What is the parable of the minas?
In Luke 19:11–27 a nobleman entrusts ten servants with one mina each and goes away. On his return he rewards the ones who multiplied his money and rebukes the one who hid it. The kingdom calls for active, faithful stewardship until Jesus returns.
The parable is similar to the talents (Matthew 25) but each servant starts with the same amount, and reward scales with faithfulness — "ten cities" for ten minas, "five cities" for five.
The hidden mina earns the harshest rebuke: timid no-effort is not safe; it is unfaithful. God has entrusted every Christian with gifts, time, and gospel opportunity. He expects them to be invested.
Jesus told this on the way to Jerusalem, knowing he would leave and return. The same applies to us between his ascension and second coming — work while it is day.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.