Luke 19:22

"for I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take up that which you didn’t lay down, and reap that which you didn’t sow.’"

Key Reflection

In Luke 19:22, the servant's response to Jesus highlights a significant tension between expectation and reality. The servant claims he feared his master because he was known for being an "exacting man," suggesting that this master was demanding and took credit for what wasn't actually his own work. This context underscores the contrast between the master’s harshness in business dealings and the unexpected kindness of forgiveness that Jesus, as a divine figure, ultimately offers to those who repent.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 22. Out of thine own mouth. By your own statement, or your own views of my character. If you knew that this was my character, and knew that I would be rigid, firm, and even severe, it would have been the part of wisdom in you to have made the best use of the money in your power; but as you knew my character beforehand, and was well acquainted with the fact that I should demand a strict compliance with your obligation, you have no right to complain if you are condemned accordingly.

Related Verses

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