Kingdom Illustrations by Jesus

I highly recommend to review the two pages, When is Jesus coming?, and What Happens When Jesus Comes? to help understand the following illustrations.

Matthew 13:24-30 “Another illustration he set before them, saying: ‘The kingdom of the heavens has become like a man that sowed fine seed in his field. (25) While men were sleeping, his enemy came and over sowed weeds in among the wheat, and left. (26) When the blade sprouted and produced fruit, then the weeds appeared also. (27) So the slaves of the householder came up and said to him, “Master, did you not sow fine seed in your field? How, then, does it come to have weeds?” (28) He said to them, “An enemy, a man, did this.” They said to him, “Do you want us, then, to go out and collect them?” (29) He said, “No; that by chance, while collecting the weeds, YOU uproot the wheat with them. (30) Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the harvest season I will tell the reapers, First collect the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them up, then go to gathering the wheat into my storehouse.” ‘ “

This is explained in verses 36-43 “And his disciples came to him and said: ‘Explain to us the illustration of the weeds in the field.’ (37) In response he said: ‘The sower of the fine seed is the Son of man; (38) the field is the world; as for the fine seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one, (39) and the enemy that sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is a conclusion of a system of things, and the reapers are angels. (40) Therefore, just as weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be in the conclusion of the system of things. (41) The Son of man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out from his kingdom all things that cause stumbling and persons who are doing lawlessness, (42) and they will pitch them into the fiery furnace. There is where weeping and the gnashing of teeth will be. (43) At that time the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun in the kingdom of their Father..’ “

This time period starts as mentioned in Daniel 12:1 “Michael” (Jesus) stands up and cleanses the earth of wicked ones. This is also recorded in Revelation 19:11-21. Notice the time correlation with Daniel 12:3 regarding those righteous ones shining brightly.

Another lesson we can get from this is that we need to be sure we are submitting to Jesus and constantly testing our faith so that we might not be disapproved somehow. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

As far as I can discern, this happens immediately after the transfer of the kingdom of the world from Satan to Jesus. Compare   Revelation 11:15 and see the chapter on Who is Satan?

Compare Matthew 13:47-50

Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus illustrates, “ ‘The kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and for the joy he has he goes and sells what things he has and buys the field. (45) Again the kingdom of the heavens is like a traveling merchant seeking fine pearls. (46) Upon finding one pearl of high value, away he went and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it.’ “

1. Can we give up all the things we have for the kingdom? Not just material things but what about personal relationships? Something to think about.

Matthew 19:29 “And everyone that has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive many times more and will inherit everlasting life.”

2. Luke 17:32,33 “REMEMBER the wife of Lot. (33) Whoever seeks to keep his soul safe for himself will lose it, but whoever loses it will preserve it alive.”
3. What did Lot’s wife want? Most likely she thought she needed something and she turned around. But the angels were specific: “Escape”, “do not stand still”, and “do not look behind you.” But Lot’s wife did not listen. Will we? Will we call on Jesus’ name when the time comes? What will our attitude be at that time? Do possessions own us? Actually from an investment point of view, can you imagine that if you sold something as a short-term investment of about 4 years but you were promised to receive 100 times the value of the investment if you could wait, could you? I don’t want to sound materialistic but people will be rewarded.
4. Will we put our faith in Jesus or man? Some may hide in shelters but that will not help. Angels are the “reapers.” Only those who side with Jesus will survive. (Matthew 13:36-43)

Joel 2:32 “And it must occur that everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe..” Jesus comes in his Father’s name. See the chapter on How did ones view Jesus when he was here on earth?

Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus illustrates, “ ‘For the kingdom of the heavens is like a man, a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. (2) When he had agreed with the workers for a denarius a day, he sent them forth into his vineyard. (3) Going out also about the third hour, he saw others standing unemployed in the marketplace; (4) and to those he said, “YOU also, go into the vineyard, and whatever is just I will give YOU.” (5) So off they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour and did likewise. (6) Finally, about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he said to them, “Why have YOU been standing here all day unemployed?” (7) They said to him, “Because nobody has hired us.” He said to them, “YOU too go into the vineyard.” (8) When it became evening, the master of the vineyard said to his man in charge, “Call the workers and pay them their wages, proceeding from the last to the first.” (9) When the eleventh-hour men came, they each received a denarius. (10) So, when the first came, they concluded they would receive more; but they also received pay at the rate of a denarius. (11) On receiving it they began to murmur against the householder (12) and said, “These last put in one hour’s work; still you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day and the burning heat!” (13) But in reply to one of them he said, “Fellow, I do you no wrong. You agreed with me for a denarius, did you not? (14) Take what is yours and go. I want to give this last one the same as to you. (15) Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with my own things? Or is you eye wicked because I am good?” (16) In this way the last ones will be first, and the first ones last.’ “

This illustration can be applied in many ways. But the one that I will present is concerning the resurrection as mentioned in Daniel 12:2 “And there will be many of those asleep in the ground of dust that will wake up, these to indefinitely lasting life and those to reproaches [and] to indefinitely lasting abhorrence.” And John 5:28,29 (Talking about the “Son of God”, “Son of man”) ”Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice (29) and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.” Compare also John 6:35-40

Can you imagine when ones are resurrected? There will be some who never knew about the Almighty or his Son. But there will be also those who served “faithfully” their whole lives – Perhaps a Israelite priest from old. When they are resurrected, they will see some who received the same reward as they did – Life amidst blessings. Yet, the latter may have only served Jesus and his Father for a very short period – perhaps 36 days or less! When some of the resurrected compare that with their lifetime of service, those who are ungrateful may feel “shorted” and complain. They might think that they are owed more. But the fact is, they received their reward. Can someone put a price on life? But then there will be others of old who will be grateful no matter if they served Jehovah longer then others or not. Most likely these ones will consider it to have been a privilege to have served Jehovah rather then their counterparts. One thing is for certain, it will be an exciting time!

Matthew 24:48-51 see Luke 12:42-48

Matthew 25:1-13 The Ten Virgins – The   Interlinear Bible ; “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to a meeting of the bridegroom. (2) And five of them were wise, and five foolish. (3) Those being foolish, taking their lamps did not take oil with them. (4) But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. (5) But the bridegroom delaying, all nodded and slept. (6) And at midnight a cry occurred; Behold the bridegroom comes! Go out to meet him. (7) Then all those virgins rose up and prepared their lamps. (8) And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. (9) But the wise answered, saying, No, lest there no be enough for us and you. But rather go to those who sell, and buy for yourselves. (10) But they going away to buy, the bridegroom came. And those ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. (11) And afterwords the rest of the virgins also came, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. (12) But answering he said, truly I say to you, I do not know you. (13) Therefore, watch, for you do not know the day nor the hour in which the Son of man comes.”

Here 5 were wise and five were foolish. The wise were prepared for the event to meet the bridegroom but the others were not and they were not allowed in the door.

I believe that this illustration can easily fit with the two groups of the “Bride” of Christ. The first group is prepared and accepted, but the second group is not prepared and so rejected. They have to be cleansed (or whitened) for 1,260 days. See the chapter about the two parts of Christ’s bride.

Matthew 25:14-30 Slaves with minas. Compare Luke 19:11-27. Notice the term used here for the wicked slave as “Wicked and sluggish slave.” (vs.26) Ever hear an organization say constantly “Just wait on Jehovah?” Although, in some cases, that is all we can do but it never should be said about seeking his righteousness. What would Satan like us to do? What would Jesus like us to do?

Matthew 25:31-46 “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. (32) And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (33) And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. (34) ‘Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come, YOU who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for YOU from the founding of the world. (35) For I became hungry and YOU gave me something to eat; I got thirsty and YOU gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and YOU received me hospitably; (36) naked, and YOU clothed me. I fell sick and YOU looked after me. I was in prison and YOU came to me.” (37) Then the righteous ones will answer him with the words, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? (38) When did we see you a stranger and receive you hospitably, or naked, and clothe you? (39) When did we see you sick or in prison and go to you?” (40) And in reply the king will say to them, “Truly I say to YOU, to the extent that YOU did it to one of the least of these my brothers, YOU did it to me.” (41) Then he will say, in turn, to those on his left, “Be on YOUR way from me, YOU who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. (42) For I became hungry, but YOU gave me nothing to eat, and I got thirsty, but YOU gave me nothing to drink. (43) I was a stranger, but YOU did not receive me hospitably; naked, but YOU did not clothe me; sick and in prison, but YOU did not look after me.” (44) Then they will also will answer with the words, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?” (45) Then he will answer them with the words, “Truly I say to YOU, To the extent that YOU did not do it to one of these least ones, YOU did not do it to me.” (46) And these will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting life.” ‘ “

1. It is very interesting how both groups claim Jesus to be their “Lord.”
2. Only the group that helps his “brothers” is considered righteous and they look forward to everlasting life. But the others are cut off everlastingly – They did not help Jesus’ brothers. These “brothers” in this instance would most likely primarily be those of the symbolic “Bride” of Christ during their approximate 3.5 years of tribulation.
3. This is a good example for us not to be so readily accepting of a teaching from someone who claims to worship Jesus or Jehovah. Test their words. (2 Corinthians 13:5)
4. This event happens after the sealing of the second part of the “Bride” of Christ. Because they have been invited to inherit the kingdom – They can live in it. This also appears to be the initial judgment for those who see Jesus coming with great glory to judge and reign. Jesus receives the “kingdom of the world” only after certain events take place. Compare Revelation 11:15; Revelation 21:1-10; The chapter on The two parts of Christ’s Bride
5. This is the separating work done by Jesus’ angels right after he receives the “kingdom of the world.” No one can successfully hide. Compare Matthew 13:36-42,47-50; 24:28; 25:31-46; Luke 17:33-37; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 19:11-21

Luke 12:35-40 “Let YOUR loins be girded about, and the lamps burning; (36) and you be like men awaiting their lord when he returns from the feasts, so that he coming and knocking, they will at once open to him. (37) Blessed are those slaves whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will gird himself and will make them recline; and coming up he will serve them. (38) And if he comes in the second watch, even in the third watch he comes and finds it so, blessed are those slaves. (39) But know this that if the housemaster had known the hour the thief is coming, he would have watched and would not have allowed his house to be dug through. (40) And you, then, be ready; for in the hour you think not, the Son of man comes.” – The Interlinear Bible

1. The NWT renders verse 40 as: “YOU also, keep ready, because at an hour that YOU do not think likely the Son of man is coming.”
2. This shows us the importance to stay awake spiritually so ones can be ready when the Son of man “comes” or is “coming” But he states that his followers will not discern the “hour. Why is this? It seems to be a very confident statement. It is because just about all of his followers for our day have “fallen asleep” spiritually. This can not be an acceptable state to Jesus or his Father. See comments for the second group of the “Bride”; Isaiah 9:13-17

Luke 12:42-48   – The faithful steward; “And the Lord said: ‘Who really is the faithful steward (or house manager), the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving their measure of food supplies at the proper time? (43) Happy is that slave, if his master on arriving finds him doing so! (44) I tell YOU truthfully, He will appoint him over all his belongings. (45) But if ever that slave should say in his heart, ‘My master delays coming,’ and should start to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, (46) the master of that slave will come on a day that he is not expecting [him] and in an hour that he does not know, and he will punish him with the greatest severity (Or, “will cut him in two”) and assign him a part with the unfaithful ones. (47) Then that slave that understood the will of his master but did not get ready or do in line with his will will be beaten with many strokes. (48) But the one that did not understand and so did things deserving of strokes will be beaten with few. Indeed, everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him; and the one whom people put in charge of much, they will demand more than usual of him.” (Parenthesis with added information interjected)

1. It is apparent that this “faithful steward” has knowledge of his master and makes sure that things are ready.
2. This passage also shows us how the “slave” who knew but did not get things ready is beaten with “many strokes” or as some render it; “cut in two.”
3. This passage also shows us that the one that did not understand but still did wrong is not exempt from punishment. This emphasizes the importance to test doctrine against scripture to make sure that we are not disapproved somehow. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Luke 12:49-53 “I came to start a fire on the earth…(51) Do YOU imagine I came to give peace on the earth? No, indeed, I tell YOU, but rather division. (52) For from now on there will be five in one house divided, three against two and two against three. (53) They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against [her] mother, mother-in-law against [her] daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against [her] mother-in-law.”

1. This symbolic “fire” divides families. It is the truth of the scriptures. There will be some who will firstly trust in their imperfect religious leaders and then there are those who only put their full trust in the scriptures.
2. This happened in the first century and it will happen again for our day. Actually, it has already started to a degree but it will be much more apparent   as we find ourselves in the last time period of 1,335 days just before Jesus “stands up.” It is because this is the time period that Satan focuses on those “chosen ones” when he is “hurled” to the earth. There are many scriptures to refer to in this regard.

Luke 13:6-9 “Then he went on to tell this illustration: ‘A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it, but found none. (7) Then he said to the vine-dresser, “Here it is three years that I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, but have found none. Cut it down! Why should it keep the ground useless?” (8) In reply he said to him, “Master, let it alone this year, until I dig around it and put on manure; (9) and if then it produces fruit in the future, [well and good]; but if not, you shall cut it down.” ‘ “

1. This illustration seems to be expounding on the previous verses 3-5 in which Jesus states; “No, indeed, I tell YOU; but, unless YOU repent, YOU will all likewise be destroyed…”
2. So what is there to repent of? It seems that these “certain ones” (verse 1) were not true disciples of Jesus. But even John the Baptist admonished the common people to repent. They all needed to straighten their worship to Jehovah. Their worship had become corrupted. (Luke 3:3-6)
3. This also ties in with other scriptures such as Malachi 4:5,6 that if the straightening work would not be done, the earth (of man) would be destroyed! It is like the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. If there were just enough righteous people there, it would not have been destroyed by God. (Genesis 18:32)

Luke 13:20,21 “And again he said: ‘With what shall I compare the kingdom of God? (21) It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in (or “mixed in”) three large measures of flour until the whole mass was fermented.’ “ (Parentheses with information interjected)

This shows how the kingdom of God starts small but then completely engulfs.

This could be compared to Daniel 2:31-45 where the kingdom of God is a stone that struck an image representing kingdoms of the earth and destroys the image. But the stone becomes a large mountain that fills the “whole earth.” (vs.35) This stone that becomes this all-encompassing mountain, is the kingdom of God and will stand to “times indefinite.” (vs.44)

Luke 13:23-30 “Now a certain said to him: ‘Lord, are those who are being saved few?’ He said to them: (24) ‘Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell YOU, will seek to get in but will not be able, (25) when once the householder has got up and locked the door, and YOU start to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Sir, open to us.” But in answer he will say to YOU, “I do not know where YOU are from.” (26) Then YOU will start saying, “We ate and drank in front of you, and you taught in our broad ways.” (27) But he will speak and say to YOU, “I do not know where YOU are from. Get away from me, all YOU workers of unrighteousness!” (28) There is where [YOUR] weeping and the gnashing of [YOUR] teeth will be, when YOU see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves thrown outside. (29) Furthermore, people will come from eastern parts and western, and from north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. (30) And, look! there are those last who will be first, and there are those first who will be last.’ “

1. We find that ones will have to “exert” themselves to enter into the kingdom. This “exertion” is a spiritual exertion. But it seems that although some exert themselves as a person of God, it does not mean that they will automatically accepted into the kingdom. But it is only those who exert themselves righteously that will be accepted. The others have wasted their time.
2. This “last – first” and “first – last” can have many applications. However, in this case, it seems to be referring to those who demand the “first place” among others and they also flaunt themselves as being righteous and superior to others. Yet, it is the righteous-humble that will be exalted because they look to God rather then to men. Someone can appear “humble” but not want to search for God and so their worship would not be acceptable to God. (2 Corinthians 11:14,15)
3. This can also apply to the Jews as a national people. For they were the first nation that had a covenant with Jehovah. But, they bought themselves out from under it with 30 pieces of silver. (Zechariah 11:12,13) And Jehovah turned to the nations to call people for his name. (Amos 9:11,12) So, many of the Jews will find themselves “last” and others of foreign nations will be “first” in God’s eyes.

Luke 14:16-24 “[Jesus] said to him: ‘A certain man was spreading a grand evening meal, and he invited many. (17) And he sent his slave out at the hour of the evening meal to say to the invited ones, “Come, because things are now ready.” (18) But they all in common started to beg off. The first said to him, “I bought a field and need to go out and see it; I ask you, Have me excused.” (19) And another said, “I bought five yoke of cattle and am going to examine them; I ask you, Have me excused.” (20) Still another said, “I just married a wife and for this reason I cannot come.” (21) So the slave came up and reported these things to the master. Then the householder became wrathful and said to his slave, “Go out quickly into the broad ways and the lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.” (22) In time the slave said, “Master, what you ordered has been done, and yet there is room.” (23) And the master said to the slave, “Go out into the roads and the fenced-in places, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (24) For I say to YOU people, none of those men that were invited shall have a taste of my evening meal.” ‘ “

1. Here we have the original ones who were invited to a “grand evening meal” begging off. They made excuses of different types not to come. So, the master invited others that were not originally invited to the meal to fill his house.
2. This would apply well to the old Jewish nation as a whole. They refused to recognize the Christ. They were the first ones given the opportunity but they rejected it. So, God turned his attention to the nations to “fill his house.” Compare Romans 11:25,26
3. Romans 11:25-28 “For I do not want YOU, brothers, to be ignorant of this sacred secret, in order for YOU not to be discreet in you own eyes: that a dulling of sensibilities has happened in part to Israel until the full number (or “the fullness”) of people of the nations has come in, (26) and in this manner all Israel will be saved. Just as it is written: ‘The deliverer will come out of Zion and turn away ungodly practices from Jacob. (27) And this is the covenant on my part with them, when I take their sins away.’ “

This is talking about spiritual Israel. Compare Romans 11:13-24 where it speaks of a natural olive tree that has branches grafted into it from a “wild olive” tree. God does not spare the natural branches due to their lack of faith and then he grafts in branches from the wild olive tree. Most likely due to their faith. But it interesting how Paul states that God can graft the natural branches back in, if he wants to. (vs.24) Compare Matthew 8:5-13 where an army officer’s faith is so great that Jesus is amazed and states that “no one in Israel have I found so great a faith.” He then speaks of ones from the nations reclining at the table with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens. But “the sons of the kingdom” would be “thrown into the darkness outside.” See Amos 9:8-12

3. Compare the similar account at Matthew 22:1-14. Notice the terms “The marriage feast is ready, but those invited are not worthy” (vs.8); “For there are many invited, but few chosen.” (vs.14)

Luke 15:11-32 The prodigal son; “Then he said: ’A certain man had two sons. (12) And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me a part of the property that falls to my share.” Then he divided his means of living to them. (13) Later, after not many days, the younger son gathered all things together and traveled abroad into a distant country, and there squandered his property by living a debauched life. (14) When he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred throughout that country, and he started to be in need. (15) He even went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to herd swine. (16) And he used to desire to be filled with the carob pods which the swine were eating, and no one would give him [anything]. (17) When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of the hired men of my father are abounding with bread, while I am perishing here from famine! (18) I will rise and journey to my father and say to him: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (19) I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.’ “ (20) So he rose and went to his father. While he was yet a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and fell upon his neck and tenderly kissed him. (21) Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.” (22) But the father said to his slaves, “Quick! bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. (23) And bring the fattened young bull, slaughter it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves, (24) because this my son was dead and came to life again; he was lost and was found.” And they started to enjoy themselves. (25) Now his older son was in the field; and as he came and got near the house he heard a music concert and dancing. (26) So he called one of the servants to him and inquired what these things meant. (27) He said to him, “Your brother has come, and your father slaughtered the fattened young bull, because he got him back in good health.” (28) But he became wrathful and was unwilling to go in. Then his father came out and began to entreat him. (29) In reply he said to his father, “Here it is so many years I have slaved for you and never once did I transgress your commandment, and yet to me you never once gave me a kid for me to enjoy myself with my friends. (30) But as soon as this your son who ate up your means of living with harlots arrived, you slaughtered the fattened young bull for him.” (31) Then he said to him, “Child, you have always been with me, and all the things that are mine are yours; (32) but we just had to enjoy ourselves and rejoice, because this your brother was dead and came to life, and he was lost and was found.” ‘ “

1. One lesson we can derive from this illustration is the need to show love to those who repent no matter what they did.
2. This illustration seems to be another example of the two previous illustrations. Religious leaders were looking down on Jesus for welcoming sinners and tax collectors to come to him and hear him. (verses 1,2) Apparently they were looking down on him.
3. Luke 15:4-7 Talks about someone who loses a sheep out of a hundred. Wouldn’t he look for the lost one? And when he finds it, he would invite his friends and neighbors for a celebration!
4. Luke 15:8-10 Talks about a woman who loses a valuable coin. She searches for it and upon finding it, she invites her friends and neighbors together for a celebration!
5. In all the above illustrations, I believe that the main point is found in verses 7 and 10:

Luke 15:7 “I tell YOU that thus there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who have no need of repentance.” This shows us how valuable we all are in God’s eyes. Even if we sin, we can turn back from our bad ways. Compare Ezekiel 18:21-23

4. This illustration can also be applied to when ones straighten their worship to God. Especially those ones who will be initially rejected by Jehovah as not being fit to rule with his son. But after being cleansed, they will no longer support themselves on men but only on God. (Daniel 11:35; Isaiah 10:16-22)

Luke 19:11-27 “While they were listening to these things he spoke in addition an illustration, because he was near Jerusalem and they were imagining that the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly. (12) Therefore he said: ‘A certain man of noble birth traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself and to return. (13) Calling ten slaves of his he gave them ten minas and told them, “Do business till I come.” (14) But his citizens hated him and sent out a body of ambassadors after him, to say, “We do not want this [man] to become king over us.” (15) Eventually when he got back after having secured the kingly power, he commanded to be called to him these slaves to whom he had given the silver money, in order to ascertain what they had gained by business activity. (16) Then the first one presented himself, saying, “Lord, your mina gained ten minas.” (17) So he said to him, “Well done, good slave! Because in a very small matter you have proved yourself faithful, hold authority over ten cities.” (18) Now the second came, saying, “Your mina, Lord, made five minas.” (19) He said to this one also, “You, too, be in charge of five cities.” (20) But a different one came, saying, “Lord, here is your mina, that I kept laid away in a cloth. (21) You see, I was in fear of you, because you are a harsh man; you take up what you did not deposit and you reap what you did not sow.” (22) He said to him, “Out of your own mouth I judge you, wicked slave. You knew, did you, that I am a harsh man, taking up what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? (23) Hence why is it you did not put my silver money in a bank? Then on my arrival I would have collected it with interest.” (24) With that he said to those standing by, “Take the mina from him and give it to him that has the ten minas.” (25) But they said to him, “Lord, he has ten minas!”- (26) “I say to YOU, to everyone that has, more will be given; but from the one that does not have,   even what he has will be taken away. (27) Moreover, these enemies of mine that did not want me to become king over them BRING here and slaughter them before me.” ‘ “

1. One of the main purposes of this illustration was to explain to those around Jesus at that time was the thought that the kingdom was not going to display itself instantly as some had desired and thought. But he showed through illustration that other things had to happen first. Jesus, being of “noble birth” had to go away for awhile but he would return. But on his return, he would have an accounting of those who were handling his “monies” or that is, “his work.” How have religions cared for Jesus’ work?
2. The personality differences are striking. From the one who did a lot with the “Lord’s” money to the one who hid it.

Why would anyone hide the “Lord’s money?” Perhaps they are not interested in eagerly pursuing the “Lord’s work.” But rather are partial to it. That is, they only teach the parts that do not conflict with their own created religious doctrine. Thus they hide and avoid truth in favor to protect doctrines and traditions of man. Perhaps they reason that they do not want to make a mistake so they will not delve on some subjects in the scriptures. They want to escape accountability. But is that loving? If they really had love for others and Jesus and his Father, they would try their best to help others. This reminds me of ones that hide the Almighty’s name, Jehovah. They are “scared” that they might misuse it – So they don’t use it at all. So in all actuality, they dishonor God for their own honor among themselves. Crooked reasoning for sure! Jehovah did not have it placed in scripture just for it to be removed or not used by man! Those wicked men pursue their own “interest” – Not God’s. That is what Satan desires men to do.

Luke 20:9-19 “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to cultivators, and he traveled abroad for considerable time. (10) But in due season he sent out a slave to the cultivators, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. The cultivators, however, sent him away empty, after beating him up. (11) But he repeated and sent them a different slave. that one also they beat up and dishonored and sent away empty. (12) Yet again he sent a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. (13) At this the owner of the vineyard said. ‘What shall I do? I will send my son the beloved. Likely they will respect this one.’ (14) When the cultivators caught sight of him they went reasoning with one another, saying, ‘This is the heir; let us kill him, that the inheritance may become ours.’ (15) With that they threw him outside the vineyard and killed him. What, therefore, will the owner of the vineyard do to them? (16) He will come and destroy these cultivators and will give the vineyard to others.’…(19) The scribes and the chief priests now sought to get their hands on him in that very hour, but they feared the people; for they perceived that he spoke this illustration with them in mind.”

1. See comments above for Luke 14:16-24
2. See Matthew 21:33-46
3. Isn’t it a sad thing when religious leaders are so willing to defend their own self-righteous establishments rather then defend God’s word against falsehood? The self righteous Pharisees felt so strongly about that they did not see the Christ right in front of them! Will religious leaders today see what is going on when we are in the time period of tribulation of the approximately 3.5 years? Will they seek Jehovah’s righteousness or try to protect their own? Time will tell.

Luke 21:29-31 “With that he spoke an illustration to them: ‘Note the fig tree and all the other trees: (30) when they are already in the bud, by observing it YOU know for yourselves that now the summer is near. (31) In this way YOU also when YOU see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near.’ “

Here Jesus shows us that his followers will know that God’s kingdom is near from the signs that they see. Not a date. This was for his disciples in his day and for his disciples for our day. Sad to say, most will be spiritually asleep when they need to be awake.