The Quiet Preparation for the Kingdom

"And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear." - Luke 19:11

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As we reflect on Luke 19:11, where it states, "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear," we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus’ ministry. The crowd around Him, filled with anticipation, was yearning for the immediate establishment of God’s Kingdom. In their hearts, they perhaps imagined a glorious, triumphant entry that would usher in a new era of peace and freedom, void of the Roman oppression they so deeply loathed.

However, Jesus, fully aware of their expectations and hopes, took this opportunity to share a parable — a story meant to illuminate deeper truths. The setting was pregnant with significance, as He was not just drawing closer to Jerusalem physically but also inexorably moving towards the climactic events of His crucifixion and resurrection. Here, the parable serves as a pivotal teaching moment, addressing not only the crowd's misplaced enthusiasm but also preparing them for the reality of the Kingdom that was to follow.

Too often, we can be like the crowd. We desire immediate answers, instant gratification, and visible signs of God at work in our lives. When we pray earnestly for deliverance, healing, or direction, we may find ourselves expecting an immediate response, not unlike the expectation of the crowd anticipating the imminent arrival of the Kingdom. Yet, Jesus' response through the parable gently reminds us that God’s timing and plans do not always align with our own; His is a Kingdom of profound depth that cannot be rushed.

What is intriguing about this passage is the positioning of Jesus, who is 'nigh to Jerusalem' which represents both a literal and symbolic journey. Jerusalem, the center of Jewish life, and prophecy, was not just a geographical milestone but the epicenter of God’s plan for redemption. As Jesus approached the city, He recognized the longing hearts around Him, even as He prepared to demonstrate a Kingdom built not on an earthly throne but on the sacrificial love of the cross.

We can find solace and instruction in this passage as Jesus prepares His followers for a deeper understanding of their faith journey. Through the parable, He reveals that while they were anticipating a persecutor-vanquishing king, He was instead offering a vision of stewardship, responsibility, and a call to active waiting. The later verses depict servants given opportunities to use their gifts and responsibilities in the Kingdom, emphasizing growth, fruitfulness, and the necessity of using what we have been entrusted with while we await His ultimate return.

Brothers and sisters, as we contemplate our own lives in light of this scripture, we must ask ourselves — are we using the opportunities God has placed before us? Are we waiting faithfully? The Kingdom has indeed come through Christ, and it is being expanded through our active participation as His disciples. We need not be disheartened by our current circumstances or the slow unfolding of God’s plans, for He calls us to be diligent stewards of the gifts we have received during this time of waiting.

Ultimately, this passage encourages us to shift our perspective from a passive expectation of the end times to an active engagement with God’s present work among us. We are reminded that while we look forward with eagerness to the fullness of God’s Kingdom, we are also called to work for it here and now, leveraging our talents and resources for His glory.

In closing, let us not only yearn for the Kingdom but also embody the Kingdom in our everyday lives, impacting those around us with the love of Christ as we wait for the day His reign will be fully realized. The call is not just to await His return, but to participate actively, allowing our lives to reflect the hope, truth, and grace of Jesus Christ while we wait.

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Luke 19:11 - "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."

"And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear." - Luke 19:11

Luke 19:11-27 - "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. He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.' But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don’t want this man to be our king.' 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 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.' 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?' 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.'""

"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. He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.' But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don’t want this man to be our king.' 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 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.' 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?' 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.'"" - Luke 19:11-27