Sermon 139

📖 Sermon 139 – The Parable of the Pounds

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 19:11–27

Introduction

As Jesus nears Jerusalem, some expect the Kingdom of God to appear immediately. He responds with a parable teaching the need for faithful service during His absence and the certainty of judgment when He returns.

I. The Nobleman’s Departure

A. He goes to receive a kingdom
A picture of Christ ascending to the Father.

B. He calls his servants
Each receives a pound — a trust of equal opportunity.

C. “Occupy till I come”
A command to work diligently.

II. The Citizens’ Rebellion

A. “We will not have this man to reign over us”
A picture of human refusal to submit to Christ.

B. Their hatred is noted
Judgment awaits the rebellious.

III. The Servants’ Accounting

A. The first servant
“Thy pound hath gained ten pounds.” He is rewarded with ten cities.

B. The second servant
His pound has gained five. He receives five cities.

C. Faithfulness determines reward
Small trusts lead to great honor.

IV. The Unfaithful Servant

A. He kept the pound laid up in a napkin
He neither lost nor used it.

B. His excuse
“I feared thee…” A false view of the Master.

C. His negligence condemned
“Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee.”

D. His pound is taken away
Unused grace is withdrawn.

V. The Judgment of the King

A. “Those Mine enemies… slay them before Me”
A solemn warning to all who reject Christ’s reign.

Conclusion

This parable teaches that Christ has entrusted each of His servants with gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities. He will return and call for an account. Let us therefore use our talents faithfully, serve Him diligently, and look for His coming with joy.