LUKE 19:11–27
THE PARABLE OF THE TEN GOLD COINS
Text – Luke 19:11–27
11 While they were listening to him speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God would appear there immediately.
12 So he said, “A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return.
13 He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’
14 His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.’
15 But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading.
16 The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’
17 He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’
18 Then the second came and reported, ‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’
19 And to this servant too he said, ‘You, take charge of five cities.’
20 Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief,
21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding person; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’
22 He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant.
23 Should you not have put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’
24 And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’
25 But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’
26 ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’
27 Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me to be their king, bring them here and slay them before me.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Jesus tells this parable as He approaches Jerusalem, where many expected a political Messiah who would immediately establish God’s Kingdom. His story reflects a familiar historical pattern: Herod the Great’s son Archelaus traveled to Rome to receive kingship, and a delegation of Jews opposed him. This real-life backdrop would have made the parable strikingly relevant. Gold coins (minas) were a significant amount of money, entrusted to servants for investment. The nobleman’s return symbolizes accountability. The severe treatment of rebellious citizens reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of kingship and judgment—not a prescription for Christian behavior but a narrative device illustrating ultimate divine justice.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The nobleman represents Christ, who ascends to the Father and will return in glory. The servants symbolize the disciples entrusted with gifts—faith, grace, talents, opportunities, ministries. Catholic theology emphasizes that discipleship is active, not passive. God expects believers to use their gifts for the growth of the Kingdom. The faithful servants show diligence, trust, and fruitful stewardship; the negligent servant reflects fear, mistrust, and failure to act. Jesus’ teaching that “to everyone who has, more will be given” expresses a spiritual principle: grace grows when used. The final verse underscores the reality of divine judgment and the consequences of rejecting Christ’s kingship.
Parallels in Scripture
Mt 25:14–30 – The parable of the talents with similar themes of stewardship and accountability.
1 Cor 4:2 – Stewards are required to be found faithful.
Jn 15:1–8 – Fruitfulness is the sign of abiding in Christ.
Rom 14:12 – Each person will give an account of himself to God.
2 Tim 4:7–8 – The reward for faithful service.
Key Terms
Gold coin (mina) – Symbol of the gifts and graces God entrusts to His people.
Faithful servant – One who uses God-given gifts for fruitful mission.
Wicked servant – One who allows fear or mistrust to prevent action.
Kingship – Representation of Christ’s authority and future return.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This parable appears in weekday Masses and is often used in teachings on stewardship, mission, and accountability before God. It emphasizes the necessity of fruitful living, responsible use of charisms, and readiness for Christ’s return. It is also central to catechesis on the Last Things—judgment, heaven, and hell.
Conclusion
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom does not arrive immediately or passively. Disciples are entrusted with gifts and must use them diligently until Christ returns. Faithfulness leads to joyful reward, while negligence and rejection of Christ’s kingship bring consequences.
Reflection
Do I actively use the gifts God has given me, or do I hide them out of fear? Am I building the Kingdom through service, charity, and mission? Jesus calls me to courageous stewardship and deep trust in His coming.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, make me a faithful steward of every gift You have entrusted to me. Remove fear from my heart and help me use my time, talents, and resources for Your glory. Prepare me for Your return, that I may be found diligent and fruitful. Amen.