Luke 19:16:

Luke 19:16 says, Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. The first servant came to his master and told him that he had earned ten pounds from the one.  Nothing that he gained was really his, but still belonged to his master.  Whatever we gain for God as servants of God is still God's.  Verse seventeen adds, And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.  The servant was rewarded by being given authority over ten cities, but he still didn't own them.  Everything that we have authority over as Christians really belongs to God.  Verse eighteen states, And the second cme, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.  The second servant came and told his master that he had earned five pounds from the one.  He did not do as well as the first servant, but he had used the pound wisely.   We will not all produce as much fruit for God because we don't all have the same talents, but we must produce fruit to the best of our ability.  Verse nineteen adds, And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.  This servant was also rewarded for his success, being given authority over five cities.  God will never give us authority over more than we can handle.  Verse twenty says, And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:  Verse twenty-one adds, For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.  The third servant came to his master with the original pound, which he said he kept hidden because he was afraid to lose it.  He also attempted to put the responsibility of his not gaining anything for his master on his master.  If we do nothing for God out of fear of failure, it is not His responsibility.  Verse twenty-two adds, And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:  The Master told the servant that he would judge him out of the words of his own mouth.  The servant knew the nature of his master, but did not act in accordance with it.  As followers of Christ, we know the nature of God, and we should act in accordance with it.  Verse twenty-three continues, Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?  The master asked the servant why he didn't at least turn the pound over to the bank so it would have at least have earned something.  Hiding the things that God has blessed us with is the worst thing we can do.  Verse twenty-four declares, And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.  The master told them to take the pound from the servant and give it to the servant who had been given the ten pounds.  There was no authority over another city though.  If we seem to be accomplishing nothing for God today because of fear of failure, we might want to ask who has our pound.  God's work is going to be accomplished with or without us, but it would be easier for this to happen if we used what God has blessed us with to accomplish His will in the world.  Verse twenty-five adds, (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)  The other servants pointed out to the master than the servant already had ten pounds.  We don't need to be concerned about how much other Christians have, especially if they have gained it by serving God faithfully.  Verse twenty-six declares, For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. Jesus said that those who had produced fruit for God would be rewarded with more, and to those who haven't, even what they started with would be taken away.  If we do not use what God has blessed us with for the advancement of His kingdom and for His honor and glory, we should not be surprised when we have Him take it away.  Verse twenty-seven adds, But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.  Jesus then said that His enemies, those who did not acknowledge His authority over them, would be slain before Him.  It is better to be a servant and be a part of His kingdom, even if we are unprofitable, because salvation is not gained or kept by our works, but by faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. 

Luke 19:11

Luke 19:11 says, 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.  At this time, Jesus spoke another parable, because the people believed that the kingdom of God would appear immediately.  Some Christians today believe that the second coming of Jesus Christ will happen very soon, but this is not something that should be a priority for Christians.  We simply need to be witnessing, worshipping, and working for Jesus Christ.  Verse twelve adds, He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.  A rich man was going into a far country to receive a kingdom and return.  After His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus was going into heaven, a far country, to receive His kingdom, which would include those who put their faith in Him, and one day He is going to return.  Verse thirteen continues, And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.  The nobleman gave his ten servants one pound each and instructed them to use it wisely while he was gone.  As servants of Christ, He has given each of us certain abilities, and we are to use them wisely until He returns again or we depart this world by death.  Verse fourteen states, But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.  His citizens hated him and said they would not have him reign over them, just as many people today hate Jesus Christ, although He has never wanted anything but what is best for them.  Verse fifteen adds, And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.  The nobleman called his servants to whom he had given money to him, so he could know what they had done with his money that he had entrusted them with.  One day, we will give an accounting to God for what we have done with the things that He entrusted us.  Still, it is better to be a servant of God who has done very little for Him than to not be a servant at all. As followers of Christ, servants of God, we will always His servants.

Luke 19:1

Luke 19:1 says, And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Jerico.  We, as followers of Christ, are on our way to heaven, but we will pass through many places on our way and we must be sharing the gospel while we are going.  Verse two adds, And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.  There was a rich publcan named Zacchaeus there in Jerico.  He was most likely a Jew and was the chief publican, which meant he had others serving under him.  No matter how powerful, or even how corrupt people may be today, Jesus will still receive them if they come to Him by faith.   Verse three states, And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.  Zacchaeus sought to see Jesus, but since he was short and the crowd was large, he couldn't see Him.  There may be obstacles between Jesus and us today, but hopefully it will not be those who are followers of Christ.  Verse four adds, And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.  Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus, so He ran ahead of the crowd and climbed up in a sycomore tree that Jesus would be passing by.  We should not let any obstacle stand between Jesus and us.  Verse five declares, And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.  There may have been a crowd, but Jesus knew who Zacchaeus was and where he was.  Jesus will never overlook anyone who seeks Him, no matter how many people may be around that person.  Jesus told Zacharias to hurry down from the sycamore tree, because Jesus was going to abide at his house.  When we come to Jesus, we need to do so quickly,  and when we accept Him as our Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us.  Verse six adds, And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.  Zacchaeus made haste to come down and then he received Jesus joyfully.  Wherever are when we meet Jesus, we need to leave everything behind and joyfully receive Him.  Verse seven says, And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.  Those around Jesus murmured about Jesus going to be with a sinner.  This is who Jesus came for, and we are all sinners.  As Christians, we certainly do not need complain when sinners come to Jesus.  Verse eight adds, And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.   There was a change in Zacchaeus.  He promised to give half of his riches to the poor and to return to any he had taken anything from falsely fourfold.   When we come to Jesus and put our faith in Him, we must be changed from the sinner that we have were.  If we have dealt with people dishonesty before, we should do all that we can to make things right, and money can no loger be our motivator.  Verse nine states, And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.  Jesus told Zacchaeus that salvation had come to his house that day because he had accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord.  As soon as we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, salvation comes to us immediately.  Verse ten adds, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Jesus said He came to seek and save those who were lost, and this never has nor ever will change.  

Luke 18:31

Luke 18:31 says, Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.  Jesus took the twelve disciples aside, and told them they were going to Jerusalem, where the prophesies about the Son of Man, the Messiah, would be fulfilled.  If we are listening to God and have put our faith in Jesus Christ, we should be ready for whatever happens in life.  Verse thirty-two adds, For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:  Jesus told the twelve disciples the fate that awaited Him there.  He was to be delivered to the Gentiles, by whom He would be treated very badly.  There are still people today who are mocking and trying to discredit Jesus.  Verse thirty-three  continues, And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.  Jesus said after mocking Him and spitting on Him, they would then scourge, or whip Him, put Him to death, but that was not the end.  On the third day, He would rise again.  As followers of Christ, even if we are put to death for our faith, that is not the end.  We will rise again in victory through our faith in Jesus Christ.  Verse thirty-four concludes, And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.  The disciples failed to understand what Jesus was saying, just as many people fail to understand the gospel today.  Verse thirty-five states, And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:  When Jesus got near Jericho, there was a blind man beside of the road begging.  Until we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we are spiritually blind beggars beside the road to salvation.  Verse thirty-six adds, And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.  The blind beggar heard a lot going on and asked what it meant.  Until we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we may hear a lot going on around us concerning Him, but we cannot understand what it means.  Verse thirty-seven continues, And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.  The people told the blind beggar that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  Hopefully, people will be curious enough when God is at work today to ask what is going on, and as Christians it is our responsibility to share the Gospel with them even if they don't ask.  Verse thirty-eight declares, And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.  The blind beggar called out to Jesus, acknowledging Him to be the Son of David, the Messiah, and asked Jesus to have mercy on him. We must cry out to Jesus to have mercy on us when we come to Him as spiritually blind beggars.  Verse thirty-nine states, And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.  Those who were going before Jesus told the blind beggar to be quiet, but he cried out to Jesus even louder.  There are still people today who would keep us from coming to Jesus for His merciful salvation, but if they attempt to, we need to cry out even louder that He would have mercy on us.  Verse forty adds, And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,  Jesus asked those around Him to bring the blind beggar to Him.  It is still our responsibility today to try and bring those who are spiritually blind to Jesus.  Verse forty-one continues, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.  Jesus asked the blind beggar what he wanted, and he said for his sight to be restored.  When we first come to Jesus, if He asks us what we want, we need to say that our spiritual sight will be restored when we put our faith in Him.  Verse forty-two states, And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.  Just as Jesus told the blind beggar, if we come to Him for salvation by faith in Him, we will have our spiritual sight restored, then we must continually look to Him for guidance.  Verse forty-three adds, And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.  The blind beggar immediately had his sight restored, just as we immediately have our spiritual sight restored when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  The man and those around Him followed Jesus and gave praise God.  When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we need to continually follow Him and give praise to the heavenly Father, and hopefully those around us will do so as well.

Luke 18:18

Luke 18:18 says, And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  A man who was a ruler asked Jesus, calling Him Good Master, what he had to do to inherit eternal life.  People still ask this question today, and yet they often don't go to Jesus for the answer.  He is still the only One Who can answer that question.  Verse nineteen adds, And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.  Jesus asked the ruler why he called Jesus good, and said that there was none good but God.  I believe that this was Jesus way of asking the ruler if he recognized Who Jesus really was.  We still must acknowledge Who Jesus is in order to be saved and come to Him by faith acknowledging Him as our Savior and Lord.  Verse twenty continues, Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.  Jesus asked the ruler if he knew the commandments of God, listing those that had to do with a person's relationship with other people.  We must know and follow God's laws today, but even if we do, that will not bring us salvation.  Verse twenty-one states, And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.  The ruler said he had kept these from his youth up.  I believe that he was probably somewhat proud of that fact.  Still, he could not gain everlasting life by his own goodness to others, and neither can we.  Verse twenty-two adds, Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.  Jesus told this ruler that he lacked one thing, and that he was to go sell everything he owned, give it to the poor, and come and follow Jesus.  That meant giving up his position as a ruler as well.   We must be willing to give up everything we have and come follow Jesus if we are to have everlasting life, beginning with our self pride.  Verse twenty-three says, And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.  When the ruler heard this, he was very sorrowful, because he was very rich.  Whether we are rich or poor in the eyes of thecworld, we must be willing to give everything to God, but some people still are unwilling to do so, because they believe it will cost them too much of their material goods.   Verse twenty-four adds, And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!   When Jesus saw that this ruler was sorrowful, He said that it would be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God, because they too often valued their riches above their relationship with God.  Verse twenty-five continues, For it is easier for a their camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.  This would be extremely difficult, but if they put their faith in Jesus above all their riches, it would be very easy to enter into God's kingdom.  Too many people are unwilling to give up the riches of this world to follow Jesus though.  Verse twenty-six states, And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?  The people that heard Jesus say this asked if the rich and powerful, who were often looked up to, could not be saved, then who could.  Jesus had already given them the answer, and that was that it was those who gave up everything in this world and followed Him.  Verse twenty-seven adds, And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.  Jesus said that things which were impossible with man were possible with God.  This discussion was about inheriting everlasting life.  It is impossible for anyone to gain everlasting life by their own ability, but it is possible by putting their faith in God and the salvation that He made available through Jesus Christ.  Verse twenty-eight says, Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.  Peter said that the disciples had left all and followed Jesus, and so must we.  Verse twenty-nine adds, And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake,  Verse thirty continues, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.  Jesus said that anyone who gave up everything and put Him first would be manifoldly blessed in this life and would have life everlasting in the world to come.   I believe the manifold blessing is not an abundance of material wealth, but is an everlasting relationship with God. 

Luke 18:9

Luke 18:9 says, And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  Jesus next spoke in a another parable, this one about a self-righteous man who despised others, because he felt morally superior to them.  There are still some people today who profess to be Christians who feel the same way.  Verse ten adds, Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  Jesus said a Pharisee and a publican went up to the temple to pray.  This would be a good thing to do, just as going to the church to pray is a good thing today.  Verse eleven states, The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  Verse twelve adds, I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  Jesus said the Pharisee the Pharisee prayed with himself, telling how he was better than other men.  He was filled with self-righteousness and was speaking to himself instead of to God.  We need to make sure that we avoid having that same self-righteous attitude today when we pray.  Verse thirteen says, And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  Jesus said that the publican when he prayed addressed his prayer to God in humility and wouldn't even look up as he professed his sins as asked for God to have mercy on him.  We need to never forget that when we pray to God that we are still sinners in need of His mercy.  We should never pray simply to express our moral superiority to others.   Verse fourteen continues, I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.  Jesus said the publican, and not the Pharisee, went down to his house justified before God.  He also warned us about exalting ourselves instead of exalting God.  Verse fifteen states, And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.  People brought infants to Jesus, and the disciples rebuked them.  There is no better place for us to bring our infants than to Jesus, and this includes when we gather together to worship Him.  Verse sixteen adds, But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Jesus called the disciples to Himself and told them not to prevent the little children from coming to Him, for of such was the kingdom of God.  We must come to God with a childlike faith, especially when we come to Jesus for salvation.  Verse seventeen continues, Verily I say unto ye, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.  As just stated, Jesus said unless we come to Him with a childlike faith we will not enter into the kingdom of God.  We must come to Jesus acknowledging our own weakness and inability to help ourselves find salvation on our own.

Luke 18:1

Luke 18:1 says, And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;  Jesus once more taught with a parable, this time to teach that as His followers we should always pray and not faint.  Verse two adds, Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:  The parable was about a judge who didn't fear God or have any regard for people.  There seem to be some of these type judges today, especially those who do not believe in God.  Verse three continues, And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.  A widow in the city where the judge presided came to him and asked him to avenge her against her adversary.  We are not told what made the person her adversary.  With the judge being as he was, it really wouldn't have mattered most likely.  We may come to God with grievances that the world knows nothing about.  Verse four states, And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;  At first, the judge wouldn't take any action on the widow's request, acknowledging that there was no one he feared, not even God.  Verse five adds, Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.  The judge then decided to avenge the widow so that she would not continue to come to him and weary him.  We still are not told if the widow had a valid complaint or not, but only that she was persistent in bringing it to the judge.  The parable was about persistence, but if we are coming to God with requests, it needs to be something that is valid and in keeping with His word and will.  God will never grant us anything that is not in accordance with His word and will, no matter how persistently we may ask.  Verse six declares, And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.  Jesus told them to hear what the unjust judge said about persistence being rewarded. Verse seven adds, And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?  Jesus asked if God would not avenge His elect, even if it did not happen immediately.  Verse eight adds, I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?  Jesus said that God would speedily avenge His people, but also asked when He returns in judgment if He would find any faithful people.  We may think that there are very few people faithful to God today, and even if that is true, God because of His long suffering is continuing to give people a chance to come to Him.  I don't believe that this parable means that if we ask God for something we want that is not in His will long enough that He will give it to us, but that we are to come to Him persistently in prayer in accordance with His will and by the leadershipof the HolySpirit, and to know that He will always hear us.