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.
Luke 19:11 (ESV)
The account of Zacchaeus immediately preceded this passage, with Jesus saying that he had come to seek and save the lost. He then told them a parable. A parable that was in response to the expectation of the crowd of disciples traveling with him concerning the kingdom of God.
The parable is about a nobleman who went off to be made king. He left money with some servants to invest for him while he was gone. And, when he returned, each of the servants gave an account of his management of the nobleman’s money.
A Protest Delegation
But more people were mentioned in this parable than the ones entrusted with the money. Some sent a delegation to protest the crowning of the nobleman. And, when the nobleman returned as king, he had those who opposed his crowning put to death.
This was a reference to a recent historical event. Josephus records that after Herod the Great died, his son, Archelaus, went to Rome to be appointed king of the Jews. After he went, the Jews sent a delegation to Rome opposing this. But he was given the rule over a part of Herod’s domain, and when he returned, he punished those who opposed him.
Crowning Jesus as King
Immediately after this parable, Luke recorded what we call the Triumphal Entry. Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem with the crowd praising God and announcing the king’s coming. And the Pharisees opposed the cry of the crowd.
While Jesus’ parable referred to Archelaus, it was also pointed to what Jesus was preparing to do. As the crowd was expecting, he rode into Jerusalem to claim his kingdom. But he did so in a totally unexpected way–on the cross.
Despite the opposition and denial of many, Jesus is king now. And one day, he will return to us. When he does, just like in the parable, he will reward his faithful servants and punish those who have opposed him.
