The Parable of the Ten MinasNäide

Rebellion against the king

“But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’” (Luke 9:14)

Jesus' story takes a moving turn. When the new king was on his way to receive his kingship, a delegation was sent after him to prevent his appointment.

Again, Jesus was referring to a historical event. When Archelaus was to become ruler of Judea (a part of Israel), the Jews objected to it before the emperor in Rome. So the parable Jesus told was very relatable to his audience!

But this story element also has a deeper meaning. It refers to the people of Israel. Much of Jesus' own people rejected Him. They did not want Him as King. This became painfully clear when Jesus was on trial before the Romans and the people demanded His death. “Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar.’” (John 19:15)

Unfortunately, the Jews were not the only ones who rejected Jesus. To this day, many people still do. They don't believe He really is who He says He is, or they just want to remain in charge of their own lives. This hostile environment makes it difficult for the King's servants to fulfill their mission. A world that rejects Jesus is often not open to the message of the Gospel.

Do you notice hostility to Jesus in your own heart or in your environment? How do you deal with that?