See note Luke 10:30^3a.

See note Matt. 5:46².

Or, fig-mulberry. Its leaves are like those of the mulberry, and its fruit like that of the fig tree.

Once a sinner receives the Savior, the issue of his dynamic salvation is that he deals with material possessions and clears his past sinful life.

The same Greek word as in Luke 3:14. It is a mild way of saying "extorted." The tax collectors would put an excessive value on property or income, or increase the tax of those unable to pay, and would then practice usury.

This was according to the law's requirements for restoration (Exo. 22:1; 2 Sam. 12:6).

However evil this tax collector was, he nevertheless was a son of Abraham, a chosen heir of God's promised inheritance (Gal. 3:7, 29).

This indicates that the Savior's coming to Jericho was not accidental but purposeful; He came to seek this unique lost sinner, just as He sought the sinful woman in Samaria (John 4:4).

Spiritually, this further parable is a continuation of the preceding case of salvation. It depicts how the saved ones should serve the Lord that they may inherit the coming kingdom.

Or, be shown forth, be made to appear.

Signifying the Savior, who is of the highest status — the God-man, both honorable in His deity and noble in His humanity.

Signifying the Savior's going to heaven after His death and resurrection (Luke 24:51; 1 Pet. 3:22).

Signifying the Savior's coming back with the kingdom (Dan. 7:13-14; Rev. 11:15; 2 Tim. 4:1).

In the parable in Matt. 25:14-30, the slaves are given a varying number of talents according to their individual ability; here the parable emphasizes the common portion given equally to each slave based on the common salvation. However, the point of both parables is the same: the faithfulness of the slaves will determine their portion as their reward in the coming kingdom.

A mina is equal to one hundred drachmas, or one hundred days' wages.

Lit., while I am coming.

Signifying the unbelieving Jews.

This was fulfilled in Acts chap. 2—9.

Signifying the overcomers' reigning over the nations (Rev. 2:26; 20:4, 6).

Indicating that the overcoming saints' reigning in the coming kingdom as a reward will differ in extent.

For vv. 20-26, see notes in Matt. 25:24-29.

Signifying that the unfaithful believers keep their salvation in an idle way instead of using it productively. To keep the Lord's salvation laid away is to not make use of it. Such idleness toward the Lord will cause the unfaithful believers to be condemned and to suffer loss.

Demanding strictly; not as strong as hard in Matt. 25:24 (see note 3 there).

Or, condemn.

Lit., on the table (of the moneychanger).

Signifying that all the unbelieving Jews who reject the Savior will perish.

In the preceding verse the Savior finished His ministry. Now the time came when He needed to go up to Jerusalem to present Himself to the death ordained by God for the accomplishing of God's eternal redemption (see note Mark 10:1¹ and note Mark 10:33¹). Although He knew that the leaders of Judaism were seeking the opportunity to kill Him, He still went straight ahead boldly.

For vv. 29-38, see notes in Matt. 21:1-9.

Lit., were spreading out under.

This will be in the restoration of Israel (Acts 1:6) after the Savior's return.

This was fulfilled in A.D. 70 through the Roman prince Titus with his army.

The Savior's first coming, when He visited them in grace in the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 2:10-14; 4:18-22). To miss the Lord's visitation of grace and thereby lose the opportunity to repent and be saved will cause a person to be judged and to regret forever.