MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Luke 19
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Luke 19
A different parable from that of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). This one was spoken when Jesus was near Jerusalem (Luke 19:11), whereas the other was told a few days after he entered the city and spoke from the Mount of Olives.
This parable was addressed to a mixed crowd, whereas the previous one was spoken only to the twelve apostles. As a result, this parable includes not just "servants" who claim allegiance to Jesus but also "citizens" who refuse to acknowledge him as their Lord. In contrast, the parable of the talents focused solely on the servants.
In the Talents, each servant received a different number (five, two, one), whereas in this parable, all receive the same amount – one pound, which is roughly one-sixtieth of a talent. Similarly, in the Talents, each servant doubled what they were given (the five became ten, the two became four), but here, each servant renders a different return on their investment (one makes his pound ten, another makes it five). It's clear that these parables convey distinct lessons.
12. A far country – This phrase helps to dispel any notion that Jesus was about to establish his kingdom and rule over Israel with his personal presence.
to receive ... a kingdom – He would be entrusted with royal authority, much like Herod when he traveled to Rome and received the title of king. This expression highlights what our Lord went away for and accomplished by sitting at God's right hand in heaven.
to return – At his second coming.
13. Occupy – In other words, use the resources given to you wisely and do business with them.
14. His citizens – Those who are properly under his authority; specifically, the Jews who rejected Jesus' claims, saying "We have no king but Caesar" (John 19:15). In a broader sense, these citizens correspond to those in Christendom who reject Christianity, distinguishing themselves from professed believers.
15-26. See Matthew 25:19-29 for further explanation of this section.
ten ... five cities – These represent varying degrees of future reward and blessing, proportionate to the measure of faithfulness demonstrated.
27. Bring him hither, &c. – This refers to the destruction of Jerusalem (1 Samuel 15:32-33), but ultimately points to the final judgment on all who openly rebel against Christ.