because he was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God would be revealed immediately. 019:012 He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 019:013 He called ten servants of his, and gave them ten mina coins,{10 minas was more than 3 years' wages for an agricultural laborer.} and told them, 'Conduct business until I come.' 019:014 But his citizens hated him, and sent an envoy after him, saying, 'We don't want this man to reign over us.' 019:015 "It happened when he had come back again, having received the kingdom, that he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by conducting business. 019:016 The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten more minas.' 019:017 "He said to him, 'Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.' 019:018 "The second came, saying, 'Your mina, Lord, has made five minas.' 019:019 "So he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.' 019:020 Another came, saying, 'Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief, 019:021 for I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take up that which you didn't lay down, and reap that which you didn't sow.' 019:022 "He said to him, 'Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an exacting man, taking up that which I didn't lay down, and reaping that which I didn't sow. 019:023 Then why didn't you deposit my money in the bank, and at my coming, I might have earned interest on it?' 019:024 He said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina away from him, and give it to him who has the ten minas.' 019:025 "They said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!' 019:026 'For I tell you that to everyone who has, will more be given; but from him who doesn't have, even that which he has will be taken away from him. 019:027 But bring those enemies of mine who didn't want me to reign over them here, and kill them before me.'" 019:028 Having said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 019:029 It happened, when he drew near to Bethsphage{TR, NU read "Bethpage" instead of "Bethsphage"} and Bethany, at the mountain that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, 019:030 saying, "Go your way into the village on the other side, in which, as you enter, you will find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat. Untie it, and bring it. 019:031 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say to him: 'The Lord needs it.'" 019:032 Those who were sent went away, and found things just as he had told them.