The mystery of the 10 minas solved (for me)

The meaning of the parables of the talents ¹ and of the ten minas ² remained a mystery to me. It was because of what the third servant said to his master, ‘…I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and hid your talent.’ ³ Luke 19:20 agrees, ‘…I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man and reap what you did not sow.’  How could he describe the master (Jesus) as so heartless and harsh?

 

The parables explain that Jesus went to receive the kingship (after His ascension). Before He went He gave talents (or minas) to all people. We are told that the citizens hated Him, and sent a delegation that they don’t want Him as King. Atheists and skeptics don’t want the influence of God or Jesus in their lives. Through their repeated animated talk against Jesus (which we witness daily in our society), they complain about this King.  Despite it, He was made king and will come back (the second coming).

 

To me it seems as if the parables have to do with the last Judgment. ⁴ All people of all times will appear before the Judge, which includes Jesus’ called, chosen and faithful followers. ⁵ Why will they appear before the Judge?  It is illogical only to condemn, because the reality of the Bible and God’s plan must be demonstrated to the unsaved. Jesus’ followers will testify to God’s glory and grace.  Also, they will be rewarded in front of the unsaved (like the two in the parables who were recommended for their diligence). There is no logic in giving the rewards at another time and in another place. In such a public gathering the brilliance of God will be seen by all. There the unsaved will understand what they missed.

 

The third servant is the focus. He accused the Master of being hard, bad, terrible and a cosmic tyrant (as atheists do today). The Judge’s response, ‘I will judge you by your own words.’ ⁶  Since you claimed that I am harsh, that is how I will treat you: ‘throw this worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ⁷  This servant, as I understand, represents atheists, skeptics and mockers of God. They refuse to have anything to do with God, or to serve Him in the least. They hide their God given talents, thinking they are spiting God. What a tragedy that buried talents lead to an eternally wasted life.

 

Question: Do you agree with how I feel the Holy Spirit explained the logic of the Word of God?

 

References

1. Matthew 25:14-30
2. Luke 19:11-24
3. Matthew 25:24-25
4. Revelation 20:10-15
5. Revelation 17:14
6. Luke 19:22
7. Matthew 25:30