Of those who believe in the return of Jesus Christ to the earth, the question one hears most often concerns the timing of His advent. Even before His death and resurrection people were asking Him about it. Such is the case as recorded in Luke 19:11-27. Here we find Jesus walking along road accompanied by a crowd of Jews who were “pressing” in around Him (vs 3). These people believed that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately” (vs 11). In addressing their error, Jesus made a statement that professing Christendom has rejected outright for almost 2000 years. He told them that no one was going to heaven at any time except Him, and that His stay there would be temporary. But because the church has embraced the “go to heaven when you die” doctrine, His Words to the contrary have been rejected by them along with many other doctrines that conflict with Catholic/Protestant theology. Let us break out of Satan’s mold; let us examine what the Lord said on the subject and believe it. As will be noted in this parable, both parishioners and their leaders are all held accountable for their rejection of His Words. As is the case in all of His parables, the words the Lord used actually meant something else.

In this parable Jesus refers to Himself as “a certain Nobleman,”  heaven as “a far country,” His ministers as the Nobleman’s “servants” and “citizens” and their character as “pounds” (money/talents). As was explained in a previous posting, a parable is a story in which cryptic language is used to teach a real life lesson. God reveals the Truth behind His parables only to those who have “ears to hear” that Truth–His obedient saints. He spoke in parables to prevent all others from understanding “… the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven ….” (Mat. 13:10-15) because of their rejection of His Word and therefore Him and His Father.

In this parable Jesus pictures His post-resurrection ascent to heaven as a certain Nobleman going on a journey to a far country. While there He would receive a kingdom (inheritance) from the One (the Father) Who had promised Him the kingdom. After receiving His inheritance the Nobleman would return to earth (vs 12) where He would officially establish the kingdom and allow His faithful servants to enter it.

Before departing on His journey the Nobleman had called His 10 servants (ministers–overseers) to Him and commanded them to watch over (teach/lead) His flock with ever-improving character (talent/$) until He returned (vs. 13,15). Notice in verse 14 that the Nobleman’s citizens/servants/ministers “hated Him” and rejected His lordship over them–they rejected His commands. When He determined that eight (vs 16-19) of His servants had failed to lead the people in righteousness. In His wrath He called them His “enemies” and had them killed before Him (vs 27). Numerous Scriptures show that those who follow such wicked ministers will also be killed. In that all of God’s saints are called His “servants,” in order for them to be saved they are required to develop Godly character and live that character before the world “until the end” (Mat. 10:22).

Hidden within this parable is a warning to leaders and followers alike. Note that upon His return the Nobleman still referred to the 8 wicked ministers as His “servants” (vs 22), meaning that even though they had failed to obey Him, they were still in places of leadership over His people. The message is clear to those who seek Truth: today’s false prophets, along with all who believe and follow them, will be slain before the Lord upon His return to earth.

Recall that this parable addressed the question of when Jesus would return to earth. His response contains an admonition to concentrate on qualifying for entrance into the Kingdom upon His return and not on when it might take place. His true servants, He said, would recognize the “signs” that would indicate the “season” of His return. As has been shown in previous postings, those “signs” have been revealed. Those with “eyes to see” have recognized them. Only those in “Christian nations” are looking for His return. Unfortunately, it is those nations that will feel the full brunt of God’s wrath just prior to His appearance. We are rapidly approaching that time, Scripturally called “the Day of the Lord” and “the Lord’s Day” when He will inflict unheard-of punishment on those who profess to be His people but refuse to live accordingly–the U.S. and England being the main culprits. To be continued. L.J.