Our world in a parable
Luke 19:11–28. November 16, 2022 - Wednesday, 33rd Week
The parable that we have just heard presents a problem for interpretation: is it about Jesus’ return in glory and the final judgement? Is it yet another prediction of the fate of Jerusalem that rejected their king and messiah, Jesus Christ? Or is it a critique of human society marked by the fight for power and domination?
Many historical examples formed the background for this parable. The Jews often sent delegations to Rome - the power centre of their world - to secure the position of authority in their land. It was done by both religious authorities and political powers. For example, we hear about Herod Archelaus in the Gospel of Matthew (see Matt 2:33). He was one of the sons of Herod the Great, whom Saint Joseph feared to such an extent that decided to move with Jesus and Mary to Nazareth after their return from Egypt.
Herod Archelaus went to Rome twice. Once after the death of his father, and then after ten years of his reign. But each time, there was a delegation of the Jews who opposed his rule. The first time, he was able to secure his rule but only over Judea and Samaria. The second time, the emperor of Rome listened to the opposing party and deposed Archelaus from his rule.
Luke says that Jesus told this parable because many after listening to him got an idea that the Kingdom of God would appear immediately. Did they expect that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem will mark the end of the Romans? Then, they were to be disappointed. Jesus died at the hands of the Romans. Moreover, he did not punish those Jews who rejected him or the Romans who crucified him. 40 years later, it would be the emperor of Rome who will punish the Jews for rejecting the rule of Rome. He would send his troops to slaughter the entire population. How about the servants who were entrusted with one gold coin each? Again, when Herod Archelaus went to Rome, he entrusted everything to his officers, and when he returned he replaced the high priest with the one who supported his rule.
The parable describes our world perfectly. Political factions fighting with each other for power; delegations going to the power centres of our world to secure the endorsement of the mighty; removing from offices those who do not perform the way the leaders expect and finally the rich getting richer. Precisely, because we have been acting in this way for generations, the kingdom of God has not yet appeared, and as long as we act in this way, let us not dream that it will appear immediately.