By He Reads Truth
In this study of the Parables of Jesus, we are reading many of the stories Jesus used to teach hearers about how to live as His followers. Each day we’ll read parables in their immediate context, focusing on a different category of parables each week. Then we will work through a series of questions to understand the meaning of the text and take to heart the “secrets of the kingdom.”
//
Week 1: Parables about God’s Kingdom
Parables are stories with a point. They are designed to make us think about what is being said, why, where, to whom, and in what context. To get to the heart of Jesus’ parables, we need to pull them apart and take a careful look at the details He gives us. One detail that runs through this week’s selection of parables is that Jesus says they all describe the kingdom of God in some way. As you read through these passages, use the following questions to unpack the stories Jesus tells.
//
Questions:
1. This parable is similar to another called “The Ten Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30). What are some gifts, abilities, or opportunities you’ve been given to invest?
2. What is the problem this particular parable addresses, and what is the outcome of the story?
3. What is the central point of this parable, and what connection does it have to Jesus’ visit with Zacchaeus?
4. What is your response this parable?
10 thoughts on "The Ten Minas"
-
Brandon says:
We have a responsibility as Christians to be tools for the gospel and advance the kingdom. Whether it’s trough sharing the gospel, helping others physically or financially. We don’t just need to keep the gospel to ourselves.
-
Bryce says:
1. I have been given the gift of being able to think through situations and reason the best outcome, especially when it comes to the physical world. In addition, God has blessed me with the ability to give of what He has first given me.
2. The problem in this story is that a man of great riches gave his servants each ten minas to put to work for him while he was away. Upon coming back, his first servant was able to double what he was given. The second, was able to make five additional minas. The third just stored the minas away and didn’t put it to work as commanded by the man of great riches. Therefore, the man who was able to double the minas got the ten minas of the third servant.
3. The central point of this parable is that Jesus is the man of great riches. He’s given up gifts and talents that He wants us to use to share the good news about Him. He will reward you for being able to share these gifts and talents with other so that the good news will multiply.
4. My response to this parable is that I need to do better when it comes to sharing my gifts and talents with others, especially when it comes to being able to share the Gospel of Jesus with them. Dear Lord, I pray for the opportunities to share me gifts and talents with others, and for the courage to step out, recognize, and follow through with those opportunities. I love you Lord and I love you most Heavenly Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
-
Trey says:
This seems similar to the talents parable, the difference being here, all the servants got equal amounts of money. I don’t quite know how that would be different except possibly this parable is more about using the one life that we all get verses individual talents and gifts. I think it’s fitting Jesus told this after he met Zaccheaus because Zac was a man who was wasting his life, not investing it properly, yet that all changed when Jesus entered his life.
-
DeMario Smith says:
1. This parable is similar to another called “The Ten Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30). What are some gifts, abilities, or opportunities you’ve been given to invest?
I strongly believe I have been given the gift of public speaking. I can get up in front of a crowd and speak without hesitation or nervousness. I’m not saying that this is God calling me to serve as a pastor (or at least not that title) but I don’t mind having to give a lesson or training in front of a group of people. I also have the gift of dance which has been my passion since I was young. I use that often to connect with people and help build the kingdom of God.
2. What is the problem this particular parable addresses, and what is the outcome of the story?
The problem in this paroablenis that the last servant who was given the ten minas held on to the instead of using them to do the master’s business. The point of this particular task was to increase what was already given. The outcome was the servants ten minas taken away and given to the servant with the additional ten minas.
3. What is the central point of this parable, and what connection does it have to Jesus’ visit with Zacchaeus?
Unsure to be honest
4. What is your response this parable?
Use what God has given me and build his kingdom. Don’t hold onto it. If I don’t share it it can be taken away. As a believer I am called to give away what he has given me to multiply and advance his kingdom. The good thing is that since God is my supplier he will refill what I have given away. He never runs out of what we need to do His will.
-
Ryan Schulze says:
1. This parable is similar to another called “The Ten Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30). What are some gifts, abilities, or opportunities you’ve been given to invest?
Intellect, creativity, Adobe skills, music, writing, listening, supporting, peacemaking.2. What is the problem this particular parable addresses, and what is the outcome of the story?
Luke interprets Jesus’ reasoning for telling this parable: “because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.” Seems like the disciples were expecting the kingdom to arrive as Jesus rolled into Jerusalem. They weren’t prepared and expecting what Jesus knew was coming. A suffering, and then a waiting.3. What is the central point of this parable, and what connection does it have to Jesus’ visit with Zacchaeus?
Jesus is telling his disciples that the time to be faithful when his presence was lacking was coming. And it was the utmost importance. They would not prosper or be rewarded for simply keeping the status quo.4. What is your response this parable?
Remember: every day is a gift from God to use the talents he has given me to further his kingdom on this earth. The way I work, the way I speak, the man I am all have the power to spread the knowledge of God and the kingdom of God in the places I go. -
Kanan Hadley says:
God is showing that those who are faithful with little will be faithful with much. God is showing that he created us with unique talents and gifts and he created us to use them for his kingdom.
I am still searching for my talents and gifts.
-
Jacob says:
1. This parable is similar to another called “The Ten Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30). What are some gifts, abilities, or opportunities you’ve been given to invest?
Worship leading, leading and caring for the staff at work.
2. What is the problem this particular parable addresses, and what is the outcome of the story?
The problem addressed is not using your gifts for the Kingdom. When God grants us gifts, we should use them to add to and multiply the Kingdom. When we fail to use them for God, they are as good as wasted, and God counts them as loss.
3. What is the central point of this parable, and what connection does it have to Jesus’ visit with Zacchaeus?
Zacchaeus was a sinner who responded to God’s calling and offered what he owned to the Lord to use as he leads.
4. What is your response this parable?
Use what gifts and abilities I’ve been given. Use your ability to encourage to build up others around you. Use your love of music to build up the church and draw people towards God through song. Don’t use gifts for vain things.
-
Kevin says:
Day 3: 1. I think I have been blessed with the ability to be intentional with people. Having a deep connection with others and seeing them grow while being a part of it.
2. One of the man was scared to do something with his gift to avoid losing it. The same would be for opportunities, we should invest in those as that’s what the Lord calls us to do.
3. I don’t think Zaccheus was faithful. Most tax collectors ripped people off. God is showing him that those who are unfaithful will lose even more of what they have, and it will be given to those who are faithful.
4. It’s interesting to read about even more being taken away from the unfaithful. I think we can see that in our lives with people who continue to be unfaithful to God. Things start coming apart in their life. Happens to me for sure. But on the flip side, seeing people who are serving the lord faithfully and being blessed on top of that, wow. We have a cool God.
-
Josiah says:
We need to make sure that we always use what we have been given to God’s glory, because we are stewards of God not the original owners.
-
Tim Bowditch says:
We have been given our relationships and resources all for God’s purposes. He will multiply our efforts and the consequences will have a compound effect. This is a picture of the new Kingdom where Christ reigns justly.
Post Comments (10)