While they were listening to him speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So he said, "A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, 'Engage in trade with these until I return.' …
'I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.'" After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. (Lk 19:11-28)
The nobleman who wanted to become a king trusted his servants. He gave them work to complete before his return. The nobleman believed that he would return as king. People were not fond of the nobleman. He had enemies among the people. But he treated the workers equally. He gave them all equal amount to engage in trades.
The servants worked differently. One was diligent. He received the praise and reward for his work. The second worker also was diligent but probably according to his capacity so he was also rewarded according to his ability. The third one did not make any effort and he excused himself for his laziness and inability. Servants are credible only with regard to their work.
“I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” This is the message for the kingdom. It seems very strange. But this is a cryptic way of saying, “To everyone who has (made more out of what is given to him), more will be given, but from the one who has not (made extra out of what was given) even what h has will be taken away.
