Luke 19:20

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound which I haue kept layd vp in a napkin: Luke 19:20 (KJV)

Context: This verse is part of the parable of the ten minas, which Jesus shared with His disciples while on His way to Jerusalem. The parable conveys a spiritual truth about the kingdom of God and teaches lessons on stewardship and accountability.

The Characters:

• a. The Lord: Refers to Jesus Christ, who is the central figure of the parable.
• b. The Servant: Represents a person who received a pound (a unit of currency) from the Lord.

The Actions:

• a. Another servant came: This servant approached the Lord after the first servant had gained ten pounds (Luke 19:16-19).
• b. Presented the pound: The servant brings the pound entrusted to him by the Lord.
• c. Kept it laid up in a napkin: The servant confesses that he had kept the pound hidden and unused, rather than investing it or putting it to work.

Key Themes and Lessons:

• a. Stewardship: The parable highlights the importance of wisely using and multiplying the resources, abilities, and opportunities given to us by God. The servant who kept the pound unused failed in his responsibility as a steward.
• b. Accountability: We are all accountable to God for how we use the resources He has entrusted to us. The servant’s confession indicates that he knew he would be answerable to the Lord for his actions.
• c. Faithfulness: The parable emphasizes the need to be faithful and diligent in serving the Lord and using the gifts and opportunities He provides. The first servant, who gained ten pounds, is commended for his faithfulness and rewarded accordingly.
• d. Consequences of inaction: The servant who hid the pound faced the consequence of having his pound taken away. This highlights the principle that those who neglect or misuse what God has given them may experience loss or lack of further opportunities.
• e. The Kingdom of God: The parable symbolizes the kingdom of God and teaches that those who are faithful and fruitful in their stewardship will be given more responsibility and authority in God’s kingdom.

Application:

Use your talents and resources wisely: As believers, we should use the abilities, gifts, and resources God has given us to advance His kingdom, serve others, and bring glory to His name.

Be accountable: Recognize that one day, we will all give an account to God for how we have lived our lives and utilized what He entrusted to us.

Take risks for the Kingdom: The first servant in the parable invested his pound and gained a significant return. Similarly, we should be willing to take risks and step out in faith to serve God and make a difference in the world.

Avoid complacency: The servant who hid the pound out of fear or laziness serves as a warning against complacency and inactivity in our spiritual lives. We should not be content with merely maintaining the status quo but should actively pursue growth and impact for God’s glory.

Remember, the Bible is rich in wisdom and has numerous layers of meaning. It is beneficial to study the context, consult commentaries, and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to gain a deeper understanding of the message being conveyed in a particular verse or passage.