“But his citizens hated him.”

Luke 19:11-14, As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’”

This parable was given not only to Jesus’ disciples, but to the religious rulers, convinced of their own self-righteousness. To the disciples, he teaches fruitfulness; to the others listening, he warns of severe consequences. Many accuse God of unfairness because he allows evil in this world; Jesus makes it clear in this parable that there is a penalty for evil and also for those who do not come to know him as King of King and Lord of Lords. “‘But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’ ” Do we really recognize what is at stake?

We pray for those who do not know you that their eyes will be opened to your great mercy, that they will come to you to make peace in a time when you may be found!

ESV Lectionary