Bible Reading
Luke 19:11-27 “As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, 'Engage in business until I come.' But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man to reign over us.' When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.' And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made five minas.' And he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.' Then another came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' He said to him, 'I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?' And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.' And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!' 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.”
[10:41]Luke 12:13-21 “Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?" And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
[19:59]1 Chronicles 29:11-12 “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.”
[04:19]Observation questions
- In 1 Chronicles 29:11–12, what gifts and sources of strength does David say belong to God and come from God? [04:22]
- In Luke 19:11–27, what did the king tell his servants to do with what he entrusted to them, and what did he ask when he returned?
- What different results did the first two servants report, and how did the king respond to each of them? [13:10]
- In Luke 12:13–21, what words and actions reveal that the rich man was focused on keeping his abundance for himself? [21:46]
Interpretation questions
- Why does Luke 19 place the emphasis on faithfulness with what each servant received rather than comparing one servant’s results with another’s? [16:31]
- The third servant described his choice as keeping the money safe, yet the king called him wicked. What does this show about the difference between cautious fear and faithful obedience? [17:01]
- The rich man’s planning, saving, and building were not presented as the central problem. What made his decisions foolish, and how can someone tell when wise planning has left God out of the equation? [23:06]
- In the picture of the faithful and unfaithful household servants, how does an entitled heart change the way a person treats people, resources, and responsibility? [30:50]
Application questions
- What has God placed in your hands in this season—such as time, relationships, work, money, health, abilities, influence, pain, or an opportunity—that feels especially weighty to steward? What would faithfulness look like with that one thing this week? [08:51]
- Where might fear be causing you to “circle up” and protect something God wants you to invest? Consider parenting, relationships, money, serving, or sharing your faith. What is one wise, faith-filled step you could take? [17:18]
- When an unexpected blessing or extra resource comes your way, what is your usual first response? How could you build the habit of asking, “God, what do You want me to do with what You placed in my hands?” [26:29]
- Is there an area where words like “responsible,” “wise,” “earned,” or “someday” might be hiding a desire to keep more for yourself? What would it look like to bring God honestly into that decision? [22:19]
- Which practical area of stewardship needs attention right now: investing in disciples, generosity, serving with your time, using a temporary asset for eternal good, caring for your body, suffering faithfully, or planning prayerfully? What specific action could you take before the group meets again? [38:52]
- Do you tend to view your responsibilities and blessings as possessions to defend or assignments entrusted to you for a season? What might change in your attitude or choices if you held them with an entrusted heart? [38:09]
