Luke 19

      12. A certain nobleman went into a far country. While this parable is much like that of the Talents ( Matt. 25:14-30 and Mark 13:34-36 ), it is a different one in many particulars; spoken elsewhere; for a different purpose. To receive for himself a kingdom. As Christ would leave the earth and ascend to heaven before he would receive his kingdom.

      13. Gave them ten pounds. Each a pound. The Greek term is mina, a weight of silver equivalent to about sixteen dollars. Trade ye till I come. This was all given to be used. It was given to his servants. It represents whatever ability, whether of wealth or mind, that we have to serve Christ.

      14. His citizens hated him. The Jews. After his departure, they still refused to have him for king.

      15. When he was come back again. When he returns to reward his servants; his final coming. Commanded these servants . . . to be called. To give an account. This is done at judgment. Death calls us to account also.

      16-19. Thy pound hath made ten pounds. It is the Lord's goods, faithfully used, that has given the increase. The faithful discharge of duty is rewarded by an increased trust and increased honor. See notes on Matt. 25:19-23.

      20-23. Lord, here is thy pound. See notes on Matt. 25:24-27, where the case is similar. The lesson is that our abilities must be used for the Lord. It is not enough that we are not positively wicked; we must do good.

      24-26. Said to them that stood by. The angels ( Matthew 13:41 Matthew 13:42 Matthew 13:2 2 Thess. 1:7 Jude 14 ). To every one that hath shall be given. To those who have been faithful and efficient shall be given still greater trusts when the Lord comes, but from the faithless will be taken their opportunities forever. The faithless servant is a faithless church member.

      27. These mine enemies. This portrays the fate, not of church members, but of those who would not have the Lord reign over them. It embraces all the impenitent. Compare Matthew 13:49 Matthew 21:44 Matthew 25:30 Matthew 13:2 21:44 .

      28-40. Going up to Jerusalem. The ascent begins at Jericho, and about 3,000 feet has to be climbed before the city is reached. The account of the royal entrance into Jerusalem is given in Matt. 21:1-16 Mark 11:1-11, and John 12:12-19 Mark 11:1-11, and John 12:12-19 . See the notes on Matthew. At the descent of the mount of Olives. Where the city and temple burst into view.

      41-44. He saw the city and wept over it. This lament over the wicked city is given only by Luke. In that moment when the multitude is shouting his praises, his heart is breaking over the woes of the city that he knew would slay him. Only in one other place are we told that Jesus wept ( John 11:35 ), each time over human sorrow. If thou hadst known in this day. The day of opportunity and mercy. But their eyes were blinded by unbelief. The things which belong unto peace. The acceptance of Christ would have prevented the rebellion against Rome, the destruction of the city, and would have secured heavenly as well as earthly peace. Thine enemies shall cast a bank about thee. The Romans threw a wall around the city outside of the walls of defence in order to hem in all the population and to starve them out. Shall not leave in thee one stone upon another. The city was utterly destroyed. See notes on Matthew, chapter 24. Because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. When Christ came to save them from their awful fate.

      45-48. He cast out them that sold. An act of kingly authority. See notes on Matt. 21:12-15 and Mk 11:18 Mk 11:19 . For the people all hung upon him. His popularity with the people made it difficult for his enemies to carry out their purposes.