Luke 19:11

King James Version (KJV)

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

And as they heard these things - I believe the participle of the present tense, here, is used for the participle of the past, or rather that the participle of the present conveys sometimes the sense of the past; for this discourse appears to have taken place the next day after he had lodged at the house of Zaccheus; for the text says that he was then drawing nigh to Jerusalem, from which Jericho was distant nineteen miles. I have not ventured to translate it so, yet I think probably the text should be read thus: And after they had heard these things, he proceeded to speak a parable, because they were nigh to Jerusalem.

Immediately appear - Perhaps the generality of his followers thought that, on his arrival at Jerusalem, he would proclaim himself king.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

He spake a parable - This parable has in some respects a resemblance to the parable of the “talents” in Matthew 25:14-28, but it is not the same. They differ in the following respects: That was spoken “after” he had entered Jerusalem; this, while on his way there. That was delivered on the Mount of Olives; this, in the house of Zacchaeus. That was delivered to teach them the necessity of “improving” the talents committed to them; this was for a different design. He was now near Jerusalem. A great multitude attended him. His disciples regarded him as the Messiah, and by this they understood a temporal prince who should deliver them from the dominion of the Romans and set them at liberty. They were anxious for that, and supposed that the time was at hand, and that “now,” as soon as he entered Jerusalem, he would assume the appearance of such a prince and set up his kingdom. To “correct that notion” seems to have been the main design of this parable. To do that, he tells them of a man who had a right to the kingdom, yet who, “before” taking possession of it, went into another kingdom to receive a confirmation of his title, thus intimating that “he” would also go away “before” he would completely set up his kingdom Luke 19:12; he tells them that this nobleman left to his servants “property” to be improved in his absence, as “he” would leave to his disciples “talents” to be used in his service Luke 19:12-13; he tells them that this nobleman was rejected by his own citizens Luke 19:14, as “he” would be by the Jews; and that he received the kingdom and called them to an account, as he also would his own disciples.

Because he was nigh to Jerusalem - The capital of the country, and where they supposed he would probably set up his kingdom.

The kingdom of God should immediately appear - That the reign of the Messiah would immediately commence. He spoke the parable to “correct” that expectation.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

This parable is like that of the talents, Mt 25. Those that are called to Christ, he furnishes with gifts needful for their business; and from those to whom he gives power, he expects service. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal, 1Co 12:7. And as every one has received the gift, so let him minister the same, 1Pe 4:10. The account required, resembles that in the parable of the talents; and the punishment of the avowed enemies of Christ, as well as of false professors, is shown. The principal difference is, that the pound given to each seems to point out the gift of the gospel, which is the same to all who hear it; but the talents, distributed more or less, seem to mean that God gives different capacities and advantages to men, by which this one gift of the gospel may be differently improved.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

11. As they heard. [The Nobleman and the Pounds, Luke 19:11-28. Cf. on Matt. 25:14-30; on parables see pp. 203-207.] These words closely connect the parable of the Pounds with what Jesus said at the home of Zacchaeus (see vs. 9, 10). Thus it was given probably in or near the home of Zacchaeus in Jericho, or possibly a little later at some pause for rest along the way from Jericho to Bethany, a distance of about 15 mi. It was now probably the week before the Passover of a.d. 31. For the background, circumstances, and events immediately preceding the giving of this parable see on Matt. 20:17.

Added and spake. This reflects a typical Hebrew idiom used elsewhere in the NT, an idiom seen best in the original Hebraistic Greek or in the Hebrew itself (Luke 20:11, 12; Acts 12:3; etc.; see also Gen. 4:2; 8:12; 25:1; Job 29:1).

Nigh to Jerusalem. In spite of all that Jesus had told them about His going up to Jerusalem to die (see on Matt. 16:21; 20:17-19; Mark 9:31; Luke 18:31), the disciples still fondly believed that He was to be acclaimed king of Israel and that He would accept the throne of David. This false hope had led to repeated arguments among them as to who would be first in the kingdom (see on Mark 9:33-40; Matt. 20:20). A year earlier a popular attempt had been made in Galilee to crown Jesus king (see on Matt. 14:22; Mark 6:42; John 6:15; DA 377, 378). Popular sentiment increasingly favored such a course, and the disciples now no doubt encouraged the proposal as they had upon that earlier occasion. The basis for this mistaken concept of Christ’s objectives was the false Messianic hope disseminated by the rabbis, which was, in turn, based on a false interpretation of the Messianic prophecies of the OT (Vol. IV, pp. 26-34; see on Luke 4:19; cf. Rom. 11:25; 2 Cor. 3:14-16).

Because they thought. The false concept of the Messianic kingdom, treasured alike by Jesus’ disciples and by their fellow countrymen generally, provided the occasion for the narration of this parable. The disciples confidently expected that the kingdom would be set up at the time of the coming Passover season. The Passover commemorated the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and, more than any other national festival, marked the birth of the Hebrew nation.

The kingdom of God. For the true nature of Christ’s kingdom see on Matt. 3:2, 3; 4:17; 5:2; for the false concept of it see on Luke 4:19. Each of Christ’s parables was spoken to illustrate some particular truth related to His kingdom, most frequently with respect to the kingdom of divine grace in the hearts of men, but also, as here, with respect to the establishment of the kingdom of glory.

Immediately appear. Every step in the direction of Jerusalem increased the excitement of the disciples. They were now not more than 15 mi. (24 km.) distant from it. Probably they considered themselves on the triumphal march up to Jerusalem to take possession of the kingdom and to place their Master upon the throne of Israel. Various remarks Jesus had recently made they interpreted as conclusive evidence that this was to be so (see on ch. 18:31).

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Ellen G. White
Counsels on Stewardship, 85

Ask yourself the question, What am I doing with the Lord's talents? Are you placing yourselves where the words are applicable to you, “Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation”? CS 85.1

We are living in a time of solemn privilege and sacred trust, a time in which our destiny is being decided for life or for death. Let us come to our senses. You who claim to be children of God, bring your tithes to His treasury. Make your offerings willingly and abundantly, according as God has prospered you. Remember that the Lord has entrusted you with talents, upon which you are to trade diligently for Him. Remember also that the faithful servant takes no credit to himself. All the praise and glory is given to the Lord: Thou deliveredst unto me thy pound. No gain could have been made unless there had first been a deposit. There could have been no interest without the principal. The capital was advanced by the Lord. Success in trading comes from Him, and to Him belongs the glory. CS 85.2

Oh, if all who have a knowledge of the truth would only obey the teaching of this truth! Why is it that men, standing on the very threshold of the eternal world, are so blinded? There is not a dearth of means, generally speaking, among Seventh-day Adventists. But many Seventh-day Adventists fail to realize the responsibility which rests upon them to cooperate with God and Christ for the saving of souls. They do not show forth to the world the great interest God has in sinners. They do not make the most of the opportunities granted them. The leprosy of selfishness has taken hold of the church. The Lord Jesus Christ will heal the church of this terrible disease if she will be healed. The remedy is found in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah.—The Review and Herald, December 10, 1901. CS 85.3

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Ellen G. White
Counsels on Stewardship, 111-2

Are we as individuals searching the word of God carefully and prayerfully, lest we shall depart from its precepts and requirements? The Lord will not look upon us with pleasure if we withhold anything, small or great, that should be returned to Him. If we desire to spend money to gratify our own inclinations, let us think of the good we might do with that money. Let us lay aside for the Master small and large sums, that the work may be built up in new places. If we spend selfishly the money so much needed, the Lord does not, cannot, bless us with His commendation. CS 111.1

As stewards of the grace of God, we are handling the Lord's money. It means much, very much to us to be strengthened by His rich grace day by day, to be enabled to understand His will, to be found faithful in that which is least as well as in that which is great. When this is our experience, the service of Christ will be a reality to us. God demands this of us, and before angels and men we should reveal our gratitude for what He has done for us. God's benevolence to us we should reflect back in praise and deeds of mercy.... CS 111.2

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Ellen G. White
Counsels on Stewardship, 114-7

The parable of the talents, rightly understood, will bar out covetousness, which God calls idolatry.—Testimonies for the Church 3:387. CS 114.1

God has lent men talents—an intellect to originate, a heart to be the place of His throne, affection to flow out in blessings to others, a conscience to convict of sin. Each one has received something from the Master, and each one is to do his part in supplying the needs of God's work. CS 114.2

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Ellen G. White
Counsels on Stewardship, 125

“Ye are the light of the world,” said Jesus to His disciples. But how few are conscious of their own power and influence; how few realize what they might do to be a help and a blessing to others. They wrap their talent in a napkin, and bury it in the earth, and flatter themselves that they possess a commendable humility. But the books of heaven testify against these idlers, as slothful, wicked servants who are grievously sinning against God by neglecting the work which He has given them to do. They will make no plea of unfitness when the heavenly records are opened, revealing their glaring neglect. CS 125.1

Whatever the talent entrusted to us may be, we are required to use it in the service of God, and not in the service of mammon.... CS 125.2

Those who are hiding their talents in the earth are throwing away their opportunities to obtain a star-gemmed crown. Until the great disclosures of the final judgment shall be made, it will never be known how many men and women have done this, nor how many lives have gone out in darkness because God-given talents have been buried in business instead of being used in the service of the Giver.... CS 125.3

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Cross References

they thought

Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Journey to Jerusalem

Jesus in Judea and Jerusalem

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