The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-05-07
Lesson for May 10
THE PARABLE OF THE POUNDS

THE PARABLE OF THE POUNDS
LESSON TEXT-Luke 19:11-26.
GOLDEN TEXT-Moreover 1t is re-
quired in stewards. that man be
found faithful.
PRIMARY ToPIC-Jesus Teaches Us
70 Do Our Best.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Jesus Teaches Us to
Do Our Best.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
iC-Partners With Jesus.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
1C-Stewardship Of Money.
The purpose of this parable was to
correct the misapprehension Of the
disciples as to the immediate estab-
lishment of the kingdom. They were
on the way to Jerusalem, and the dis
ciples thought that Immediately upon
their arrival there Jesus would begin
the exercise of his kingdom rule.
Christ taught the disciples the reality
Of his coming and the setting up Of a
real kingdom, but indicated that there
would be long delay after his as
cension before he would return.
]. The Absent Nobleman ". 12).
Going away to receive kingdom
was a common occurrence among the
Jews. Members of the Herodian fam
fly had gone to Rome and secured
their appointment to rule over Pales-
tine This pictures Jesus going back
to God to receive his kingdom. Jesus
assembled on high to receive from God
the Father a kingdom. He will return
when the fullness of the Gentiles be
come in. Though the time Of his re-
turn be unknown, and even delayed,
let no one mistake the certainty Of
his coming.
u. The Distribution Of the Pounds
". 13).
These pounds represent Christ's
gifts to his servants. When Christ as
cended he gave gifts to men (Ephe-
slams 4:7-12). To each servant was
given the same amount, showing that
to all a certain gift had been given
and therefore all will be held respon-
sible for its use. The distribution
was made by the sovereign. The
servants did not choose as to whether
they would have a gift at all, or even
it's amount. 1t was also purposeful
distribution. They were to put their
gifts to use during his absence. What
the nobleman demanded was faithful
ness.
III, The RebeIIious Citizens ". 14).
They hated him and sent messen-
gers after him, notifying him Of their
refusal to be subject to him. This
pictures the unbelief of the Jews after
Christ's ascension, and their repudi-
alton of his rule. 1t also pictures the
unbelieving world in Its hatred and
rejection of Christ.
w. The Accounting wv. 1920.
1. It's certainty ". 15).
Christ will surely bring every one to
account for the use made Of his gifts.
Men may go on in proud unbelief and
rebellion, but God never forgets. He
has appointed a day in which he will
Judge the world (Acts IBID.
2. The time ". 15)
It will take place when Jesus comes
back to the earth. His return will
take place when he has received his
kingdom. He will receive his kingdom
when he asks the Father FPS. 2:S).
His delay in asking the Father for his
kingdom is because Of his long suffer
ing mercy, extending grace to as many
as will receive him as Savior.
5. Rewards given for faithfulness
wv. 1919.
(I The first report wv. 16, ~.
He did not say, II have made ten
pounds" but "Thy pound hath gained
ten pounds" He recognized the Lords
ownership. To this the Lord replied by
commentator. He praised him and
promoted him, making him ruler over
ten cities.
(2) The second report wv. IS, 1917.
In this case the pound had gained
Ave pounds. He did not get the Lords
commentator for he had not done so
well, but was appointed to place of
rulership over five cities. The reward
in each case was proportional to faith
fitness during the Lords absence.
4. Judgment upon the unfaithful
wv. 20-27).
~ His report wv. 20, Ply.
This report was entirely bad. He
had not put the pound to use but laid
It away, throwing the blame upon the
Lord. He asserted that the character
Of the Lord was such as to produce
fear.
(2) Condemnation wv. %, 23).
The wicked servant is judged out
Of his own mouth. His excuse in
creased his guilt. He is called wicked.
To fail to use our opportunities to
serve Christ is the basest wickedness.
(3) Stripped Of the pound wv.
24-26).
To fail to use ones gifts means to
lose them. One of the losses of the
next world will be the deprivation Of
what we now have.
Must Battle With Evil