Prayer:
O Jesus, make me your faithful servant to whom you can entrust your blessings.
Imagination:
(Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.)
Context
Jesus tells this parable to the disciples because they falsely believe that the reign of God is about to appear. The parable stresses the personal initiative of the disciple before Jesus returns in glory. These intervening years are not for laziness but for diligence in gaining new believers.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
“As they neared Jerusalem, Jesus told the disciples a parable because they thought the reign of God was about to appear.
A man going to become king in a distant country called in ten servants, gave them money and said, “Invest this until I return.” When he returned, he sent for his servants. The first said, “Lord, your money has earned another ten.” “Good”, he said, “Since you were faithful in a small matter, I place you over ten villages. The second said, “Your investment has gained five more.”
He said, “Take over five villages.” The third said, “Here is your money. I had it for safekeeping. I was afraid because you are a hard man. You withdraw what you never deposit and reap what you never plant.” The king
said, “You are worthless. Why did you not at least get interest on the money.” To others, he said, “Take what he has and give it to the man with ten. For, whoever has will receive more. Whoever has less will lose the little that he has.” Jesus then continued his ascent to Jerusalem.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The disciples have the wrong idea. They will not see Jesus’ Kingdom in Jerusalem.
- Many years of hard work lie ahead.
- Although delayed, the day of accounting is inevitable.
- The diligent servants prepare for that day by working hard
- The third servant is lazy and has a false impression of the king.
- He loses everything, like a disciple who does not value the kingdom.
- Jesus continues to Jerusalem. He must fulfill his mission.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, I still have so far to go!
- Walk with me and I will persevere.
- Someday you will come for me. I will await you.
- Remove all my discouragement.
- O Jesus, your rewards are so great, more than I can receive.
- I will go with you, all the way to Jerusalem.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
I will ask for perseverance.
I will think of Jesus’ great rewards.