Luke 19:11-27  Jesus was getting nearer to Jerusalem.. and the people, including His disciples, were excited in anticipation.. for they believed that the Kingdom of God was coming immediately. 

But.. Jesus stops and tells them another parable.  It is about a nobleman who goes away to "receive a kingdom for himself".  He leaves his slaves in charge of his estate as he goes away.. giving 1 "mina" (worth about 100 days wages)  to each of ten men in order that they might "do business" for him.  As he leaves, his citizens send a delegation to tell him not to return, for they did not want him to reign over them. 

When the king returns from his successful mission, he called the slaves to give account of their work. The first one had been faithful and gained 10 times what he had been given and was rewarded with  a position of authority over 10 cities.  The second had earned 5 minas and was rewarded with 5 cities.  The third man.. had done nothing. He put the mina in a handkerchief. By his own confession he says that he knew the king was "an exacting man"  who could take up what he didn't lay down and reap what he did not sow.  He knew that the king was able to do great and impossible things, yet he did not trust him to use him..  He felt worthless and he acted in that way.  Maybe he didn't believe that the king would ever return.  He didn't think about the fact that the king had chosen him to do this.. which should have made him have confidence to do what needed to be done. 

Jesus tells the moral of this story, "I tell you, that to everyone who has shall more be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away." 

Jesus knew that He was the One going away to receive His Kingdom and that He was leaving His disciples behind.  He gave them responsibilities for when He was absent and He will examine their faithfulness when He returns.  We are counted among those who are Christ's servants.  All we have in this life is from Him. What are we doing with what He has given to us? Are we faithfully serving our King? When it is time for us to give an account to Him, will He find us faithful? 

Father in heaven, may we be found faithful and good servants on that blessed day.. we want to  serve You with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Help us, Holy Spirit, to walk in truth and love and to trust fully in Your power to use us.. and all we are.. and all we have been given ...  to the glory of God, our Father and Mighty King and to Jesus, our Savior and Lord. We ask this in His name. Amen.