The Wicked Servant

In the latest "Cabernet and Pray" podcast episode, I explored a nontraditional interpretation of a familiar parable in Luke 19. If you attended Sunday school or have any church background, you likely know this story well. 

Here’s a quick recap of the parable: A nobleman leaves for a distant empire to be crowned king, entrusting his servants with silver to invest in his absence. Upon his return, he rewards the profitable servants and reprimands the one who simply hid his money. Traditionally, we’ve interpreted this as a lesson about stewardship and the rewards of investing God’s resources wisely. But what if we’ve missed something profoundly subversive in this parable?

The heart of my argument is this: we usually cast God as the returning king. However, a closer reading brings up some uncomfortable points. This nobleman is described as a harsh man, taking what isn't his, and upon returning, he has his opponents slaughtered in front of him. Can this really be a Christ-like portrayal of God? I’d argue not. So, who is God in this story?

What if, instead of aligning God with the king, we see Jesus in the character of the third servant? This would be radical. But consider this: the third servant refuses to engage in the exploitative ways of the king. Rather than risking the silver to gain favor, he returns it as it was, choosing integrity over profit. This resonates more with Jesus, who taught us to turn the other cheek, to give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to live in the world but not of it.

The third servant, often labeled wicked by the king's standards, might actually be the Christ-like figure standing against the prevailing corrupt systems. Yes, it's subversive, and that's exactly the point. Jesus often flipped societal expectations, and this parable might be a brilliant example of that.

Many feel disillusioned by the state of the world and even the church. We see power and wealth celebrated while integrity and justice often seem to take a backseat. In this parable, Jesus speaks directly to our struggle, illustrating a choice to follow a different path, even if it costs us. The kingdom of God operates on principles that are antithetical to the exploitative systems we often see in power.

Reflecting further, I’ve become more convinced that the core message here is about resistance and staying true to divine principles in a world that encourages otherwise. Just as the third servant chose not to perpetuate an unjust system by playing along, we are also called to resist societal pressures that lead us away from Christ-like values.

Our hope resides in a kingdom that isn’t immediately visible but is profoundly transformative. By living counter-culturally and reflecting Jesus’ teachings, we participate in ushering in God’s kingdom here and now. It’s about loving our enemies, advocating for the marginalized, and embodying the radical love and justice Jesus exemplified.

Next time you read this parable, consider the third servant anew. Perhaps he isn’t wicked but stands firm, embodying the kingdom of God amidst the kingdoms of this world.

Click here to listen or watch the episode.