The Parable Of The Ten Minas: A King Departs

Late Winter, c. 33 AD

The Parable Of The Ten Minas: A King Departs

Before leaving the vicinity of Jericho, Jesus spoke a sobering parable to those who thought the Kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. He described a nobleman who went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself and then return. The story serves as a clear warning to His followers: there will be a period of absence and stewardship before the final consummation of His reign.

The parable also addressed the citizens who hated the nobleman, a thinly veiled reference to the religious leaders in Jerusalem who were even now plotting His arrest. By telling this story, Jesus is managing the expectations of His disciples, preparing them for a "long haul" of faithful service in a world that remains hostile to His kingship.

"He said therefore, 'A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return. And he called ten of his slaves and gave them ten minas and said to them, Do business with this until I come back.'"
— Luke 19:12-13 (LSB)

Timeline Box: This parable was given specifically because the people were near Jerusalem and expected the immediate arrival of the Kingdom.

Exilic Era, c. 597 BC

Jehoiachin's Captivity Reaches A Bitter Milestone

In the courts of Babylon, the exiled King Jehoiachin continues to mark the years of his confinement. The month of Adar is a somber reminder for the Judean exiles of the glory that was lost when the city fell. Yet, even in the heart of the enemy's empire, rumors of the King's survival provide a flicker of hope that the line of David has not been entirely extinguished.

"In the twelfth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, in the tenth month, on the fifth of the month, a survivor from Jerusalem came to me, saying, 'The city has been struck down.'"
— Ezekiel 33:21 (LSB)

Timeline Box: Ezekiel records many of his prophecies in the winter months (10th through 12th) of the exile.

Mosaic Era, 1405 BC

The Gathering Of The Tribes For Moses' Final Song

The silver trumpets have sounded throughout the camp of Israel. From the hills of Moab to the banks of the Jordan, the elders and officers of every tribe have gathered at the central Tabernacle. Moses, standing at the threshold of his 120th year, is preparing to recite the Song of Witness, a divine poem that will echo through the generations of Israel.

"Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their hearing and call the heaven and the earth to witness against them."
— Deuteronomy 31:28 (LSB)

Timeline Box: This assembly occurred immediately prior to the 1st of Nisan, the month of the crossing.

Editorial: Faithful Stewardship In The Interim

History is filled with "interim" periods—the time between the promise and the fulfillment. Israel waited in Moab; Jehoiachin waited in Babylon; the disciples waited for the Kingdom. Today's theme is stewardship. What are we doing with the "minas" God has given us while we wait for the King's return? The "Song of Moses" reminds us of the dangers of forgetfulness during the wait.

Join the conversation at the BeliefProfile.com community.

COMMENT & DISCUSS