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Father." If the reader will consider the parallel passages where this spirit is manifested,
e.g., Luke 22: 24-30, he will see how humility in service is emphasized rather than the
idea of earning a reward. There are other passages (indeed one in this very set of
parables definitely gives the other side of the question, namely, the parable of the
Talents), where the one who has gained five talents and the one who has gained two
receive precisely the same commendation. The servant not using his talent has it taken
away and given to the one that had ten in accord with the words, "For unto every one that
hath shall be given," which bring fresh lines of teaching before the mind. Again, in
Luke 19:, another principle is seen operating, he who had gained ten pounds received
authority over ten cities; he that had gained five pounds received authority over five
cities. The servant who had not used his money to profit is deprived of the pound, it
being given to the one who had made ten pounds.
It must be noticed that these servants, even the one who lost all, are differentiated
from "those mine enemies" of Luke 19: 27. I Cor. 3: 15, "he shall suffer loss, but he
himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire," and the parallels, should be noticed. It will be
found that the "servants" and "enemies" brought together in the one parable of the
Pounds in Luke 19: are treated separately in the two corresponding parables of
Matthew--the Labourers (20:) and the Guests (22:). The parable of Matt. 20: requires
practically no explanation, it is easily read in the light of the context which we have
sought to indicate. Its parallel and connection with the last verse of chapter 19: are of
great importance, and as an aid to further study we suggest the following points of
comparison:--
A | 19: 27. "We have forsaken all, what shall we have therefore?"
B | 19: 28. "Ye shall sit on twelve thrones," &100:
C | 19: 29. "And every one that forsaketh. . . . shall receive a hundred-fold."
D | 19: 30. "Many first shall be last, and the last first."
A | 20: 1-8. Hire of labourers.
B | 20: 1-8. Agreement to pay a penny, or that which is right.
C | 20: 14. "I will give unto this last even as unto thee."
D | 20: 16. "The last first, and first last. For many be called, but few chosen."
Luke 22: 24. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they
that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he
that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at
meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30. That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the
twelve tribes of Israel.