Pastor Matt returns from a 3-month sabbatical to bring a message from Luke 18:9-14 on the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.Maurice Ross brings a message from Luke 16:1-15 as we continue our “Stories Worth Living” sermon series on the parables of Luke’s Gospel.
SERMON OUTLINE
“So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’” (Luke 19:13)
The Situation (Luke 19:11-14)
- The real-life situation for Jesus’ teaching
- The parable’s situation of the nobleman and his people
Two Different Approaches to Faithfulness (Luke 19:13, 15-25)
- Faithfulness on display in life
- Faithfulness hidden from view?
Three Different Ends to the Story (Luke 19:26-27)
- Ends for those faithful to the King: given what they do not deserve
- Ends for those unfaithful to the King: given what they want
- Ends for those rebelling against the King: given what they deserve
Living This Story
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you felt under pressure for your faith, whether at school, at work, in your family, with friends, or in some other situation?
- This weekend we conclude our series, “Stories Worth Living,” based on Jesus’ parables in Luke’s Gospel. We will look at Luke 19:11-27. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you, and then read that passage aloud.
- The parable we are looking at directly relates to the story immediately beforehand about Zacchaeus the tax collector. Read the story and identify a couple key things that happened to Zacchaeus and his relationship with Jesus by the end of the story.
- Turning to the parable, what is the situation in which the parable takes place? Give particular attention to the real-life situation of Jesus in verse 11, as well as the setting of the parable in verses 12-15.
- What does the nobleman ask his servants to do while he is away (vs 13)? What additional significance could this activity have given the conflict over the nobleman’s ascension to the throne?
- When he returns as king, the nobleman asks an accounting of his money, of which we hear three servant’s interactions. What happened with each servant?
- What stands out to you most about the king’s interactions with each of these three servants? What catches your attention about the servants or the king?
- The king summarizes his authority in the final two verses (26-27), showing us three categories of people: faithful servants of the king, faithless servants of the king, and rebels against the king. What does this tell us about the life with God?
- A major point of this parable relates to the return of Christ (vs 11). Based on your study of this parable, what is one thing God is speaking to you about how you live your life now in light of the return of Jesus Christ? If you’re on your own, write that down and share it with someone later. If you are with a small group, discuss your thoughts with one another.