Parables Of Jesus Christ: The Nobleman's Return
by Wayne Blank
See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

One day, as He passed through Jericho, the Messiah was welcomed by a "sinner."

"19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 19:2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans [note of interest: one of the twelve apostles had been a publican - see Publicans], and he was rich. 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:1-10 KJV)

"A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return"

As a continuation of that lesson ("He added and spake a parable," verse 11 below), the Messiah's parable of the nobleman's return:

Heaven
"19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear [see The Gospel Of God's Coming]. 19:12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 19:13 And he called his ten servants [see also Minister], and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." (Luke 19:11-13 KJV)
As is plainly stated, the parable was in response to those who thought that the Kingdom of God was going to be established by the coming of the Messiah then. He explained that it was not, but that He first had to go away to "receive for himself a kingdom, and to return" (see The Ancient of Days and Why Two Comings Of The Christ?).

While the nobleman was away however, some of his subjects rejected him - a condition that is as prevalent today in Christ-rejecting Jews as it is with Christ-rejecting "Christians" (see Grace Into Licentiousness and I Did It My Way).

"19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us." (Luke 19:14 KJV)
Upon his return, the nobleman rewarded those who did not rebel against him, but served him faithfully and obediently in his absence (see also Could Christ Return Tonight?).

"19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
19:16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

19:17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

19:18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

19:19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities." (Luke 19:15-19 KJV)

Just as those who obeyed him will get their due reward, so will those who failed in their master's service (see A Reward For Everyone).

"19:20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 19:21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 19:23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

19:24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

19:25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

19:26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." (Luke 19:20-27 KJV)

Fact Finder: (a) Immediately after the parable, did the Messiah make His famous "triumphal entry" into Jerusalem? (b) Will that event be repeated on a far greater scale when Christ returns?
(a) Luke 19:28-38
(b) See The Messiah's Triumphal Entry Into The Temple