter my house. Many would not enter the home of a tax collector. They joined those on the synagogue's ruler's roof. Some muttered the slander I had become used to, though I did not want my children to hear it.
I instructed them to sit on the roof my wife had prepared for such occasions and placed Jesus at the head of the table. Jesus gave thanks for the provisions and blessed my family. At this, someone on the roof next door said, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner' (7)". I looked to see who said that so loudly. One of Jesus' disciples, Matthew, who was a tax collector like me, told me, "That rich man approached Jesus at the city gates asking how to inherit eternal life (18:18-30)".
"He is Jericho's synagogue ruler," I replied. I knew why he said this. He was correct. Seeing Jesus still eating at the table, I was grateful for his grace and sorrowful for my life choices. He looked at me. I stood up and said to Jesus, the Son of David, "Look, Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." I made sure those on the roof next door could hear me.
Listen to the above comments on Luke 19:1-10, #3
>How did his life change?
* "Lord" -He accepted Jesus as Lord.
* "four times the amount" -Amazing. Shows his commitment because now proof was presented that he was cheating anyone, though most expected that he did cheat people. This restitution the Roman laws obliged a tax-gathers to make, when it was proved they had abused their power by oppressing the people.
* When we come into a personal relationship with Jesus, it is important that we make restitution to those we have wronged as long as it does not further harm them.
* Contrasting Zacchaeus with the rich young ruler is easy. The rich young ruler was unwilling to give up his first love. Zacchaeus was excited to give all his worldly wealth away; half to the pour and the rest would probably be all given to those he cheated. Zacchaeus was making investment into the kingdom of God. Like the first two servants in the Parable of the Ten Minas (11-26) he was using what God had given to make many friends of people who had been his enemy.
>What did Jesus say to him and about him? (9-10)
* Luke 19:9-10 "Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.'"
* Though Jesus called him while still in the tree which Zacchaeus positively responded to, Jesus said this after Zacchaeus has produced the fruit of repentance. He have evidence for all to see that he was a new man, and is disposed to forsake his sins and receive Jesus who delivered his good news.
* "Today" -Because of Zacchaeus' decision when he was invited to join Jesus.
* "salvation... save" -The original Greek noun for "salvation" is "soteria" (a transliteration) that can also be translated "deliver", "save", "saving", and "healthy". It is the feminine of the masculine "soter" that is translated into English as "deliver" meaning "Savior", "God", and "Christ". Hence, Jesus is Savior and Zacchaeus is the "saved". Jesus rescues us to safety.
The original Greek verb for "save" is "sozo" from the pimary "sos" which olds the same meaning as "soteria" and "sorter".
* "has come to this house" -The original Greek verb to "has come" is "ginomai" (a transliteration) used nearly seven hundred times in the New Testament. The original Greek pronoun for "this" is "touto" used nearly ninety times in the New Testament. The original Greek noun for "house" is "oikos" used one hundred and fourteen times and translated elsewhere as "household" and "home" meaning the family within more than the building.
* "because this man, too, is a son of Abraham" -Certainly he was a descendant of Abraham but probably not a Jew. However, more than being a physical descendant, Zacchaeus had the gained the faith of Abraham who left his hometown to go to a land he did not know where the Lord would lead him.
* "this man, too" -Jesus is addressing Zacchaeus in the third person, thus not the main object of this statement.
* Jesus was directing this not only to Zacchaeus, but also to those who called Zacchaeus a "sinner".
>What does this mean?
* "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." -A key verse in Luke's gospel. Jesus states the his physical life appearance purpose in one short simple sentence.
* "Son of Man" -Jesus used this term to identify himself. Son of Man is a Messianic term (Daniel 7:13).
* "came to seek and to save" -Jesus came for people like Zacchaeus and the blind beggar. They were ripe for harvest.
* Daily life journal entry conclusion: Zacchaeus.
I told Jesus of Nazareth, whom I am convinced is the promised Messiah, my decision of recompense for my sins, especially cheating others when I collected taxes. I will never forget his response, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. (9)"
Jesus said this at my confession of guilt and repentance. He did not say this when he saw me in the tree and invited himself to my house. Nor did he tell me that I should repent or perish. John the Baptist had said this, and since I heard him say this, I took it to heart. Yet, it was not until Jesus called me that I changed my ways and sought reconciliation for my poor life decisions.
Thanks to Jesus' next words, I know this to be true. He continued, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. (10)" I was lost. Jesus found me and saved me from a life I began to despise. I was joyful in ways I cannot begin to describe and compare. I have decided to follow him and change my ways.
After the meal, I told my wife I had decided to accompany Jesus and his disciples on their five-hour walk to Jerusalem for Passover. When we left Jericho's west gate, Jesus healed the blind men I saw and heard at the east city gate. I praised God with the crowd (18:35-43). Surely, Jesus, the Messiah, will do great things this Passover in Jerusalem. This is going to be my greatest Passover ever.
Listen to the above comments on Luke 19:1-10, #4
II. Put This Money to Work (19:11-13)
>7. Why did Jesus tell this parable?
* Luke 19:11 "While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once."
* Verses 11 and 12 are Luke's commentary to help us understand the passage more.
* Matthew 25:14-30 is the "Parable of the Talents" which is similar to this parable. Matthew includes the "Parable of the Talents" with a long teaching season with his disciples on the Mount of Olives after he told them the signs of the end of the age and just before The Last Supper, which Luke also records in 21:5-38, after the parable here, teachings in the temple (chapter 20), and just before The Last Supper.
* "While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable" -Jesus had people's attention. So used the events at the conversion of Zacchaeus, especially his last statement about seeking and saving the lost, to teach about what his disciples are to do and the attitude they are to have when he leaves them.
* "because he was near Jerusalem" -Jesus was in Jericho and still in the house of Zacchaeus. It was mid-day the Sunday before his crucifixion and death which would mark the end of his public ministry. Jerusalem was about a five hour walk up a steep mountain Roman road.
* "the people" -Everyone and no one in particular. Everyone had a misunderstanding of the Messiah, not only who he was, but also what he would do and what his kingdom really is.
* "the kingdom of God" -Jesus began to talk about the kingdom of God more and more as he got closer and closer to Jerusalem.
>What false idea did people have about Jesus' going to Jerusalem?
* "...he was near Jerusalem..." -The people's idea about the Messiah lead them to believe he would become king of Israel when he arrived at Jerusalem for the Passover. Hence, the phrase "Son of David" (Matthew 22:42; Mark 12:35; Luke 20:41). Jesus here counters their misunderstanding about the Messiah upon his arrival in Jerusalem, what he would do, what would be done to him, and what would happen after. He states what will happen is not what they expected. He would be leaving them. (This is also discussed in the manuscript "The Believer's Future - Hope That Inspires".)
* Jesus had just declared Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jericho, and his household saved and Zacchaeus is a child of Abraham (9). He said that was why he came (10). His statement drew the attention of everyone who heard it, so he used the attention to tell a parable called "The Parable of the Ten Minas" (11).
Luke tells two reasons why Jesus told this parable. First, they were "near Jerusalem". Jerusalem was around fifteen miles away, approximately a five-hour walk. He would start the journey once he and his disciples finished eating. Upon arrival, the people with him and within Jerusalem would praise God and wave palm branches. It is now called "The Triumphal Entry". However, in less than a week, they would reject him and crucify him.
The second reason is, "the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once". J. Dwight Pentecost in his book "Things to Come" distinguishes between four Biblical uses of the term Kingdom of God (Heaven according to Matthew): 1) God's universal kingdom, 2) a spiritual kingdom, 3) the millennial Davidic kingdom, and 4) the mystery form of the kingdom (Matthew 13 and other places). Jesus's parable here concerns the mystery form of the kingdom.
Dwight Pentecost writes, "The mystery was the fact that when the One in whom this program was to be realized was publicly presented, He would be rejected and an age would fall between His rejection and the fulfillment of God's purpose of sovereignty at His second advent. The mystery form of the kingdom, then, has reference to the age between the two advents of Christ. The mysteries of the Kingdom of God describe the conditions that prevail on the earth in that interim while the king is absent. These mysteries thus relate this present age to the eternal purpose of God in regard to His kingdom. this mystery form of the kingdom is composed of saved and unsaved alike (profitable servants and unprofitable servants, wheat and tares, good and bad fish)."
At the end of this age, Jesus will come as King and judge his servants according to what they did while he was away.
Listen to the above comments on Luke 19:11-14
* The drawing is from the Holman Bible by A.J. Holman & Co. of Philadelphia published in the 1870's. It had illustrations including this one titled "The Parable of the Talents". Though Matthew's record in chapter 25 is similar to Luke 19, they were not told at the same time. The main points of each are quite different.
>About the kingdom of God?
* "the people thought" -Meaning everyone including his disciples.
* "the kingdom of God was going to appear at once." -They thought he was going to go to Jerusalem to be proclaim king of Israel, drive out Rome, and unite the Jews. David did all these things.
* The people were anxious for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and supposed that the time was at hand, and that now, as soon as he entered Jerusalem, he would assume the appearance of such a prince and set up his kingdom. To correct that notion seems to have been the main design of this parable. To do that, he tells them of a man who had a right to the kingdom, yet who, before taking possession of it, went into another kingdom to receive a confirmation of his title, thus intimating that he would also go away before he would completely set up his kingdom (Luke 19:12); he tells them that this nobleman left to his servants property to be improved in his absence, as he would leave to his disciples talents to be used in his service (Luke 19:12,13); he tells them that this nobleman was rejected by his own citizens (Luke 19:14), as he would be by the Jews; and that he received the kingdom and called them to an account, as he also would his own disciples. (Barnes' Notes on the New Testament)
* "kingdom of God" -Matthew almost always use the phrase "Kingdom of Heaven" (exceptions are Matthew 12:28, 19:24, 21:31). Luke and Mark only use the phrase "Kingdom of God". John only uses Kingdom of God twice (John 3:3, 5) and never uses the phrase "Kingdom of Heaven".
>8. Where was the nobleman in the parable going?
* Luke 19:12 "He said: 'A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return."
* "A man of noble birth" -Jesus is of noble birth. This is not only that he is a Son of David, but he is also Son of God (virgin birth).
* "went to a distant country" -To heaven.
* Jesus is not only the descendant of King David (3:23-38; Matthew 1:1-17), but he is also the Son of God (1:32, 35; 22:69; Mark 1:1; John 1:34, 5:25, 20:31).
>For what purpose?
* "to have himself appointed king" -King of all the people who have every been born till he returns.
* "then to return" -Jesus' second coming aka The Second Advent, Jesus returning as judge for The Last Judgement.
* Anoint describes the procedure of rubbing or smearing a person or thing, usually with oil, for the purpose of healing, setting apart, or embalming. A person can anoint himself, be anointed, or anoint another person or thing. While olive oil is the most common element mentioned in the Bible for use in anointing, oils produced from castor, bay, almond, myrtle, cyprus, cedar, walnut, and fish were also used. In Esther 2:12, for example, the oil of myrrh is used as a cosmetic.
The Hebrew verb "mashach" (noun, messiah) and the Greek verb "chrio" (noun, christos) are translated "to anoint." From ancient times the priests and kings were ceremonially anointed as a sign of official appointment to office, and as a symbol of God's power upon them. The act was imbued with an element of awe. David would not harm King Saul because of the anointing the king had received (1 Sam. 24:6). Likewise, Israel (Ps. 89:38), and even Cyrus (Isa. 45:1) are called God's anointed because of God's working through them. Israel came to see each succeeding king as God's anointed one, the messiah who would deliver them from their enemies and establish the nation as God's presence on the earth.
In the New Testament anoint is used to speak of daily grooming for hair (Matt. 6:17), for treating injury or illness (Luke 10:34), and for preparing a body for burial (Mark 16:1).
Christians see Jesus as God's Anointed One, the Savior (Acts 10:38). The same symbolism as in the Old Testament is employed in this usage: God's presence and power are resident in the anointing. Likewise, the Christian is anointed by God (2 Cor. 1:21; 1 John 2:27) for the tasks of ministry. (Mike Mitchell, Holman Bible Dictionary)
>When would he return?
* Jesus did not directly state how long he would be gone nor when he would return. However, indirectly Jesus' parable does hint that he would be gone for some time. The only way the ten servants could prove themselves would require time.
* When the apostles asked Jesus upon his resurrection and teaching about the end of the age, when he do all that he told them, he answered, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father". (12:39-40; Matthew24:36; Mark 13:32)
* Psalm 74:7-12 "They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of your Name. They said in their hearts, "We will crush them completely!" They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land. We are given no miraculous signs; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be. How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them! But you, O God, are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth."
>What is the point of this parable?
* The main point is that while he is gone the servants he entrusts with his wealth (his people) must help the people they are entrusted with to produce a crop. If they do they will be given cities (26).
* Side points are:
1) He is of noble birth.
2) He was leaving.
3) His subjects hated him and did not want him to be their king.
4) He will be gone for some time though not clear how long.
5) He will be made king.
6) He will come back.
7) The servants will be called to account.
8) Some will be entrusted with cities according to the amount his mina (money) increased because of their work.
9) Those who only kept safe what was given them, but not increase his money will lose what was given them.
10) Those in point nine did not know their master's heart.
11) Those in point three are his enemies.
12) Those in point three will be killed.
* The drawing titled, "Minted Hebrew Coins" is by Leusden, Johannes 1624-1699 from the book "Philologus Hebraeo-mixtus : uną cum spicilegio philologico, continente decem quaestionum & positionum praecipuč philologico-Hebraicarum & Judaicarum centurias / auctore Johanne Leusden ...".
This image reproduces the front and back of three imitations of the Jewish shekels produced during the First War of the Jews against the Romans from 66-70 C.E. Because these coins were valuable historically and revered as biblical relics, Palestinian merchants fabricated and sold imitations of the coins to Europeans making pilgrimages to the Holy Land after the Crusades during the 14th century. These medals or tokens became extremely popular when marketed as examples of the "Thirty Pieces of Silver' paid to Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus.
The smoking chalice on the top right coin face was a misinterpretation of two ancient Hebrew letters that represented the date of year two, Shin and Bet, located above the stemmed cup. Thus, some imitations were labeled "censer pieces" in reference to the misinterpretation of the authentic coin's design as an incense burner.
The branch on the reverse side confuses the authentic three budded pomegranate branch with Aaron's miraculous budding staff (Hebrews 9:4), or as some authorities see it, the olive branch popular in early Christian art.
The inscriptions which contain phrases such "Shekel of Israel," "The Holy Jerusalem," and "Yeshua," are authentic in content, but inauthentic in paleography; they use the modern, square Hebrew (Aramaic) letter, while the genuine shekel was written in the ancient paleo-Hebrew alphabet.
The illustrations on the front faces of the middle and bottom coins depict a profile of Jesus and a castle with three towers, an image commonly minted in the medieval period.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>9. What instructions did the nobleman give to his ten servants?
* Luke 19:13 "So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'"
* "Put this money to work" -The original Greek verb for this phrase is "pragmateuomai" phrased in other English translations as "occupy", "trade", "do business", "invest this money", and "engage in business"
* "until I come back" -Prediction of his second coming.
* Jesus was at the home of Zacchaeus, whose occupation dealt with money, investments, loss, and profit. Thus, Zacchaeus and the Apostle Matthew would have understood "The Parable of the Ten Minas" better than zealots, fishermen, Pharisees, and Levite priests who also heard this parable. Jesus used the best parables for the location he and his disciples were in. Indirectly and rather uniquely, Jesus' parable endorses investing money for profit.
The main character of the parable is a man of noble birth. Jesus is the man, for he is not only the descendant of King David (3:23-38; Matthew 1:1-17), but he is also the Son of God (1:32, 35; 22:69; Mark 1:1; John 1:34, 5:25, 20:31).
Jesus said that the "man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return" (12). He thus not only foretold his resurrection and the heavenly anointing by his Father, but he also foretold of his second coming (aka The Second Advent).
After outlining the parable with one sentence (a common Hebrew teaching method), Jesus goes into the important details. The nobleman knew that he was going to be away for quite some time. Jesus does not say how long the nobleman would be gone or when he would return. The interval would have to be long enough for a need to turn responsibilities over to someone else, and long enough to prove they were good or bad investors. Not knowing when their master would return should drive those entrusted with his money to work as though he would return at any moment.
The man of nobility called for ten of his servants (13). The root word of the original Hebrew noun for "servant" means "bind", literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary, and in the sense of subjective or subservience. He gave each the same amount, ten minas, equal to around thirty months' wages. They were instructed to invest this money to gain a profit.
Everyone in the crowd would identify with the desire to increase wealth. Am I investing my minas according to my master's instructions?
* The figures of the table are calculated on the basis of a "shekel" equaling 11.5 grams, a "cubit" equaling 18 inches and an "ephah" equaling 22 liters. The quart referred to is either a dry quart (slightly larger than a liter) or a liquid quart (slightly smaller than a liter), whichever is applicable. The ton is the American ton of 2,000 pounds.
This table is based upon the best available information, but it is not intended to be mathematically precise, it merely gives approximate amounts and distances. Weights and measures differed somewhat at various times and places in the ancient world as they do today. There is uncertainty particularly about the "ephah" and the "bath", further discoveries may give more light on these units of capacity.
Another problem with determining ancient weights is that archaeologists have discovered weights manipulations were all too common as the Old Testament confirms (Proverbs 11:1, 20:23; Hosea 12:&). The most common manipulation was carving the weight's bottom.
The table is from the NIV Study Bible, copyright 1978, 1983 and is used by permission.
>Who do the servants represent?
* "he called ten of his servants" -Some translations use the word "slave". The original Greek noun is "doulos" can be translated "slave" for the root word means "bind", literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary, and in the sense of subjective or subservience. "Servant" is better understood here.
* The servant is those who have accepted the call to be Jesus's disciple.
* "ten" -Perhaps of significance for northern Israel was ten tribes which were defeated and taken to other nations by the Assyrians. The Lord God divorced them because of their sins, especially their continue idolatry. Jesus direct instructions to his apostles had them going into the nations to the ends of the earth, where northern Israel was scattered.
>What might the minas represent?
* "ten minas" -The original Greek for the noun "minas" is "mna" (a transliteration). "Mna" is translated in the KJV as "pound", the English weight unit of the time that the KJV was translated, equal to twenty ounces (571 grams) and an apothecary weight of twelve ounces (340 grams). "Pound" became the name for a coin and paper monetary note in various countries (United Kingdom, Cyprus, Egypt, Ireland, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Britain, Scotland, etc.). "Minas" is used in both the Old and New Testament English modern translations (1 Kings 10:17; Ezra 2:69; Nehemiah 7:71-72; Luke 19:13, 16, 18, 20, 24, 25; John 12:3, 19:39) due to so many meanings to pound through the centuries. "Mna" comes from Latin designating a certain weight equal to about twelve ounces (340 grams) and 100 drachmas.
* The minas and talent were larges sums of money. The minas was about three months wages. Therefore, this was 30 pieces of coins worth about 30 months wages.
* Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
* The minas are everything I have for all that I have is given freely to me and he wants me to reply with giving all for him and the kingdom of God.
>How can you obey Jesus' words, "put this money to work"?
* Die to myself and live for Jesus.
III. Well Done, My Good Servant (19:14-27)
>10. Who were the enemies that did not want the nobleman to be their king?
* Luke 19:14 "'But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'"
* "his subjects" -Translated citizens in other English Bibles.
* "hated him" -Consider the opposite of love and fear God.
* "sent a delegation after him" -Such an incident had occurred over thirty years earlier in the case of Archelaus (Josephus Wars, Antiquities), as well as in the number of other instances. This aspect of the story may be been included to warn the Jews against rejecting Jesus as King. (NIV Study Bible)
* "to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'" -The Jew's conspiracy was equal to this statement.
* "He was made king, however, and returned home" -Jesus precincts his anointing and Second Advent.
* Verse 27, "But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them bring them here and kill them in front of me."
>How did the master praise and reward the first two?
* Luke 19:15-19 "He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.' The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.' His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'"
* "Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money" -The Bema seat of Christ.
* "in order to find out what they had gained with it" -To see if they obeyed him, the proof of love.
* "Well done, my good servant!" -Praise for doing what was asked.
* "take charge of ten cities" -Considering this part of the parable is about the rewards he will be passing out at the Bema seat, one must consider what does Jesus mean by cities. Jesus told his disciples that they would be given thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (22:30; Matthew 19:28). There is no reason to believe that "cities" here are actual cities occupied by those who accepted Jesus as their king and lord (Revelation 21:12).
>What does this teach us?
* "Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter"
* Jesus tells me now that I will be judged according to my actions now. I will have no excuse if I do not obey him now.
>11. What excuse did the third servant give?
* Luke 19:20-21 "Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'"
* "I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth" -Did nothing.
* "I was afraid of you" -His fear produced the wrong action. His fear should have kept him in obedience.
* "I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man" -He did not know the noblemen who had become king.
* "You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow." -He was selfish and greedy.
>What does this show about him?
* He was a disciple who did not love or fear God.
>How did the master rebuke and punish him?
* Luke 19:22-23 "'His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'"
* "I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant!" -Said elsewhere in the New Testament.
* "Why then didn't you put my money on deposit" -Still an investment, though it is promises the least return.
* "so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?" -What would this be in terms of being a disciple? What is putting the great commission in only as an deposit that gains return? Perhaps only giving Bible's away without serving people.
* The master did not admit to the statement of the servant, but repeated it in a question. If this was the opinion of the servant, he should have acted accordingly. (NIV Study Bible)
>What does God expect of his servants?
* Luke 19:24-27 "'Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.' 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!' He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them bring them here and kill them in front of me.'"
* "Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas"
* "I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away."
* Luke 8:18 "Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him."
* Luke 17:33 "Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it."
* Matthew 13:12 "Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
>How can we live as fruitful sons of Abraham?
* Jesus was at the home of Zacchaeus, a very rich chief tax collector, on the midday of his "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem. Jesus had invited himself and his disciples to eat at his home, an invitation that Zacchaeus was eager to oblige (1-4). They were most likely on the house's flat canopied roof, a common place for large groups to gather in the ancient Middle East. Jesus would have been at the head of the table, Zacchaeus either next to or near him, and Jesus's disciples would be seated on pillows around a low table. Servants would bring food and drink trays from the quarters on the first floor to the guests, something the disciples would not have been accustomed to.
Jesus used what was happening around them in the parable he was teaching. Four people types where near or at the scene on Zacchaeus' home; 1) Jesus, the disciples at the table, 2) the servants busy bringing food and drink to those at the table, 3) the guests, and 4) the religous leaders who were critizising Jesus' decision to enter a '"sinner's" home (7) which they themselves would refused to enter. So, Jesus' parable had four people types; 1) a noblemen who was to be appointed king (12), 2) servants bringing food and drink (13a), 3) the people (minas) the servants were to manage (13b), and 4) subjects of the kingdom (citizens, 13b).
The nobleman was definitely going to be appointed king no matter what the citizens wanted. So, Jesus was definitely going to be King no matter what the Jewish religious leaders were conspiring. Since the nobleman knew he would be gone for an undetermined length of time, he appointed his servants to increase his minas (money). So, Jesus knew he would be gone for a rather long time. The nobleman gave his servants an important directive. So, Jesus commissioned his disciples to help those who would come into their nets to become mature enough to bring new people into the nets (13).
I am invited to determine who I am. Am I a citizen, a servant, or one being served? The citizens will be killed (27). The servants who increase the minas that are given to them will be rewarded (16-19). The servants who did nothing to increase the minas given to them will lose what they have been given (26). The choice is mine.
* The Parable of the Ten Minas+None.
Jesus has the newly appointed King in "The Parable of the Ten Minas" upon his return, taking account of his ten servants' investments. Each was given the same amount of minas. Each had an equal chance to accomplish his master's intent (15). The first two he examined have either increased the investment by 100% or 50%. He was pleased with both and handsomely rewarded them with praise and cities (16-19). The desire to be commended by the King of the Universe should be enough to motivate the least of his disciples. To be rewarded so handsomely is grace. My mind's eye can picture the moment I stand before him.
The throne is occupied by a man dressed in light brighter than a streak of lightning. I cover my face with my palms in his presence. His angel ushers me into his presence, standing behind me to my left. A group of fellow servants is standing to the King's left. They are there for the same reason as I.
There is nowhere to hide. I confess, "Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow."
Then comes his rebuke and sentence. I am left with no minas. The rebuke will remain for eternity. Shame and regret will be mine. The harvest field was plentiful, and I did nothing.
