rd. Some are really afraid to undertake Christian service
because they do not know, what the parable could not indicate, namely,
that he who intrusts us with opportunities and abilities will give us
grace, if we seek to do our best and with a real desire to advance the
interests of our Lord, try to use the little which we have. Thus the
nobleman rebuked the unfaithful servant for not having done the least
which was possible. He could have placed the money in the bank and then if
nothing more, the master would have received the interest on the loan.
There is always something which every servant of Christ can do for him.
There is never any real excuse for idleness and inactivity and failure to
achieve something in the cause of Christ.

The pound was taken from the unfaithful servant and given to him who had
secured the ten pounds, because our Lord wished to illustrate the truth
that with our opportunities and privileges and gifts, the principle, use
or lose, always applies. The right employment of even small gifts results
in their enlargement, but failure to appreciate and employ that which we
possess results in its ultimate loss. "Unto every one that hath shall be
given; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken
away from him."

The parable closes with a solemn warning to those who reject Christ. It is
not only perilous to be unfaithful in his service but pitiful to be found
in the class of those who refuse to acknowledge him as Lord. Jesus
describes in these last words not only the destruction of Jerusalem, but
the penalty of all who share in rejecting his rule. "But these mine
enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and
slay them before me."

The time of his departure was at hand. The nation was about to reject him.
The nobleman was just to start for the far country, for "When he had thus
spoken, he went on before, going up to Jerusalem."

VI. THE CLOSING MINISTRY. CHS. 19:29 TO 21:38

A. The Triumphal Entry. Ch. 19:29-48

29 And it came to pass, when he drew nigh unto Bethphage and
Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the
disciples, 30 saying, Go your way into the village over against
_you_; in which as ye enter ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no
man ever yet sat: loose him, and bring him. 31 And if anyone ask
you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say, The Lord hath need of
him. 32 And th