Today, we began to unpack three parables concerning rewards at the 2nd Advent. Peter and the disciples, in Matthew 19:27-30, wanted to know what their reward was going to be when Jesus ascended the throne in the millennial kingdom. Jesus promised they would each have a throne and a judgeship in the kingdom. Their focus is completely on the kingdom of Messiah King Jesus.
It is important to note that the Jews only view two ages:
- The age leading up to the messianic kingdom
- The messianic kingdom itself
The three parables are about the rewards to be received by the Old Testament saints and the tribulation saints in preparation for their responsibilities in the kingdom. Just as the disciples found out their responsibilities in the millennium, these three parables illustrate the rewards to be given when Jesus returns.
- The Penny: Matthew 20:1-16 – laborers are hired to work in the vineyard for a day. A day’s wage is about $100.00 – $200.00 in today’s money for manual labor.
- The Talents: Matthew 25:14-30 – Three servants are given a sum of money, based on their abilities. A talent is the equivalent of 20 years wages or $1.2 million in today’s money.
- The Pounds: Luke 19:11-17 – Ten servants are each given equal amounts to use to build the wealth of the nobleman who was going to be coronated in another country. A pound is equal to about three months wages or $12,000 to $15,000 in today’s money.
In order to be able to rightly divide the scripture we must contrast these parables with our responsibilities in this dispensation of the grace of God and the rewards that await us at the judgment seat of Christ.
New Testament Saints:
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 – We are required to be faithful stewards of the mysteries delivered to us that were a secret in times past.
1 Corinthians 10:31 – We are to do everything to the glory of God.
Colossians 3:23-25 – We are to live our lives heartily to the Lord, knowing that we will receive the reward of the inheritance.
Romans 14:7-11 — 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, 2 Corinthians 5:6-11 – We receive our reward based upon our service to Christ. Our true intentions for service will be revealed, whether it was selfless, good, and faithful service, or was it selfish, bad and self-serving service. The fire will reveal what kind of service it was.
1 Corinthians 6:1-3, Revelation 5:9-10 – Once we have received our reward, we will be given commensurate authority in millennial kingdom. We will judge the world and angels as kings and priests.
Old Testament Saints:
Job 19:25-27 – Resurrected and living in the millennial kingdom
Isaiah 35:10 – And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Daniel 12:2-3 – This resurrection will separate the dead into two groups: everlasting live or shame and everlasting contempt. Those who invested their lives (Hebrews 11) in faith (believing God and acting on it) will receive the appropriate reward.
Ezekial 20:33-38 – there is a future judgment waiting the nation of Israel where the Lord will purge out the rebels and transgressors before the kingdom begins.
Malachi 3:16-17 – And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Hebrews 11:39-40 – The Old Testament saints must wait on the tribulation saints in order to receive their reward.
We will finish our study of the parable of the penny this coming Sunday and get into the parable of the talents.