EKPOMA REVIEW

This article focuses on the Parable of the Pounds as it is found in the Gospel of Luke (19:11-28), which constitutes the conclusion of the Lukan 'Journey Narrative' (JN). It provides a literary-critical exegesis of the parable in order to understand and explain its signi?cance within the context of the Lucan 'Journey Narrative' in particular and the Gospel of Luke in general. The study holds that the nobleman who goes on a long journey and returns a king is not Archelaus as many exegetes and commentators tend to claim, but Jesus Christ himself, who goes to his heavenly abode, entrusting the missiological endeavour to his followers. The parable of the pounds is, therefore, an allegorical reference to the mission entrusted by Jesus to the apostles and their successors. It accentuates the sel?ess, committed and relentless service required of Christ's disciples, especially those who have received the vocation to partake of the ministerial mandate of the Church. At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus goes on the journey of his return to the Father, and he leaves behind on earth, servants (disciples and believers) of various degrees of merit, and enemies as well. Each of these servants and enemies will be rewarded or punished according to his deeds; and the rewards are larger opportunities of service. Highly signi?cant is the lesson that there is not to be, as the disciples fancied, immediate triumph and joy for all; but, ?rst a long time of probation, and then at last, triumph and joy for those only who have earned them, and in exact proportion to their merits. The paper therefore recommends commitment to a life of obedience and service for all followers of Jesus, albeit the trials and sacri?ces that accompany the task of true discipleship.

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