Parable of the Coins

The implication behind the parable of the talents/coins is the delay of the Master's return. The Master will come back someday and hold his servants accountable. 

The listener at the time could relate to this parable, because one of King Herod's son, Archelaus, after his Father's death, went to Caesar to embrace the kingship of some of his Father's territory.  

Interestingly, the servants that produce more coins, the reward is proportionate to their productivity.  But notice that the reward is not rest, but more work and responsibility.  This would be very honorable and pleasing to the servant.  

The Master says: "well done good servant.  You have been faithful in this small matter.  Take charge of ten cities."  And likewise to the servant that produce 5 more coins, the master place him in charge of five cities.  The reward for them is greater responsibility and have a significant role in the Master's kingdom.  

The servant that hid the coin in the handkerchief, the Master said to take the coin away from him, meaning that he is left with nothing.  The excuse the servant gave is he was afraid because the Master is powerful and demanding.  I was afraid of you because you are a demanding person.  You take up what you didn't lay down, and you harvest what you did not plant." 

In other words, the Third Servant felt like the Master was so powerful, that his help was not needed. So he became lazy and disobedient.  Although he remained in the Master's house, but he no longer has anything.  The third servant does not recognize that it is a privilege to work with his Master and for his Master.  

On the flip side of the coin (pun), the rebellious citizens hated the Master and didn't want him to be a king.  Note here, that the Master have not done anything to deserve this kind of rejection.  The Master is innocent.  The rebellious citizens, however, were filled with hatred in their heart.  But when the master returns, his first concern is not with the rebellious citizens, but his servants. 

Now the Master deals with the rebellious citizens.  It may seem cruel, but the implication is that whether they accept him as King or not, he still reigns over them.  Like it or not, Christ is King and will return.  

The Master will return and it will be pleasing to the Master to see faithful servants who understand the privilege to be part of his kingship.