Parable of the Pounds

Accountability is an important theme in scripture. It is part of the God-man relationship. The crucifixion is about accountability and mercy. So it is not surprising that Jesus spoke parables about it. He used a well-known illustration of a local ruler going to Rome for promotion; his hearers understood. The occasion helps us understand it - his hearers thought that judgement was about to fall on God's enemies and could not see why Jesus was associating with them. The interval between now and judgement day is important. It gives opportunity to serve Christ or to ignore him. And if we serve him, we have the choice of serving little or much. The parable shows the difference between loving service and grudging service. Our perception of God, and our experience of his love, will influence how we serve him. Christ's work continues in the hand of his servants, but he will return personally and reward each of us according to what we have done. This parable should make us think more carefully about our response to Christ and the rewards he will give.