Read Luke 19:11-27

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN SERVANTS
The people still hoped for a political leader who would set up an earthly kingdom and get rid of Roman domination. Jesus’ story showed that His kingdom would not take this form. First, He would go away for a while, and His followers would have to be faithful and productive during His absence. Upon His return, Jesus would inaugurate a kingdom more powerful and just than anything they could expect.
This story showed His followers what they were to do between the time of Jesus’ departure and His second coming. Because you live in that time period, it applies directly to you. You have been given excellent resources to build and expand God’s kingdom. Jesus expects you to use these talents so that they multiply and the kingdom grows. He asks you to give account for what you do with His gifts. While waiting the coming of the kingdom of God in glory, you must do Christ’s work.
Why was the king so hard on the man who had not increased the money? He punished the man because 1) he didn’t share his Master’s interest in the kingdom, 2) he didn’t trust his Master’s intentions, 3) his only concern was for himself, and 4) he did nothing to use the money.
Like the king in this story, God has given you gifts to use for the benefit of His kingdom. Do you want the kingdom to grow? Do you trust God to govern fairly? Are you as concerned for other’s welfare as you are for your own? Are you willing to use faithfully what He has entrusted to you?

Read Luke 19:1-10

JESUS AND ZACCHAEUS

Read Luke 18:35-43

JESUS HEALS A BLIND BEGGAR
Beggars often waited along the roads near cities, because that was where they were able to contact the most people. Usually disabled in some way, beggars were unable to earn a living. Medical help was not available for their problems, and people tended to ignore their obligations to care for the needy. Thus, beggars had little hope of escaping their degrading way of life. But this blind beggar took hope in the Messiah. He shamelessly cried out for Jesus’ attention, and Jesus said his faith allowed him to see. No matter how desperate your situation may seem, it you call out to Jesus in faith, He will help you.
The blind man called Jesus “Son of David,” a tittle for the Messiah. This means that he understood Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah. It is interesting to note that a poor and blind beggar could see that Jesus was the Messiah, while the religious leaders who saw His miracles were blinded to His identity and refused to recognize Him. And may I add, the last time this blind man had to lead anywhere was when someone headed the command of Jesus to bring him to Him, and someone led him to Jesus.
Jesus still issues out that command to you today. When was the last time you led someone to Jesus?

Read Luke 18:31-34

JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH

Read Luke 18:18-30

THE RICH YOUNG MAN
This leader sought reassurance, some way of knowing for sure that he had eternal life. He wanted Jesus to measure and grade his qualifications, or to give him some task he could do to assure his own immortality. So Jesus gave him a task: the one thing the rich man knew he could not do, give up his wealth.
“Then who in the world can be saved?” the bystanders asked. “No one can, by his/her achievements,” Jesus’ answer implied. “What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God.” Salvation cannot be earned: it is God’s gift.
Jesus’ question to the leader who came and called Him “Good Teacher,” was, in essence, “Do you know who I am?” Undoubtedly the young man did not catch the implications of Jesus’ reply; that the man was right in calling him good because Jesus truly is God.
This man’s wealth made his life comfortable and gave him power and prestige. When Jesus told him to sell everything he owned, Jesus was touching the very basis of his security and identity. The man did not understand that he would be even more secure if he followed Jesus than he was with all his wealth.
Jesus does not ask believers to sell everything they have, although this may be His will for some. He does ask you, however, to get rid of anything that has become more important in your life than God. If your possessions take first place in your life, it would be better for you to get rid them.
Because money represents power, authority, and success, often it is difficult for wealthy people to realize their need and their powerlessness to save themselves. The rich in talent and intelligence suffer the same difficulty. Unless God reaches down into their lives, they will not come to Him. Jesus surprised some of his hearers by offering salvation to the poor; He may surprise some people today by offering it to the rich. It is difficult for a self-sufficient person to realize his/her need and come to Jesus.
The “eye of the needle” was a term used for a small opening in the wall of a city. For a camel to go through it, the owner would have to unload all the burden that the camel was carrying, then have the camel get down on its knees and basically crawl through the opening. When a person comes to Christ he/she must unload all that was keeping him/her from coming to Christ and humble themselves before Him. Something the rich young man refused to do.
Any believer who has had to give up something to follow Christ will be paid back in this life as well as in the next. For example, if you must give up a secure job, you will find God offers a secure relationship with Himself now and forever. If you must give up your family’s approval, you will gain the love of the family of God. Don’t dwell on what you have given up; think about what you have gained and give thanks for it. You can never outgive God.