19:11-27 This parable has two main purposes: (1) to teach stewardship, the need to manage gifts and resources well while the king (Jesus) is away (cp. Matt 25:14-30); and (2) to correct the impression that the Kingdom of God would begin right away upon Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Most Jews of Jesus’ day expected that when the Messiah came, God’s Kingdom would be established physically on earth, with Jerusalem at its center (see Isa 2:2-4; 35:1-10; 65:17-25; Jer 30–31; Ezek 37, 40-48; Mic 4:1-5).

19:12 A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king: The account fits the situation of Judea as a client kingdom of the Roman Empire. After the death of a king, claimants to the throne would go to Rome to try to gain support. Like the nobleman, Jesus would first depart (to heaven) to receive his royal authority; he will later return to rule God’s people and judge those who have opposed him (see 19:14, 27).