Luke 19:20

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up 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. Jesus spoke this parable because His hearers thought the kingdom of God would immediately appear, correcting their expectation of immediate glory with a call to faithful stewardship during His absence.

Meaning

The servant’s address, “Lord,” acknowledges the nobleman’s authority, yet his action reveals a misunderstanding of that authority. The pound (a mina) was a significant sum of money, emphasizing the value of the trust given. The napkin (soudarion) was typically used for wiping sweat or covering the face, suggesting the servant treated the pound as something to be preserved rather than invested. The core issue is not the preservation of the gift but the refusal to put it to work. The servant’s excuse of fear is exposed as inadequate; his real failure was a lack of love and trust in his master’s character.

Biblical connections

The parable contrasts this servant with the first two servants, who traded and gained more (Luke 19:16-19). The first servant, who gained ten pounds, is commended for his faithfulness and rewarded accordingly. This highlights the principle 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.

Reflection

This verse warns against a passive, defensive Christianity that seeks to avoid risk rather than faithfully serve. True loyalty to Christ is demonstrated through active, productive use of what He has given, not through fearful inaction. The reward for faithful service is future and proportional to faithfulness, while unfaithfulness results in loss.