Definition: And another came, saying, Lord, behold, [here is] thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 19:20. It's a really interesting and slightly humorous passage! Here’s the explanation: The Basic Situation: Jesus is talking to a man who’s been saving money. He’s recognizing the man and noticing he’s laying his money out in a napkin – which is a very casual way of doing things! What it Means Literally: “Lord” : This refers to Jesus, the Son of God. “[Here is] thy pound…” : This means "You have this amount of money." It’s a straightforward statement about a sum of money. “…which I have kept laid up in a napkin:” This is where it gets interesting. The man has been diligently saving his money and keeping it safe, like he's protecting it with a napkin. The Meaning & Interpretation – It’s About Stewardship & Disappointment: Jesus isn't really criticizing the man for saving money. Instead, this verse is a gentle reminder of stewardship . It highlights that even when we have something valuable (our money), we need to be careful with it and protect it. Here’s what it’s suggesting: Don't Waste It: The man wasn’t being lazy; he was being responsible. He was putting his money away for a future goal, like a good life or a future opportunity. Don’t Be Complacent: It’s a reminder that even when we have a lot of resources, we need to be mindful and not take them for granted. Why it's a Story: The verse is also a little bit symbolic. It’s like a parable – a short story with a moral. Jesus is saying, "You're being generous, but you need to be thoughtful about how you use your resources." In essence, Luke 19:20 encourages us to be responsible with our money and to value what we have. It’s a gentle encouragement to live a life of thoughtfulness and care. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage? Give you some context about why this story is significant in Christian teachings?