Chapter 116: Parable of the servants and swords

1 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that God should save them immediately.

2 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 3 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten swords, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 4 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

5 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the swords, that he might know how well every man protected the people.

6 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy sword hath slain ten of the risen.

7 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

8 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy sword hath slain five of the risen.

9 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

10 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy sword, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 11 For I feared thee, because thou art a particular man: liking things that are clean and just so.

12 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was a particular man, liking things that are clean and just so: 13 Wherefore then takest not thou my sword to hunt the risen, that at my coming I might have to hunt them on mine own and still more?

14 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the sword, and give his head to him that hath returned ten to the ground. 15 For I say unto you, That unto every one which take shall be given; and from him that take not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

16 But those mine enemies, which would not lift a blade to their own defense that I should protect them, bring hither, and slay them before me, for they are like as already dead.

17 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.