The One Who Has Not Must Forfeit Even What He Has

Text: Luke 19:11-27

Reflection and Question: Jesus tells a similar story in Matthew. In both cases, He is about to enter Jerusalem, where He anticipates a final confrontation with the authorities. Luke is very careful to emphasize that the king in the parable is rejected by the people, making a clear connection between this king and the people’s impending denunciation of Jesus. This makes the core of the story that much more difficult, for the king here is so terribly harsh toward the cautious servant, taking what he has and giving it to the one who has ten already. What lesson do you draw from Luke’s telling of this story?

Prayer: Most loving Jesus, we do not see You as one who would draw out what You never put in, as one who would reap what You did not sow. And yet You claim to be such here. When we are fruitful bless us; when we are not, have mercy upon us. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).